I may be getting a swap out of a 88-CRX SI and of course I want the MPFI stuff but on the tranny I know the 88s had 20 splines, and that the 89-91s had 21 splines. On each model?
I was going to open the case and replace the bearings in it and the main shaft seal before I install it. I have driven the CRX and it shifts just fine with @180,000 miles on it.
Is there a strength difference in them?
And is the spline count true to all 88 D-series transmissions or just the SI?
Should I just wait and trade for a 89-91 SI trans or just get a new clutch and clean up the flywheel and use it in my 91-DX?

I appreciate the help and info, as I want to get my 1.5 to MPFI and the better final drive as soon as I can.

 

the tranny will work, but you will have to use the 88 flywheel and clutch assembly.
as for the axles...not sure. i think you have to use the 88 axles or change the whole hubs.

 

nah if its a DX the axles will work, its the std & hf hubs that are smaller.

he is somwhat right about the clutch and all, since the 88 tranny is a 21 spline, do this to use a big clutch on it....use your 91 flywheel, get a Hi-perf. pressure plate for the 91, and use a 88 Prelude Hi-perf. disc, that way you keep the 21 spline and have a 212mm flywheel and clutch.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kryogen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">nah if its a DX the axles will work, its the std & hf hubs that are smaller. </TD></TR></TABLE>

Are we completely sure. on this B/C I work for a Honda Serviec shop and I just replaced both axles with Honda reman units with the 3/36,000 mile warranties. I really need to use the axles I bought.

 

88 dx transmission input shaft has 1- or 1+ teeth different then 89-91 for sure
88-91 dx and si axles and hubs are the same, dont let anyone tell you differently
hope that helps

 

Thanks...TheCheeseWedge

I wanted to still use my new axles but didn't even think about it.

 

Thumbs-Up for CheeseWedge.

The '88 D-series transmissions were all 21 splines, as far as I've ever seen - including the '88 ZC transmissions. The '89-'91 are all 20 splines. This applies to the INPUT SHAFT, and has nothing to do with axles.

If you're swapping it into your DX hatchback, just make sure it's a DX, not a "Standard" model. If you've got the D15b2 and a five-speed tranny, you shouldn't have any issues at all using your DX axles. I recently dropped an '89 D16A6 Si engine and hybrid transmission (made from an '89 Si transmission) into my '91 CRX DX, and had no problems using the DX axles.

Double-check the Prelude clutch disk info on http://www.clutchcityonline.com. They sell an '88 "upgrade" kit that lets you use your '88 transmission, but gives you the larger-diameter clutch disk, pressure plate, and flywheel. I've heard from different sources that the '84-'87 Prelude Si is the right one, and other people say '88 Si, and so on and so on... I haven't tried the Prelude clutch disk, so I can't say one way or another (WAS there even a Prelude Si in '84-'87? Hmmmm...).

The '88 transmissions are every bit as stout as the '89-'91s from everything I've seen. None of them had hardened pinion shafts in the differentials, but I hear that '92-up ones do, and that they can be swapped in.

Anyway, you should be fine putting that '88 Si tranny in your car, as long as you use the right flywheel and clutch combo for it. Just research and get solid info before buying any new parts. If in doubt, call clutchcity and tell them what you're trying to do, and they should be able to help you out. Always had great luck with them, and their prices are hard to beat.

Mike

 

that is probably one of the best replies i've read. good info.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by mr. carpenter &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">that is probably one of the best replies i've read. good info.</TD></TR></TABLE>

I agree, thanks so much...I am not worried about the size of the clutch disc and the car will probably stay NA, and might go 1.6 but who knows.

 

I currently run an 88 ZC tranny in my crx and I am local to ClutchCity, they sponsor me, awesome guys to deal with, if you decide to get parts from ClutchCity call them up, talk to Charlie and said Tony recommended you and you might get a better price, he does for local guys when they mention my name but i dunno about out of city or state.

But when I got my 88 tranny the combo that charlie put together for me was

86-89 accord Spec stage 3 disc
89-01 civic Exedy dual diaphram pressure plate
89-01 civic ACT Xact prolight 8.4lb flywheel

the pilot bearing is the same any year
the throwout bearing is the same any year

Accords and Preludes are very similar in platforms and i wouldnt be surprised if Prelude Disc would work too, just be sure you are getting the 212mm disc

And as some have said above dx/si axles and hubs are the same through 88-91 only ones you have to worry about are if you have std or HF

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kryogen &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">nah if its a DX the axles will work, its the std & hf hubs that are smaller.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You can use an si tranny in a std without changing the hubs, for the 89-91 at least.

 

Ok so if I am not worried about a high performace clutch, then when I install this trans I just need to purchase parts for an 88 CRX SI, but heres another question. Is the difference in disc size that much from 88 to the 89-91 models?

I mean I might put a stage 1 street clutch in it, but nothing major...Its just a daily driver/project civic. Nothing super.

 

great info guys....

 

what everyone is trying to say is that...

if you use an 88 clutch then you will need to use an 88 flywheel and have all the components from an 88 clutch setup ie. disc, pp, and flywheel

90-01 flywheels were larger more surface area = more material for grip

Since you have a 91 DX you already have the larger flywheel and the larger pressure plate, so technically the only thing you need to buy is the
86-89 accord clutch disk which is 21 spline but also 212mm matching to your current flywheel and pressure plate

clutch city sells stock replacement if you do not want to spend more money on upgraded clutch

the only thing i recommend is that you atleast get your flywheel resurfaced before putting in a new clutch, will cost maybe 20-50 bucks at any automotive machineshop. THis will insure greater clutch life.