5-speed swap questions...

[Bloodred]

Hey guys, I've been toying with the idea of doing a 5-speed swap for my '98 accord LX (4cyl), but I'm not really sure where to start. I've done a lot of searching, and read up on the subject, but I'm not really technically inclined at all when it comes to this kind of stuff. If any of you could help me out with any of these questions or at least point me in the right direction, I'd really appreciate it.

My questions:

1) What exactly will I need as far as parts? I know I can use either an H22 or f23 tranny for the swap, but what else would I need (ECU, etc)? Also, what's the difference between H22 and f23 transmissions as far as performance/reliability?

2) If I were to get all the parts I needed, is there anything you would reccomend swapping with aftermarket parts (clutch, flywheel, etc)? I'm on a budget, but I have a reasonable amount of money to put toward this project if necessary, and I can always save up more. I figure if I'm going to have this done, it may as well be done right the first time.

3) Where should I start looking for parts and installation? I'd be doing this this summer when I'm at home in southern Orange County, CA if that helps.

4) Should I even bother doing the swap? It's something I really want to do, and my automatic is starting to slip as it is, but I know this will be a lot of work and a lot of money... would you say it's worth it?

I'd really appreciate any help at all you can give me with this, since I don't really even know where to start...

 

[Acclude315]

4) Should I even bother doing the swap? It's something I really want to do, and my automatic is starting to slip as it is, but I know this will be a lot of work and a lot of money... would you say it's worth it?

hell yeah its worth it...everyone i know who has done the swap says its like driving a new car....the only downfall is if your use to drinkin coffee and driving while smoking your gonna have to work on ya "shift game"...my one friend mastered it...he can shift, roll a blunt, tap the bottle and switch CDs...but anyway..i plan on doin the same project and here are all the parts i have:
5speed ECu
5speed starter
5speed shifter assembly w/ shifter cables
5speed intermediate shaft
5speed clutch pedal assembly
5speed brake pedal arm
5speed tranny mount
clutch master cylinder w/ reservoir
slave cylinder
clutch dampener
5speed shift boot
5apeed instrument gauge cluster (optional)
8 flywheel bolts
6pressure plate bolts
3intermediate shaft bolts
1 long tranny bolt
upgrade opportunities:
CV shafts (will have to switch to manual complient, try a one that can tolerate at least 300whp)
clutch kit (I have a clutchmaster's stage2)
light wieght flywheel
There are some other parts needed as well...i think you need to change the engine wiring harness

 

[CHID0]

Part:
1. 5 speed transmission (F22, F23, H22, H23)
2. 5 speed starter
3. 5 speed shifter assembly w/ shifter cables
4. 5 speed drivers side axle
5. 5 speed intermediate shaft
6. 5 speed clutch pedal assembly
7. 5 speed brake pedal
8. Clutch master cylinder w/ reservoir
9. Clutch line from Clutch master cylinder to clutch dampener
10. Clutch dampener assembly
11. Clutch line from Clutch dampener to 5 speed tranny
12. Clutch line from 5 speed tranny to slave cylinder
13. Slave cylinder
14. Clutch
15. Flywheel (90-02 Accord 92-01 Prelude)
16. 5 speed mount
17. 5 speed mount bracket

The H trannies have shorter gearing so better acceleration

2) Upgrade the clutch and flywheel from the get-go you'll be happy you did....go with a lightweight flywheel and a stage 1 clutch and if you're thinking of boosting go with a stage 2

3) Ebay and junkyard also hondaautomotiveparts.com or TAS

4) My tranny is slipping, which is why i'm doing it....plus i plan on boosting. 5 speed are more fun to drive and it is worth it. The swap will break even and possibly be cheaper than getting a tranny replacement if you're out of warranty.

 

[5spdcoupe]

with regards to 4), i say go for the swap because the auto tranny seems to blow out prematurely from what i've been hearing so it will almost be a necessary purchase if that helps to justify it. and manual is so much funner to drive

 

[BadgerType]

there are multiple threads on this

 

[HandoEX]

I was in your shoes one year ago with a slipping auto tranny. I swapped to a 5-speed and couldn't be happier. The car is faster and a ton more fun to drive now.

From what I was told when I did my swap, you'll need a 5-speed ecu and make sure you get the VIN number from the car the ecu came from. It'll make the immobilizer reprogramming much easier.

www.car-part.com is where I found tons of used parts for cheap. The bulk of the parts I used came from junk yards I found on that site. I also used www.hondaautomotiveparts.com for new parts I bought and they were wonderful to deal with.

Good luck!

 

[Bloodred]

Wow, thanks for the help guys.

Two more quick questions, if I may:
5) For those of you who have done this, about how much did you end up spending for parts and labor?
6) Now that I have a list of parts I should get, where would my best bet to have this installed be? I know a reasonable amount about cars but when it comes to working on my engine I'm pretty clueless...

Again, thanks for the help, you guys are awesome.

 

[RedlineAccord]

Was just about the ask the same question Blood.... how much did it end up costing you guys?

 

[HandoEX]

My swap ran about $1500 in parts including a super low mileage f23 tranny and ACT heavy duty clutch and flywheel. The other parts were cheap. Labor ran about 12-15 hours so that really depends on the shop rates if you have someone else do it.

 

[yellowfever]

yeah im in the same situation, im dieing to do the swap and my auto tranny is starting to slip so yeah id feel horrible about paying all that money for another auto. I think that I could gather all the parts for a decent price but i really dont feel confident about finding someone to do the swap. Is it realistic? i have very little experience under the hood.