New development regarding Subaru axles (group buy maybe?), I need opinions Options

[IM101]

For those who don’t know I’m starting to produce the items necessary for a Subaru conversion. I just got some prototype axles in from Sway-A-Way(SAW) and test fit them last night. While they fit both the older and newer style Subaru transmissions (different axle output style, male or female CV’s) as well as both the 914 and 944 CV’s I have stumbled onto a bit of a problem. The way Subaru designed the later/stronger 2005+ transmissions (with the male DOJ) the hub assembly must be removed to get the axles off. Translated to the 914, it makes installation/removal much more of a hassle than the earlier weaker transmissions.

What I need your opinion on is the viability of the SAW axles, originally at 375$ a set they were meant to be the most inexpensive/universal solution for the axle portion of the Subaru swap. Providing a cheaper alternative to the 600$+ the annoyance of needing to open the 2005+ box up and install the older style male stubs, that Subaru Gears offers. However now with the necessity of the male stubs for the Subaru transmission in the 914 it one of the advantages of the SAW system has been eliminated. It is still less expensive 375 (2004- trans) or 475 (w/stub for 2005+ trans) vs 500$ or 600$.

So anyone considering a “suborsche,” let me know what you think, is this something you would be interested in? I am ready to order 10 sets and they would be ready in 2 weeks, just pending your opinions on the matter.
Thanks
Ian M.

[IM101]

I believe the biggest challenge you're up against is using the term "universal" when talking about the Subaru transaxle conversion. There are many variations (i.e., male vs. female output shafts, push vs. pull clutch, etc.) of the Suby trans, and I am in the camp that you should develop a solution based on the transaxle/outputs with which you're working. In my case, I'm using a 1998 Forester tansaxle, I put an OBX limited-slip in it, I used 108mm 911 CV joints on the outers and the Suby inners that came with it, and had Dutchman cut/respline a set of 911 axle shafts to make it work.

I see what you are saying, maybe I need to use a different adjective, but it seems like the best one for what I am trying to do: make a system that leaves the options open for the choice of parts. The cradle for example, works with the Subaru or the 901 transmissions; the axles leave the option of original 914 gear, or a more robust and easy to source 944 gear. So maybe the most flexible system possible? Basically I’m just trying to leave the options open for people to decide.

Your other challenge is trying to find an "inexpensive" solution. To do anything correctly that will make your customers happy, I believe you need to find customers that are ready to spend the time and money necessary to do it right.

Again I see your point(s), I guess where I’m coming from is this, if a bolt in system (at least for the drivetrain) was out there, for less than what it would take for you to pay a welder, to one-off something or Subaru gears, I think people would be interested, (I know I was) even the guys who were planning on paying more to get it done right are not going to complain… and maybe some folks who are on the fence about costs and time will decide to jump in. I mean it is not as cheap as if you had fab skills, and equipment necessary to get it done, it’s kind of a mid range, if you pay a shop to build it, its going to be bucks, if you do it yourself it could be a bit less. I mean I remember reading on here about some one doing chump car or 24hr lemons with a sub914?

To truly make a universal kit, I believe you'd need to supply everything…

And maybe I will in the future, I already have plans for a cable shifter on the 901 and the Subaru trans being formed. Next will probably be something with the radiators. The thing is, I’m also building this for myself, I have a roller that needs everything. Like I have said before this whole thing started out of the idea that hey if I’m going to make/do this myself why not make it repeatable, including tracking what I’m building make instructions become a dealer at the places I’m getting my parts to get deeper discounts for guys. What is to stop me? I’m about to graduate college, I have the small business experience, I want my own 914 done, and people seem interested. If I’m going to try my hand at starting this, now is the time, no family to provide for, manageable bills…

Well I’m starting to fly off on a tangent and that’s not what this thread was intended for. Maybe I need to change how I’m asking this as well, would anyone be interested in a group buy of the axles? Does anyone want these axles or do you just want to stick with the flange style, or do a re-spline yourself?

Let me know people.. I’m not going to drop 3k on axles if people are not interested…