Hey there,
Im pretty new to the Honda game, so I have a few questions regarding a few repairs on my EM1.
1. My transmission takes quite a bit of force to put into first gear and grinds from 4th to 5th (it does not when I double clutch it). I also have an unknown brand of short shifter linkage in it that makes the throws very short. I heard that sometimes if the throw is reduced enough, the transmission will not respond well to the gear engagement nicely. So if I got a stock shift linkage, would this help my issue?
2. If it is in fact a sychro issue, what is a ballpark price I can expect to see from a shop on a replacement? I would attempt the job, but I do not have a whole lot of experience (much less pulling a tranny apart), and the car is my daily, so I want it done the first time.
If someone could help guide me a bit on what to do, that would be huge. Thanks!

 

Synchrotec carbon synchros, bearings, and seals are $400. I was told about $350 for labor, but that depends on the shop.

 

I've heard short throws are bad for earlier Honda transmissions. Something about the angle of the linkage, and slop, I don't really know though. And yes, a normal shifter will make it easier than a short throw. Its a leverage thing. The shifter also has bushings down there, inspect them, there are three on the linkage. Front, middle and rear. They do wear out.

Have you made sure the clutch is good? Bad pressure plate can make so the clutch doesn't disengage 100%, and make shifting tough, especially into 1st at a stop.

4-5th grind usually from someone resting their hand on the shifter. Puts strain on, and wears out the syncros. That's where I'd go, especially since double clutching helps.

If you are only repairing the transmission (not rebuilding it), pull it apart before ordering parts, you may only need one or two syncros, or you might need a complete rebuild (doesn't sound like you need one), Better to have the right parts the first time since you'll be paying labor.

If its the stock S4 transmission, they are not the strongest of Honda B-series transmissions, even when the EM1's were new they had problems. I'll be getting a rebuild kit from Syncrotech for my S4 trans. Heard nothing but great stuff about them.