Hi guys, I'm new to this forum so I apologise if I'm posting this in the wrong place! I'm just after a bit of help and advice really. I'm looking to buy an ef but at the moment I'm only finding autos, I've always had manual so I'm a bit unsure whether or not to go for it, don't really know exactly what it is I'm asking but just people's opinions really. Thanks in advance

 

If you are okay with automatic... do it. I wouldn't in a million years because I don't just cruise and hard park my car.

As far as converting from auto/manual - not worth it. Helping a friend now and it is just a big clusterfck.

So if you want to get to work and back then go park in a parking lot on weekends and talk with your friends, slam it and put some big ole rims on it, yes auto sounds good.

 

Auto is fine in my opinion. You can put a lip on it, lower it, spruce it up and clean it with an auto transmission. You can have a clean engine bay with an auto too. Manual is purely for performance, and stock manuals are lacking in that department anyway. If you are looking to enjoy a car and drive it to car shows, but not really race it, auto is fine. Shoot, I drive an auto as a daily. Nothing wrong with it.

 

Maybe I came across as condescending. Depends on what you want with the car - performance wise auto is not recommended. Otherwise do your thing man.

 

Thanks guys, I've got big plans for it! Looking to make it a show car, complete respray, low, new wheels, re do the interior, cleanup the bay etc but it will also be my daily. Not to worried about performance, if I can get it looking as good as I'm planning it won't need speed. This is going to be my first build though I've helped my boyfriend with his cars I wanna take control of this one! �� he's the one who's more worried about performance so made me a little unsure about it being auto.

 

Don't worry about it being auto at all then. Get a good transmission rebuild if it needs one and roll with it. Plenty of great options out there.

Respray is pretty basic, just make sure the prep work is spot on and the body is straight.

Lower it on something nice, please. If you are slamming it, ignore me. But if you are going for a modest drop, there are a lot of high quality parts to be had at a decent price in the for sale area. HondaTech gets a lot of discounts from vendors.

Wheels are all personal opinion. I'd suggest something in the 15" range as a maximum, don't go any bigger. A lot of people love factory rims from other cars.

Interior is something I have been eyeing myself lately. Replacement carpets are not that expensive and make a world of difference. Find some nice seats, whatever you style is. And if you want to respray any of the interior, use SEM interior dye. That stuff is amazing.

Engine bay is really simple. You can still tuck and shave it if that is your thing. Or you can do some basic stuff like moving the fuse box and battery to give it a more open appearance. You can also reroute wires without 'tucking' them into the fenders. Just do it one at a time or label them very well. Then cleaning the bay is still the same.

I'm positive that a nice looking EF is nice regardless of the transmission. Just use quality parts and take your time. Find a nice rust free body with a solid motor that doesn't leak and a worry free transmission and be on your way.

 

Show car daily driver?
Awesome idea keeping it auto - if a thief strikes your show car, you will likely just lose the wheels. The auto trans is worthless so the car will be able to be driven when recovered from theft.

Auto to manual swap is stupid easy if you ever get tired of the slush box.

 

There is a reason why your only finding autos out there. Think about it. Ultimately its just preference.

 

I wouldn't think too hard about it. There is plenty of contradicting thoughts to be had.

I'd worry about the chassis more than the drive train. Engine/trans swaps are a dime a dozen; major body repair is not.