Bonestock Builds — VB WRX STI 6-Speed Swap Guide

Platform: 2022+ Subaru WRX (VB)
Product Type: Digital Swap & Planning Guide

Planning an STI 6-speed swap for your VB WRX?

Build the complete plan before you start buying parts.

The Bonestock Builds VB WRX STI 6-Speed Swap Guide is a comprehensive planning resource designed specifically for converting the 2022+ WRX to Subaru’s STI TY85 6-speed drivetrain.

Instead of piecing together information from years of GD, GR, VA, and VB forum posts, build threads, Facebook groups, and social-media discussions, this guide brings the critical information together into one organized, VB-focused resource.

WHAT THE GUIDE COVERS

• STI TY85 6-speed transmission swap planning
• Required and commonly used swap components
• Transmission and drivetrain compatibility
• R180 rear differential integration
• Driveshaft requirements and options
• Axle and hub considerations
• DCCD integration and controller options
• Clutch and flywheel considerations
• Gear-ratio and final-drive considerations
• Supporting hardware and commonly overlooked components
• Modified and high-horsepower drivetrain considerations
• Planning the drivetrain as a complete system

PLAN THE ENTIRE SWAP BEFORE BUYING PARTS

One of the fastest ways to make an STI drivetrain swap more expensive is purchasing components individually without understanding how everything needs to work together.

The transmission is only one part of the conversion.

This guide helps you plan the entire drivetrain before the car comes apart, reducing the likelihood of:

• Buying incompatible components
• Purchasing parts twice
• Missing critical hardware
• Creating gear-ratio or final-drive mismatches
• Discovering additional required parts halfway through the installation
• Extending vehicle downtime while waiting for forgotten components

The goal is simple:

Know what you need before you need it.

MORE THAN A TRANSMISSION SWAP

An STI 6-speed conversion isn't simply installing a stronger gearbox.

The complete system can involve the:

• STI TY85 transmission
• R180 rear differential
• Driveshaft
• Front and rear axles
• Hubs and related components
• Clutch and flywheel
• DCCD system and controller
• Gear ratios and final-drive configuration
• Supporting hardware and drivetrain components

These parts need to function together as one complete drivetrain.

The guide walks through these systems and the decisions surrounding them so you can better understand how each component fits into the overall swap.

BUILT SPECIFICALLY FOR THE 2022+ VB WRX

This is not a generic STI transmission parts list.

The guide is focused specifically on integrating the STI drivetrain into the 2022+ Subaru WRX VB chassis.

That distinction becomes even more important as power level, intended vehicle use, and drivetrain demands increase.

Whether you're planning:

• A straightforward STI 6-speed conversion
• A stronger drivetrain for a modified street car
• A track-oriented VB
• A high-horsepower FA24F build

…the guide gives you a structured foundation for planning the drivetrain properly.

WHY USE THE GUIDE?

Researching an STI swap can mean digging through information spanning multiple generations of WRX and STI platforms—much of which may not apply directly to the VB.

This guide is designed to make that process easier.

Less searching. Less guesswork. Better planning.

Plan it once.

Source it correctly.

Build it with confidence.

DIGITAL PRODUCT

This is a digital product. No physical product will be shipped.

Your purchase provides access to the Bonestock Builds VB WRX STI 6-Speed Swap Guide for personal use. If you are unable to download to your iphone simply download to a computer. This is not an issue with androids. 

Model-Year Coverage: Provides key info for the 2024 model year, including the rivet nut tool requirement for mounting the rear shifter stay bracket on 2024+ WRX models.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

This guide is intended for educational, informational, and planning purposes.

Vehicle configurations, STI transmission variants, differential ratios, model years, aftermarket components, and installation requirements can vary.

Always verify:

• Part numbers
• Component compatibility
• Transmission ratios
• Differential ratios
• Final-drive compatibility
• Torque specifications
• Manufacturer installation requirements

…for your specific vehicle and component combination before purchasing or installing parts.

Professional installation is recommended when appropriate.

Bonestock Builds is not affiliated with or endorsed by Subaru Corporation or Subaru of America. Subaru, WRX, and STI are trademarks of their respective owners.