openinverter forum

Introducing my 2004 Subaru Forester XT. It is currently parked on my driveway due to the rising gas prices here in Canada. But I much rather drive it because of the styling and the practical seating and trunk space.

For the decade that I have owned the Forester, I have done a lot of wrenching so I am not unfamiliar with the mechanical aspect of vehicle modifications. I have also dabbled with Arduino boards and 3D printers so I am not a stranger to fiddle around with things to make them work. I have been following Damiens work on the Lexus/Toyota gearbox and inverters. The idea of a simplified conversion process (custom driveshaft instead of adapter plate) was really appealing. So recently, I pulled the trigger on one of the Lexus GS450h gearbox. I am forgoing the AWD and building a RWD to keep things simple.


Cost tally (in Canadian Dollars rounded up to the nearest $5):
$740 - GS450h gearbox
$100 - GS450h gearbox oil pump controller
$040 - Gear position sensor connector
$525 - GS450h inverter

Total so far: $1,405

I am reading through the Prius Gen 3 inverter hacking thread. Is there any downside in using this inverter with the GS450h gearbox?

I am still learning about all the components I need for the build. As a software engineer, I am still trying to wrap my head around the electrical stuff, but I intend to read through the software sources to get more acquainted with what features are possible etc.

RE3Rotor wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 12:10 amSo recently, I pulled the trigger on one of the Lexus GS450h gearbox. I am forgoing the AWD and building a RWD to keep things simple.

I don't know anything about the Forester drivetrain but it might be worth allowing for a future AWD upgrade using the bolt on transfer box used in the LS600H

the inverter is better from GS450 to use.
what is the gearbox price tag?

Kevin Sharpe wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 10:56 am I don't know anything about the Forester drivetrain but it might be worth allowing for a future AWD upgrade using the bolt on transfer box used in the LS600H

CVT_for_Lexus_LS600h.jpg

All Subarus have the front diff built in to the transmission. So the front axles come out of the side of the transmission. I thought about the 600h transfer case. And if that will fit under the car, it will definitely be a consideration.

Alexstarex wrote: ↑Fri Feb 07, 2020 3:58 pm the inverter is better from GS450 to use.
what is the gearbox price tag?

It was about $700 Canadian all in. $350 USD + $150 in shipping.

As far as cheaper alternatives, I believe the 2007 Camry hybrid inverter also works, just rearranged pinout for the main connector. Internally, I'm sure the Camry hybrid is lower powered, I just don't kow by how much.

I didn't see it in the videos, do we know if all of them have the DC/DC converter?

A quick search yield a 2017 Chevy Volt battery pack (18.4 kWh 355.3 Volt) for $3,500CAD about 2 hours away from where I live. Good enough for my needs to start with.

I just bought a GS450h inverter. ETA is next weekend. Now I need to sell more parts off of my Forester to buy the VCU.

I received the connector for the gear position sensor. One down, a few more to go. The inverter has arrived at a shipping warehouse on the other side of the border. So I will be picking it up on Saturday.

Here is what I have put together. I am trying to include all the LV components that I need to build the harness for. I am going to use as many OEM components as I can.



I gathered most of it from the acronyms and watching YT videos. I am still looking to fill in a few of the blanks in this diagram. Also, if you spot any mistakes please let me know.

It was a happy surprise at the post office today. The oil pump controller came in as well.



I also compared the transmission mount on the GS450h to the Forester. I can probably just drill the holes and attach the Lexus on to the top of the Subaru mount. Hopefully the mount will line up at the OEM location but it all depends on whether the trans tunnel has room for the gearbox.




On another note, I have extra connectors for the Oil Pump Motor Controller if anyone needs them.

The whole time I have been looking at the Subaru mount up-side-down.

Well, some life events forced me to have to upgrade to a bigger car for daily. Guess what I picked up?



The car supposedly come with volumes of workshop manual. But the previous owner needs to find it first.

Did you ever move on further with this project? I am in North Van and researching a GS450H swap and found your thread here.