My transmission shifts really hard in my 98 auto. I know it needs to be changed or rebuilt for sure.

So, with that in mind, what should I do? I'm mechanically inclined (I work at a motorcycle shop) I don't really need the car that often but I don't have a ton of money. We just had a baby recently too.

Should I rebuild it myself? I found a rebuild kit on rockauto.com for 110. The local transmission shop wants just short of 2400! Or route 3 is to find someone who did an auto to manual swap (or similar) buy their transmission and switch them.

What do you think?

 

Buy a used automatic from someone parting out a car, or as you said from an auto to manual swap. Shouldn't be overly expensive, the demand is relatively low and the supply high. You could always do your own auto to manual swap as well, not all that hard and can be done relatively cheap.

 

x2^^^^^^

if your gonna do it yourself, this should help.
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-civic-del-sol-1992-2000-1/how-my-auto-manual-swap-pics-56k-no-no-2090074/
yes its different years, but its relatively the same

 

luckily the auto to manual swap in this perticular vehicle is relatively easy.
just buy the parts and install them.
the only cutting and welding you will need to do is the brackets in the metal that hold your auto shift box mechanism in place.
other than that its a bolt on job.

g/l with what ever you decide to go with...

 

Thanks for the input.

I would do the manual swap, but it's the wife's car and she doesn't want manual.

I'll look around for a nice used auto transmission.

 

unless he has an HX.

 

lol. the wife's car. well get it manual and be like "i wear the pants in this relationship. and what i say goes!"
lol jk. well look around the honda market place. im sure you'll get a good one for cheap

 

^hahah nah. I have an RX-7 that's manual and is all modded out. That and a sportbike so I don't really need another quick vehicle.

I posted a WTB thread so hopefully I'll find something local.

 

nice. im gonna get a Honda CBR 600rr.
HOPEFULLY soon.

 

First bike? DON'T get a sportbike. Get some miles under your belt on something small and cheap, then upgrade. You'll thank me later.