Considering converting my 04 element manual transmission to a 6 speed.
Seen instructions on the web at other sites. Anyone have experience doing this? How'd it turn out?

 

It was a piece of cake. I've had my 2005 CRV coverted to 6 speed for about 2 years and 50,000 miles. I followed the guide I seen that was done to an element. I bought the parts from Honda, and I took the CR-V and the parts to a speed shop and in one day I got my car back. I also changed the clutch while they were there.

 

What was your increase in mpg?

Any side effects on engine performance? Other than lower rpm?

 

i am very interested in doing this as well , any more info please , is it worth the const and trouble?

 

can this conversion be done to a awd tranny, or only 2wd?

 

Google has a lot to say about this.Element 6 speed MT Conversion Plans/Parts - Honda Element Owners Club Forum

I will be doing this when it comes time to rebuild my tranny, and the consensus is that this will indeed work with RTAWD:
http://www.hondasuv.com/members/show...-6-SPEED-STICK!

People make it sound easy but dealing with the subframe and gear box is not like working on an old B series setup... Also strict tolerances come into play.

Why Honda did not offer this as an option is beyond me. The added fuel economy is well worth it.

I recently converted to an RSX-S flywheel and stage 1 Exedy organic clutch. It was a lot of work, and the stage 1 from Exedy chatters, which according to Exedy is "normal". Needless to say I wasn't happy about a **** ton of work and money for a chattering clutch.

Here's the commentary from Exedy:

So once again it's a different world then B series. My ITR stage 1 exedy is amazing...

 

At first I was thinking he wanted to go an auto to manual conversion, my bad. Yeah this 6th gear addition seems worthy. Some have reported a slight increase in mpg but that will vary because of road conditions and user adjustment.

OP if you're worried about handling the job just find a reputable shop in your area.

 

Hmm I'm gonna have to look at some different first gears while I'm at it.

I went wheeling last weekend and even in first gear the whole time, it kept bogging in the deep snow with any incline. I need more gear or more hp/tq. Lol

 

Would a change in the final drive work? Oh wait, doesn't the final drive also spin the rear diff?

 

You have a wide selection of gears to choose from. I personally would opt for more power. That motor responds very well to bolt-ons and select Honda parts from other K variants

 

yeah, but it wont hurt anything like in real trucks.

if im opening the transmission already, i might as well get every advantage i can get. more power is definately in my future either way though. i priced out the parts at work (im a honda technician) and it'll cost me 600 canadian pesos to buy all of the parts (minus the different first gear if i go that route).

 

The internets indicate that unless you change the final drive ratio you're out of luck. CRV 1st is as short as Honda offers for K gearing. Unless you go custom.

Google says CRV 1st is 3.533 and the 1st for everything else I see K series is a lower ratio. Post your link if you find otherwise. The data I have here is dated

 

i havent even looked yet, but i dont doubt that information. The CRV is the biggest vehicle to come with a K so it makes sense.