Psycho719

Ok, so I'm going to be switching out the transmission on my 1989 Honda Civic Hatchback 1.5L 4 speed. I will be putting in a 5 speed. Now I know I need L3 transmission. But as far as that goes. Will anything else change? Gear cables? Do I need a new shifter? What else would I need when doing the swap? I have a mechanic/close friend who will be doing it and check everything on software and doesn't look like anything else is needed. He will be finding out a little bit more of it tomorrow himself. However, I thought I'd ask here and get some more feedback to pass over to him.

Thank you.

90sedan

It's a direct swap as long as it isn't a 88 transmission.

1988 transmission = 21 splines on input shaft
89-91 transmission = 20 splines

If you wanted to use an 88 tranny, then you would need to swap the clutch/flywheel out.

To determine the year:

88 = no ring groove on the end of the input shaft / 21 spline count
89 = 1 ring groove
90-91 = 2 ring gro0ves

Psycho719

This sounds great. So meaning I can keep the same shifter. It would be nice to switch to a better looking one, then a plain one. Mine has that old school rubber boot with no actual center console. Ha-ha, good thing the car is so clean and maybe I can find one out there. Anything else recommended while doing this swap?

90sedan

You can install a center console from a dx civic, it should mount pretty easily. You can also switch out that lame stock shift **** for a nice 5-speed one once you get the swap done.

Psycho719

Sweet! Hopefully this Saturday I'll be doing some shopping on that. Now one other question. Can I use the same axles I have now? Or are they different sizes for 5 speed tranny's? Thanks again for all your help. I can't wait to do the swap.

90sedan

All of the US L-3 transmissions use the same inner cv spline size. You will not need to swap axles.

Psycho719

So everything should go smoothly? Correct me if I'm wrong. But US Transmission is pretty much what I will find here anyway. Any other tips? Sorry for so many questions.

90sedan

It will be a pretty straight forward swap.

The jdm zc transmission are fairly rare. But it will be easy to spot, your axles will be to small to fit correctly in the differential and it uses a half-shaft for the drivers side.

Psycho719

I'm feeling confident everything will go well. Thanks for all your help. Now hopefully I can find a nice center console. It would really help to the look of my car. I'll post some pics once I get the swap going.

Psycho719

So I did a little more asking around. And I was told that the axels might be too short? I know the spline should fit, but would they reach the transmission? Sorry again.

90sedan

The transmissions are exactly the same in size. They will fit.

Psycho719

Bought my transmission today! Might be getting it installed Monday. If not later this week. I hope everything goes well with the swap, and hope the transmission is operating well.

Psycho719

Swap all done! So far everything is working good! Nothing changed, thanks again for the help man!

90sedan

No problem.

Diego1989x

I'm doing the same swap but on an lx and my axles don't work. I found the passenger side from a 90+ Integra, but i can't seem to find the right length for the drivers side. Any help guys?