My 90 civic trans is pretty much done so here is the low down.

I bought a Used trans from a 88 civic. Here is the difference in the two.

88 DX 5 speed - 21 spline Input shaft

90 LX 5 speed - 20 spline input shaft


What does this mean from the different splines?? Is the 21 spline a SI tranny?

I ****ed my stage 2 clutch disc from trying to install the new trans. Went to the store not realizing it was a different trans still, bought a new clutch and it slipped right over the old input shaft (20 spline) and def did not fit the new trans, this is when I realized to count the input shafts. So I ordered the "Hopefully" correct clutch for the trans.

If anyone who is a EF expert can chime in and let me know what trans I have that would be awesome and maybe year or model. Thanks!

 

Different spline just means 88. That's all, nothing else. Now go out and enjoy the New Year.

 

**** I am going to get trashed... and then finish the trans tomorrow.

 

So the trans that went into a DX vs LX made the difference in what trans you got? Just curious about this.

 

DX and LX were the same. Now the EX out of 90-91 had a lower F/D than the "Si" transmission of the same years. It was in the neighborhood of 4.0x something or other.

 

Good to know thanks!

 

4.31 if im not mistaken.

op, did you buy a whole clutch kit? you might have bought the right clutch for the spline count, but is the disc the right size?

saying that, if you just bought the clutch kit for a '88, you're going to need to buy a flywheel for a '88 also. the disc will be smaller.

 

This just keeps getting better... I hope to god I don't need the flywheel. I will have to call the guy who sold me the trans to get all that stuff.

 

Looks like I needed a new flywheel. this really sucks, I spent over $400 on this Pile of ****... damn

 

^^ you can find a used D series flywheel for like $20, i wouldn't stress it

 

https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/stock-clutch-fitment-guide-2284956/
https://honda-tech.com/forums/honda-crx-ef-civic-1988-1991-3/what-look-identify-si-tranny-1551508/

 

yea, op, don't stress, just go to a pick and pull and find a 88, and pull out the flywheel from that.

 

I am scrapping this trans and finding the correct trans and getting a new clutch disc and keeping my stage two flywheel. I just need to quit stressing. I just can't believe a 88 has a completely different set up. I got friends who are going to try and find me a trans that's 5 speed, no SI trans since it's way to short in gearing and I need the Fuel economy.

 

wow this has helped out a lot!

So an 88 Accord Clutch Disc with 21 spline will work with my 90 Civic Flywheel and pressure plate. No issues of clearance?

Is there anything I should know about 88 tranny's??? issues compared to 89-91?

 

well youll need axles for the 88 too. im swapping a d15b7 into my 91 dx. didnt know the trans i bought from a guy was from an 88 so i ended up having to get a clutch kit and flywheel to fit the 88 trans. sucks i didnt get to use the 90 si parts i already had in the garage. i tried the accord disc like ppl say to use but it just didnt look right to me. like the size was just off so i just got the 88 clutch kit.

 

with that said, Im just going to ditch this set up and find the proper trans and save me the trouble, I have brand new axles for my car that I bought earlier this year and just had one replaced under warranty. This whole thing is just stupid. I am going to make sure I find a 5 speed for the year I need lol.

 

Where are you located? lol

 

all 88-91 axles are the same except zc and hf/std but that is only on the hub end all tranny ends are the same except the zc that uses equal length shafts,

 

90 si axles will not fit an 88 trans. hub yes.. i have proof in my garage

 

Washington State

I am going to call around this week and maybe hit up a few wrecking yards, pick a parts, and pull a parts. I am sure one of these places has a honda trans waiting to be taken!

 

BTW, I really appreciate the help and information. Not a Honda guru hahaha. I can tell you everything you would need to know about a LS1 though

 

i have prof that it does fit, and it's my dd.

90 ex axles with a 88 transmission. in a 91 si. using 88 accord clutch disc, 90 ex flywheel, and pressure plate. no problems, expect the long gearing.


*think i remember you saying you had trouble with this before. i wonder why when i, and many others have not?

 

You are wrong. All '88-91 2WD Civic axles use the same inner CV joint.

 

Truth! The outer joint is where you get the differences. All DX/LX/EX/SI had 26 spline outer shafts and the STD/HF had 23 splines.

Edit: OP, where in Washington State are you located?

 

Tacoma Area