I'm thinking about picking up a wrecked (rear-ended) '96-97 EX sedan and swapping over the 5 speed trans... would it easier to swap out the whole engine/trans assembly (lower mileage) or just the trans? My '95 coupe has 179K, but runs like a champ and burns no oil.

If i can pick up the whole car for like $500....I am some what mechanically oriented and a project like this wouldn't scare me.

 

Well, you're doing it the right way buying the wrecked unit and all since you're going to need a bunch more than just the engine / transmission.
Doing them both as a unit makes some sense, and if I could get assurances that the engine was golden; that would be the way I'd go.
Either way, I'd replace the clutch while I've got everything there and I'd also inspect the motor mounts while they are all accessable.

P

 

I would recommend so many things to get changed while everything was out it would not be worth doing, anyways do you have a digital camera man so we can help out and you can help us out too.

This is going to be a real job, lets have fun.

 

just swap the tranny for now, since your current motor runs fine you say. Then you can slowly build up the other motor, or just rebuild it with OEM parts, so when your current motor dies, you will have a new one ready to swap in

 

if and when my current F22 goes, i considered swapping in a H23 or DOHC f22... they're cheap and easily found.

My current engine has afresh timing belt/water pupm and doesn't leak or anything... it has higher mileage, but its still plenty peppy even with the slushbox.

I'm just wondering if swapping as a whole might be easier since i won't have to tear anything apart (assumng the clutch/timing belt/etc isin good shape).

 

Depending on the tools (and Lifts) and such that you have available; swapping the whole thing may not be an option.
Things are heavy and bulky enough just installing the Transmission.
Still pick up the "Parts Car" however. You'll need a surprising number of things from it for your tranny swap.

P