I've got a 2005 ep3 that's having a few tranny issues. The previous owner(s) didn't take very good care of the car, and it shows. 2nd gear is a little rough sometimes, and she doesn't always want to go into reverse.

I don't know how expensive it is to replace gears in the transmission I have, so I'm thinking about replacing the transmission altogether (I need to replace the clutch anyway).

I'm looking around for a replacement, but what exactly should I be looking for? How can I tell a good transmission from an abused one? While I've learned lots from the forums here, I'm still not a mechanic, and any advice helps.

 

I don't know what your budget is but you could get a rebuilt transmission from here:
http://www.kmodperformance.com/K-Ser...NSMISSION.html
As far as a used one...there really is no way you can tell what condition it's in without driving it. Best advice I could give you is get one that comes with some sort of warranty (at least 30 days) and less than 100k miles on it. K-series trans are not problematic but most people don't know how to take care of them and don't change the trans fluid often. You wouldn't go 100k without an oil change so why would you go so long without changing your trans fluid? I would say rebuild your trans or buy a rebuilt one.

 

Have you tried draining all the fluid and replacing it with new stuff. I would also recommend trying the GM Syncromesh.

 

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll drain and replace the fluid first and see what happens.

Spaz, do I blend the Synchromesh with manual transmission fluid?

Poetic, thanks for the recommendation. If changing the fluid doesn't help, I'll look into that option.

 

You don't need to blend anything, sychromesh is manual trans fluid. Honda MTF, redline MTL and amsoil MTF are all good trans fluids. You only need 2 quarts to flush and refill. Here's a DIY on how to do it:
https://honda-tech.com/forums/acura-rsx-dc5-honda-civic-ep3-32/diy-%2Aep3-specific%2A-how-tranny-fluid-change-mtf-small-pics-2155139/

 

I'd go to a chevy dealership and pick up gm synchromesh friction modified. FYI it is now in a white bottle and branded under ac delco

 

Thanks for the tip. I'll do that