Subaru swap with subaru auto trans?

[joelzy]

Met a fella recently who was very interested in my swap.
He used to drag race bugs and has been itching to build something else. I told him my motor was one of the lowest power EJs and even then the vw transaxle gearing is the limiting factor.
So he asked if i had heard about anyone running a wrx engine with the factory suby auto trans for drag racing. I know some have swapped the manuals in or done different transmissions but what is the more common fix for the vw trans gearing. I'm not worried about it on mine as it will never be a racecar but he seems into the idea of a turbo 2.0 or 2.5 with an auto.

Searched a bit and came up short on actual topics about it but hoping to open this up to a little discussion.
TIA guys

[maurice]

I think you'd need to flip the engine around to make an auto trans work, otherwise you'd drive in reverse. The wrx 5 speeds used have a reversed ring and pinion

[petew]

Subarugears does reverse ring and pinion kits for the 5 speed, but not for the sti 6 speed or any of the autos. Actually Vanagons/late bay autos can be built really tough. The only limit is the gear ratios available.

[joelzy]

thanks guys!