transmission swaps - manuals

1991 civic wagon1991 civic wagon Band Wagon
in Engine & Drivetrain
Is there a link or guide that would tell one what swaps can be made?

I would like to know if a 1988 RT4WD manual could be changed out for a 1989 5 speed manual without any changes? Would the flywheel be the same? Cables/linkage? Gear shifter?

Comments

  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    The transmission mount bracket on the right-hand frame rail is different. Cut it off and weld in the bracket from a 2wd car.

    The 2wd trans is rod-shifted, the 4wd uses cables. You would have to cut a hole in the tunnel and install shifter from a 2wd car, after removing the RT shifter and cables.
  • shenrieshenrie Council Member
    in addition to what bam posted, the spline pattern on the trannys are different between 88-89, so you would have to get a different clutchplate. flywheels are compatible between 88 & 89.
  • 1991 civic wagon1991 civic wagon Band Wagon
    Thanks for the information. The welding stops this for me. Are there any manual transmissions I can be on the look out for that would be bolt to bolt no cut/weld option? My RT4WD has a reverse issue and I am trying to be prepared for the worse. A 5 speed 1989 wagon popped up in my area the other day and I thought I found a good solution.
  • 503Wagon503Wagon moderator
    If you can find it, you can replace the reverse gear issue. I did it on my 88. Check my build thread I think I've got a photo of it in there. Link is in my sig.

    Looks like I lied to you. I didn't take a photo of it at all. I'll see if I can find a diagram and point out the gear to you.
  • 1991 civic wagon1991 civic wagon Band Wagon
    That would be nice of you. I need to post a video of the sound that it is making in reverse. It is sad because all the other gears and super smooth and nice. Only 130k on the motor also.
  • bam-bambam-bam Council Member
    Just be on the lookout, and buy a spare tranny before it fails. They can be had for 3-400$
  • luis808luis808 Wagonist
    If you do find a new tranny and willing to part out the old one, I am on the look out for a 3rd/4th gear set. Mine has a small grind.
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