2013 2.5 CVT jdm swap?

[TLamb]

I’m most likely buying a 2013 Legacy with a cvt that’s slipping and acting up tomorrow morning. It’s in decent shape and cheap enough I could part it out and do ok. However we need a vehicle and I don’t like letting stuff die!

The basic mechanical work I’m pretty comfortable with. As far as I can tell the jdm trans is a direct swap, I’ve seen mentioned swapping the harness, anything else anyone cares to share would be great.

Fluid, I’d love to find a cheaper option that Subaru oem, or similar money for something superior would be ok but not sure there is such a thing? I plan to use oem filter.

Do any parts sites have decent drawings so I can make sure I’m ordering the correct seals? I’d assume axles seals, and trans front seal should be replaced.

Any tips or info appreciated! It’s been a few years since I’ve owned a Subaru and I’m looking forward to having a fuel efficient awd back in the stable.

 

[bmart]

JDM CVT? Manual? Auto?

Even the shops don't rebuild the CVTs, so if you're buying used, you'll be back in this same spot eventually. New is some big bucks. I don't think that Subaru is still replacing them for free, but you could ask.

 

[TLamb]

As the thread title and body both state, CVT. New simply isn’t justifiable, they cost more than the car is worth even with free labor(and that’d undoubtedly void the warranty on a $7000ish transmission.

I’m asking about buying a used 50-65k mile Japanese domestic market transmission, swapping over the wire harness(insert other needed items), installing a new filter, and filling with new fluid(IDEMITUS TYPE SB2?) to get the car back on the road affordably vs parting it out or hauling to the scrap yard. I should be able to repair it this way for something shy of $2000 including the cvt, new seals, fluid and filter.

I know their transmissions are generally considered a time bomb but if I can get a decent looking awd car that gets nearly 30mpg on the road for 2-3 years it will be money well spent.

 

[bmart]

You stated that it has a CVT and that you wanted a JDM, but never said what kind. Others may bolt up. Who knows. The legacy forum may be able to better guide you. The early CVTs were indeed a ticking time bomb...most of the time. lol