Bought a 97 SVX end of October. Love it so far!  Had a transmission installed early last year with an external cooler. I have heard of the many failures that are common to the SVX automatic. I know the 97 model had several updates to the transmission that supposedly increased reliability. My problem, or concern, maybe even something that just bugs the crap out of me at times, is my SVX when driven fairly reasonable is shifting into second gear around 10 mph. If I mash the gas pedal say half way it extends it out several more mph but I feel it is still shifting mighty early. Would the Transgo shift kit help with that at all? Has anyone here ever installed one in a Subaru and if so how did you feel about the results. Thanks!!

Most shift kits are just a set of accumulator springs and make the shifts firmer. It won't have much effect on the actual shift point because that's controlled by the TCU.

The TCU mostly looks at throttle position and wheel speed to determine shift points.

You might be able to do the "Sport Mode" mod that was common on the older SSM1 cars. People used to do it on 95s pretty often, but im not sure if it can be done on a 97.

The 97 is suppose to have sport mode but it is built in and there is no display on the dash for it. I'll look into that some. The shift doesn't seem soft or dragged out like I have heard some people claim. Wish I knew the history of the transmission in my 97. In case any mod had already been done. I only have a receipt for R&R of transmission and installation of cooler. I have completed one change with Redline D4 and the fluid that came out looked brand new. So I guess that is a pretty good sign being it was done in February 2016. I just don't like how fast it shifts out of first so fast. Thanks!

Edited December 24, 20178 yr by bratman2

Sport mode  = Power mode, AFAIK. If you need to find info, search on that.

 

The Non-USA models had a button for the sport mode; but it can be added, IIRC - HERE: http://www.subaru-svx.net/forum/showthread.php?t=39133

 

Td

Thank you, I will study that some. A switch for power mode would be awesome. 

Yep, a shift kit would firm things up and prevent slippage.

 

Power mode changes shift points, line pressure, and AWD function. 

Not only did we use to install this kit, we put one in My Dearly Departed SVX (sniff ).  It makes the transmission shift more quickly and firmly: the "softer" shift is what wears on the internal parts so badly.  So, yes...I highly recommend it.

 

Emily

Go unplug the dropping resistor and drive and see how you like it.  free and takes 30 seconds.   that's what i've always done. 

Maybe I will try both. Thanks!