Automatic Transmissions

[nugget1]

Hi, I have owned my 98 EJ8 Coupe for 3 weeks (my 1st Honda) and it's been an interesting experience already. I took it to a Honda dealer (the 1st visit to any dealer) for it's 80,000 K service to be told my transmission was in need of overhaul and it would cost 5-6 grand (ouch) the service cost $800 and they managed to scratch it while it was there (they did repair that the next week free of charge). Anyway I've found a place that will do the overhaul for $2600, they specalise in Honda parts and Jap imports so they should know what they are doing.
Anyone else had transmission problems, apparently it's quite common on Civic's. I'm stuck to auto otherwise I would convert it to manual which would probably cost less.
Nugget1

[EuroDude]

Tranny problems as 80000km :eek: Doesnt sound right. Maybe the previous owner thrashed it and dumped it in Drive while revving high or something.

Anyway yeh manuals are much cheaper. I got my Civics 5sp manual reconditioned with a new clutch and synchros for about $1300

A manual conversion requires many parts and labour (including a new ECU I think), so I doubt a conversion would cost less than a tranny recondition. Better off selling the car and getting a manual. Unless u can find a cheap half cut.

[shinji112]

5-6 grand? holy sh1t captain.. i'd be lookin at a b16b frontcut at that price!

[destrukshn]

auto to manual will probably be cheaper, if you can source the parts.

[EuroDude]

You could option for a second hand auto tranny with low kms from the wreckers and hope its in good condition.

I got one from the wreckers for only $600, but had to return it since they gave me an GLi gearbox instead of an Si one :o

check the yellow pages for Japanese/honda wreckers in your area.

[ECU-MAN]

thoes CVT's are not cheep to fix :(

[EuroDude]

lol what? Its a CVT transmission?

[destrukshn]

i didn't think the coupes had cvt?

[JasonGilholme]

nah it's not a CVT tranny.

[odell]

where's a good wreckers to go to?

[ECU-MAN]

lol what? Its a CVT transmission?


constant velocity transmision

[Edgeauto]

I would be getting a second opinion before spending cash like that. do you it feels like it has a problem?

[EuroDude]

constant velocity transmision


yeh I know what CVT actually is lol :p

was just curious as to what nuggets EJ8 has, i.e. Auto or CVT

[nugget1]

I'm not sure if I have CVT or not, how would I find out? There's a shudder/vibration changing between 2nd and 3rd and all the gear changes aren't very smooth, it's only my second automatic so I don't have a lot to go on but the Magna I had before was very smooth. It just don't feel right. I'm booked in on Monday for the $2600 overhaul. I paid $9500 for it, the 80,000 K on the clock was the clincher, when I insured it they valued it at $14,250 so I sort of figure I'm still ahead. Thanks for all your comments.
Nugget1

[EuroDude]

Well a CVT doesnt have any gears, instead it uses a belt containing two variable "cones" like in the pic below.
They have a rubber band effect when you accelerate, and can stay the same RPM from 0 to 100km/h

http://www.netcar.co.il/img2/milon/6%20CVT.jpg


If your engine goes from 800rpm to ~4000rpm, then pauses a bit and goes up to the next gear, you have a conventional Auto. (unless you have one of those CVT's that fake a classic gear change)

[shinji112]

i have the same problem.. but im just going to opt for a front cut later in the new year.. not worth it IMO to do a gearbox overhaul

[gReY-oNe]

WOW 5-6 k thats alot of money
the manual conversion will surely cost less than 5-6k but sourcing the parts may take long
2600 seems the price alot of places give out but im sure our old cg accord got a recon for around 1800-2000
btw you dont actually need a new ecu for teh conversion just need to bypass the current one and the car will run fine..(correct me if im rong here.. but myn runs fine :D LMAO)
but there are alot of other parts u must consider before you opt for the conversion see if u can source out the parts ... if u cant find all it may become a very long process

* manual box
* manual box mount
* clutch lines
* clutch master cylinder
* brake and clutch pedal assembly
* shift linkages + lever
* clutch and flywheel

[nugget1]

My transmission number is B4RA so I guess it's not CVT.
Nugget1

[EuroDude]

B4RA Conventional 4sp Auto ftw

u got ripped of my friend, a civic 4sp auto should not cost more than $3000 to recondition. I would go somewhere else and get another quote.
Dont go to a Honda dealer unless you want them to rip you a new one.

[destrukshn]

yups.
the 4dr vti's had cvt.
lol.

[nugget1]

I opted for the $2600. overhaul by Honbits, I am never going to a Honda dealer again, once was enough!