Back story: Bought the car 2-years ago from the dealer with only 20k on the odometer. Didn't even get a mile off the lot, and the brake pedal pressed to the floor. Turned around, went back in and demanded they fix it. The lead tech told me I am "...not used to performance brake calipers" (funny - considering I also drive an 06' Evo IX and VW R32 which both have monster brakes). After convincing him to take a look, the master cylinder was bad.
Fast forward to 55k miles, heard a funny noise like the exhaust was rubbing in the rear. I found that odd considering I have the Kart Boy 15mm hangars. Turns out, my rear diff exploded. Thankfully, SoA covered that.
Now at 67k on the clock, and was coming out of the parking garage at work. Shifted into 2nd heard a loud *clunk* and moving forward, sounded like someone threw a fork in the garbage disposal. I somehow made it home (I work 33-miles away by the way...), drained my trans, and found this little gem on the trans. plug -
Now here is where I sit as of today -
...and here are the goodies either installed or waiting to be installed -
I decided to go with the PAR gear set (1st-gear straight cut and 2-4th are helical) for 2-reasons:
Highly recommended by the gents @ AndrewTech
Was available immediately - PPG had a nice wait list
I have scheduled a road-trip this Thursday (September 22nd) to drop off my trans. and hopefully get it rebuilt same day from AndrewTech.
Trust me, gasket already blown. AndrewTech is only the liaison, and I am trying to be as mature about the situation as possible while still being firm. I put it to them that I just spent $4-5k for a transmission that grinds and that is unacceptable. At this point, my only real choice is to go down there and have them take a look at the vehicle as a whole. It's just inconvenient for me as I have to take time off work and make the 4-hour drive one way after the car being out of commission for over a month when the input shaft broke.
Damn Sandra....and here I thought PAR upgraded and fixed the problems of the past. It does not appear that way anymore. :notgood: On them. I can understand your frustration is through the roof and this point. Sadly, its not AndrewTechs fault for the faulty part. But, they're the people that get the heat. Because they recommended the trans correct? I can also understand why you're just going to swap to a 6 spd after this frustration. But, I'm sure some people might want to sway you to stay in the 5 spd gears market...obviously the end goal is your call.
Well, that is the kicker. I am not a transmission guru, *but* if the parts were installed incorrectly and that led to the premature failure, then yes AndrewTech is at fault. I cannot prove that as I was not around when the transmission was opened up for a 2nd time, but the thought has crossed my mind. Overall, I am a heavy believer in giving those the benefit of the doubt and do not want to accuse anyone without knowing or having all the facts. And yes, I originally wanted PPG gears but was steered to the PAR gearset based on AndrewTech's recommendation.
Thanks for letting me vent, guys. Really helps in tough situations like this Will let you know any updates once I get down there. I just don't want my car off the road for another month.
True...but I was under the impression that AndrewTech was pretty much cream of the crop. Though, I've never had any dealings with them directly. Just what I heard...but, even the best can slip up from time to time. We're all human. I hope you're not down and out for long.
Sorry to hear about your experience with PAR gears Sandra... I'd be terribly frustrated if something similar were to happen to my Albins gears. So far, so good though after 10k+ miles (now with 330 whp/338 wtq) and not being particularly nice to the car. Good luck with everything!
John, I was actually wondering how your gearset was doing. I updated my post on NABISCO with my PAR gearset and read the same responses "If you are to go with a non-gear boxed setup, Albins is the answer". Heh, expensive lesson to learn!
Newtothegame (Josh) [Who is in california for military training. So, he can't comment at this time.] Was supposed to get Albins originally, but his tune shop screwed up and bought PPGs instead. Long story...but, he was told before that transmission upgrade that the Albins were on a WRX that did nothing but drag and was heavily modded. That was the story that his tune shop told him that Albins would be a good durable choice....but instead he got the PPGs. Funny what happens during a deployment and a shop that just likes to fool around with a soldiers money. Josh is happy either way though.
Like Kirt mentioned Albins was on the top of my list after heavy reading and discussions. Would have loved to have had them. But the PPGs are holding well. Sandra I really hope that things get resolved and quickly. I thought it was great having 3 members with 3 different types of gear upgrades. I feel so bad that of us yours are not working out for you.
Don't feel bad nothing you did unless you came over to my house and poured blinker fluid in my trans A slight update, I have scheduled another trip to AndrewTech next week for them to look over the car. According to them, PAR has shipped another 3rd gear so it will be waiting for me to get there. Just odd because when I shift from 3rd to 4th there is a grind. If I downshift from 5th to 4th or 4th to 3rd, no grind whatsoever. At least PAR is stepping up to the plate even though they already warrantied the shaft that snapped. I am sure it's a syncro issue of some sort.
That does make sense! Just odd that I reported the grind issue weeks before the shaft snapped. AndrewTech assured me they checked all gearing over and did not see anything relevant or odd. Maybe this time they will?
Update: After a few heated e-mails, phone calls, some text messages, PAR has sent new gearing and parts. With the trans dissected, AndrewTech made a diagnosis that due to the off slide pin (it had some imperfections and was not lining up correctly), I was actually hitting 2nd gear synchro and that is the probable cause for the grind I was experiencing. All new parts are in, and they have assured me the issue is fixed, and the trans shifts like butter. I am picking it up later this week so will report back.
Unfortunately, I never spoke with PAR directly. So, can't comment on them actually fessing up. I only know what AndrewTech has told me, and they were the ones who pointed out the issue(s) as they had the physical evidence in front of them (the 2nd gear synchro wear, how the 3-4 shift pulled towards 2nd, etc.). At the end of the day the issue was not something I did, me being a woman driver, or any of my other mods, yadda yadda.
Picked the Rex up last weekend and WOW! What a difference! The car shifts super smooth, and no more grind! The true test will be when I get to run on Thunderbolt @ NJMP.
BIG THANKS to AndrewTech and PAR for sending the parts. Now my dreams of putting down 650bhp are back on track !Laugh!
Just bring your boy toy....or John will be your wife if you ask him nicely. FOL But, seriously...John is going single or with a friend. It'd be interesting to hear all 3 different gear sets in person.
You probably wont be able to hear Johns (with all he has going on under the hood and with his exhaust), and I know you cant hear mine really over my Blitz CBE now (sorry about that), but maybe you can hear Sandra's lol.
If I don't mash the go-pedal, you can hear my gears whining. I didn't even think about the opportunity to listen to three different gear sets in person - good call!
I'm still going by myself, but I'll consider being your wifey for the day. I just hope you guys/gals are a friendly bunch because I'd hate to have to hang out by myself for the whole day oorme:
Hey fellas, it just so happens that my 04 WRX 5 speed is in need of a center diff lol if anyone has one that is in good condition out of their blown 07 box shoot me a pm. Again I would just need the center diff.....one that's in good condition and works, let me know.
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