Honda Civic / Del Sol (1992 - 2000) EG/EH/EJ/EK/EM1 Discussion

auto tranny worth it?

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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 10:00 AM
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Default auto tranny worth it?

well, i'm looking at Honda's for sale in my area, and it seems like most of them are 5-speed, which is nice (my cav is 5-speed), but i'm wondering if its worth buying an auto that i want to modify.

i mean, its not going to be a record-breaker or anything, but something i want to be able to enjoy driving. does anyone make any kind of shift kit for the auto tranny or anything like that? i know in the J-Body world, B&M made a shift kit for auto tranny that tightened up the shifts, and could make an auto about on par with a 5-speed in terms of times.

the reason i'm looking at auto's is because i want something that is slightly more reliable, and something that my fiancee could drive on a regular basis if need be.

so what do you guys think? is it worth it to modify an auto?
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 10:01 AM
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Default Re: auto tranny worth it? (red4)

honda auto trannies straight up suck.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 10:04 AM
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Default Re: auto tranny worth it? (93CX)

If you're planning on modifying a honda, stay as far away as possible from autos... They're the slowest POS ever.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 10:07 AM
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Honda auto trannys will fail when you try and modify them.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 10:10 AM
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Default Re: auto tranny worth it? (red4)

Ive got a 95 eg 4door and its ALRIGHT. It doesnt suck to the fullest, but it could be better. I wish I had a 5-sp instead, but Im happy with the auto. Mines stock, so its mos def slow as hell!
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 12:08 PM
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well, i've found a few people who like their autos, but it seems like the way to go is with a 5-speed. i drive a manual right now, and i'm just afraid that if i go to an auto i'm going to regret it.

are there any known major problems with the 5-speed honda trannies? i'm looking at something like an EX coupe or maybe a hatch, but i've had nothing but problems with my manual Cavalier (clutch went out at 98,xxx, synchro's are grinding now, etc.)

i just want something that i'm not going to hafta fix and replace all the time. the car will probably just see bolt-ons, and daily driver use with occasional track time. will the 5-speed hold up if i beat on it?

thanks guys!
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 01:37 PM
  #7  
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Default Re: (red4)

autos are nice if your stick in traffic alot.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 02:13 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by red4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well, i've found a few people who like their autos, but it seems like the way to go is with a 5-speed. i drive a manual right now, and i'm just afraid that if i go to an auto i'm going to regret it.

are there any known major problems with the 5-speed honda trannies? i'm looking at something like an EX coupe or maybe a hatch, but i've had nothing but problems with my manual Cavalier (clutch went out at 98,xxx, synchro's are grinding now, etc.)

i just want something that i'm not going to hafta fix and replace all the time. the car will probably just see bolt-ons, and daily driver use with occasional track time. will the 5-speed hold up if i beat on it?

thanks guys!</TD></TR></TABLE>

Really depends on your definition of beating. If it's just spirited driving it'll last you. If you're dumping the clutch 24/7, powershifting, grinding shifts then chances are no stock tranny or clutch is gonna hold.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 02:51 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by red4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">are there any known major problems with the 5-speed honda trannies? i'm looking at something like an EX coupe or maybe a hatch, but i've had nothing but problems with my manual Cavalier (clutch went out at 98,xxx, synchro's are grinding now, etc.)</TD></TR></TABLE>
There's your problem right there

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by red4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">well, i've found a few people who like their autos, but it seems like the way to go is with a 5-speed. i drive a manual right now, and i'm just afraid that if i go to an auto i'm going to regret it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I have an auto, the only thing I like about it is that it's nice when in traffic. You would probably regret buying one. I am looking to swap to a 5 spd. next winter, even though resale value is higher on auto's
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 02:57 PM
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I have a stick EG and think maual honda's hold up better than Chevy's. I did have to get a new pressure plate at 150,000 miles but after that it shifted good as new. My friend has an auto and though it is good for stop and go traffic, you'll love the control a manual gives you.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 03:11 PM
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Default Re: (green00EX)

i know, i know, i think i learned my lesson with my cavalier. whenever you look at Used Car Buyer Guides, the cav gets about the lowest rating possible. you can buy them cheap, but they're built cheap. i'm hoping to do a little more research and get a good reliable car this time around.

i'm not going to abuse the car, neutral drops and the like, just some occasional "spirited driving" as you put it, lol. the other thing is, i would rather just get a manual to start with, rather than buy an auto and then later decide i want to convert it over.

most of the civic's i'm seeing are around 80,000 up to 100,000. i'm looking for an EK, preferably the 96-98, and a coupe. also really wanting to grab an EX trim model. is there anything to look out for or be wary of when buying one of these?

i just want to find a good car that will respond well to modifications, and that i don't have to fix all the time. regular maintenance and wear items are not a big deal, its just big **** like head gaskets going and clutch blowing up at 100K that really **** me off.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 03:16 PM
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Default Re: auto tranny worth it? (EVIL Hx Coupe)

stick to 5 speed... Autos SUCK
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 03:57 PM
  #13  
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Default Re: (red4)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by red4 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">i know, i know, i think i learned my lesson with my cavalier. whenever you look at Used Car Buyer Guides, the cav gets about the lowest rating possible. you can buy them cheap, but they're built cheap. i'm hoping to do a little more research and get a good reliable car this time around.

i'm not going to abuse the car, neutral drops and the like, just some occasional "spirited driving" as you put it, lol. the other thing is, i would rather just get a manual to start with, rather than buy an auto and then later decide i want to convert it over.

most of the civic's i'm seeing are around 80,000 up to 100,000. i'm looking for an EK, preferably the 96-98, and a coupe. also really wanting to grab an EX trim model. is there anything to look out for or be wary of when buying one of these?

i just want to find a good car that will respond well to modifications, and that i don't have to fix all the time. regular maintenance and wear items are not a big deal, its just big **** like head gaskets going and clutch blowing up at 100K that really **** me off.</TD></TR></TABLE>

As far as headgaskets and that kind of stuff going, you probably wont have a problem with that if you go with a honda from 80-100k miles. On the other hand, the clutch might be just about shot at those miles, depending on who drove the car, you can get a replacement clutch for like 100 bucks though, and have it in there in about 2 hrs.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 05:39 PM
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Default

Yah , i have an auto eg8 ... It's nice to have around where i live because i'm surrounded by hills & it's also like everyone said it's enjoyable to have in traffic but also like everyone says you'll have buyer remorse ... just save yourself the time & frustration ... buy a manual
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 06:36 PM
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Default Re: (eg8kid)

auto trannys are not as bad as everyone thinks.. everyone bashes them on here becuase they just go along with what everyone else says.. true they are going to be slower then a 5 speed with the same mods.. i also am looking into a 5 speed swap becuase im tired of 25% drivetrain loss..but so far its held up to alot of abuse.. and i can spank a shitload of cars.. b16 civics, gsr's, turbo eclipse's and **** like that.. and its awesome becuase they **** their pants when they find out they got beat by an automatic civic single cam

main thing is if you treat the tranny good like changing the fluid with honda atf only it will last.. maybe not at the psi level im at but the auto will handle 7-8 psi very easy.. it can handle nitrous also.. i had a 75 shot before i had my turbo setup and it didnt slip once.

by the way my trans it stock.. cause i know someone is going to ask that question..
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 06:43 PM
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Default Re: (konigturbocivic)

get a 5spd. .then a auto beater for the traffic lol cuhz everyone knows 5spd gets owned by traffic
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 07:20 PM
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Default Re: (LilMrTinnie)

well, the town that i live in doesn't have that much traffic, so that doesn't bother me. it looks like i'll be watching out for a manual then, just need to put the cash together and keep my eyes peeled. i've got a fairly specific set of requirements for the car, so it might take some time to find one....
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 08:31 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

I used to have a 95 Ex auto. Man, that thing took two trips to haul *** you know what I mean. I would say stick to manual, and if you must go auto I would go with a larger car like V6 Accord etc...But you could teach fiancee how to drive stick.....and there you go
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 09:18 PM
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Default Re: (JGonz858)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JGonz858 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">...But you could teach fiancee how to drive stick.....and there you go</TD></TR></TABLE>

well, she can drive stick, just would rather it be an auto. but i talked to her earlier, and she said that if i drive the car like a normal person, she wouldn't mind me getting a 5-speed. :D she just doesn't want the clutch or tranny to blow up on me, because we don't have the downtime or cash to be paying for major parts and big repairs.
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Old Mar 27, 2005 | 09:53 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

the parts for honda are not expensive IMO and as for big repairs for honda's (this is wat honda-tech is for, to help DIY)
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Old May 11, 2005 | 04:33 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

Hey Man!

So, what made you go with an auto? Find the right car? It is very nice and clean, I do like it. If you get a chance to check out Gabes car in person, you will be very happy with your choice.

Where did you pick the car up? I had to drive 3 hours to get mine, but I would have driven to either coast to get the right car.

Mad props to you man for having the ***** to walk up to me with out knowing me. (he hunted me down in a McDonalds drive through and said "You ever on Honda-Tech?") Too many people I have met are too "cool" to stop and talk. I'm all about giving props to a nice ride, and checkin' what the other fellas have.

Anyways, nice clean car you picked. I'll be seeing you around Ames more often I hope.
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Old May 22, 2005 | 09:26 PM
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Default Re: (knoj)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by knoj &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey Man!

So, what made you go with an auto? Find the right car? It is very nice and clean, I do like it. If you get a chance to check out Gabes car in person, you will be very happy with your choice.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Haha...thanks man...yeah, I'm still lovin my Ex. 125,000 miles on the original 5 speed transmission...still feels good.
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Old May 23, 2005 | 01:42 PM
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Default Re: (knoj)

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by knoj &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey Man!

So, what made you go with an auto? Find the right car? It is very nice and clean, I do like it. If you get a chance to check out Gabes car in person, you will be very happy with your choice.

Where did you pick the car up? I had to drive 3 hours to get mine, but I would have driven to either coast to get the right car.

Mad props to you man for having the ***** to walk up to me with out knowing me. (he hunted me down in a McDonalds drive through and said "You ever on Honda-Tech?") Too many people I have met are too "cool" to stop and talk. I'm all about giving props to a nice ride, and checkin' what the other fellas have.

Anyways, nice clean car you picked. I'll be seeing you around Ames more often I hope.</TD></TR></TABLE>

i went with an auto because the car had just about everything else that i wanted, and it was decently priced. i wanted a red EX with the Y8 motor, power everything, etc., and this thing had it. it would have been nice to get a 5-speed, but oh well, i can always swap later, lol.

i actually got the car from Select Auto Sales down in Des Moines on Army Post Road. i still need to meet up with Gabe. maybe the three of us should get together sometime for food or something. i need to make a trip down to Des Moines sometime to pick up a rear caliper for my conversion anyways.

i thought twice about pulling in there after ya, but figured what the hell, i might never see your car again, so might as well take advantage of the situation. i've also come to find that a lot of car people are just to cool to stop and talk, like you said, but it was cool to meet ya.
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Old May 23, 2005 | 01:47 PM
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Default Re: (red4)

Yeah...knoj is cool beans...we had Pancheros one day and he let me drive his car...haha.
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Old May 23, 2005 | 03:22 PM
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Default Re: (gabebauman)

to start off with in the world of hondas, an auto is ok....just never swap an auto for another auto. Thats just deserves a slap!
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