Completely new to the honda game (yeah, i'm late) and I picked up an ek hatch with JDM ITR b18c/tranny. Before I order new bushings to see if it fixes the issue, is this normal on these old cars? Also, if I wanted to replace the shift linkage, I'd need an ITR one, or 99-00 Civic Si or 94-01 Integra will be ok? Thanks.
https://imgur.com/a/4mm0p0A (showing N, then 1st, then 3rd)

 

replace the stock shifter bushings with ones from Energy Suspension. The kit is like $12.

 

What NVturbo said, but Downstar actually sells a billet piece that will remove any slop that remains. Instead of having the b***h pin, this goes in that spot.

 

Bought the hybrid racing shifter and energy shifter bushings. I have the same exact play as you do, I thought the new shifter and bushing would help cancel this out.

On top of that 2nd and 4th have a constant squeak when I throw it into gear. I did lubricate to no avail. It’s a nice shifter but if I’d have to do it again I’d choose k tuned. Not to mention it’s super easy to strip the threads for the Allen key. I think quality wasn’t a huge concern for them.. /rant

IMO the play has to be coming from the bitch pin area I believe there’s a spring somewhere in there that needs to be replaced over time someone correct me if I’m wrong

Until then just enjoy the new hybrid shifter with the extra play in between throw you couldn’t notice before lol

 

If you have anything but the original roll pin (bitch pin) in there, you will have slop... I don't know about the Downstar thing, but that pin is a great place to start. Some people replace it with a nut and bolt or whatever else they can find around that fits in the hole, but that pin compresses and takes up all the slop at the joint. I would also suggest looking at the bearings or bushings in the bottom of your shift lever, but since the shifter appears new, that's not likely the issue.

 

"B" series shift linkage are aging... and it is not uncommon for the actual U-joints to wear out and get sloppy. Get up under the car and wiggle the two rotating points of the joint up by the bitch pin and see how much play is there... even a little bit translates into a LOT back at the shifter.

 

^ This. I have been down the "replaced every bushing and still have play" path. You won't realize how much play is in your used linkage, until you have a fresh one in hand.

 

Agreed. I cut mine out entirely and replaced with one of those ‘mil spec’ steering u joints that are popular with the Formula SAE kids:

 

I have tried everything to get rid of the slop you speak of! if you check my build thread you will see what I mean!

https://honda-tech.com/forums/appear...556604/page28/

My trans is a brand new ITR from the dealer, I have the Energy bushings as well as new oem bitch pin! even with the Hybrid shifter still have slop! I tried the Hasport and innovate shift linkage and still had the stupid slop! then I tried to find the OEM shift linkage but ALL dealers are sold out! but I found a guy on ebay who sells a package deal using a OEM shift linkage! I messaged him and he agreed and sold me just the lower OEM shift linkage or "Rod Change" the part with the U joint! the upper piece is not needed! after install the shifter has 0 slop! OEM FTW! He charged me I think $125 with the new OEM pin! better get them before there gone guys!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/B-Series-Sw...72.m2749.l2649

 

Thanks guys, and yeah I suspected the U join as well after reading around, I actually ended up ordering a bunch of parts on hondapartsnow because I'm not sure how old the current one is and previous owner doesn't know either. shift linkage,rod, bushings, pin, and that metal bracket that goes over the bushing (noticed it was missing) but it wont arrive for a couple more weeks. I'm hoping I ordered the right one....2 door civic SI? The parts listed on hondaparts now if you search up 54201-S04-G10

EDIT: What I ordered

 

You will be lucky if its actually in stock! I too ordered one from a dealership only to get my payment refunded stating the part # is out of stock for the Rod Change. And several other dealers were the same but its possible its was only for the Integra B series, Hopefully they have the SI part # for you!

 

Man that is pretty. It's been so long since I've seen a brand new change rod.

 

I got this mail from them, hopefully they're able to get a set:

We would like to inform you that we have ordered the parts (which are listed below) from the Honda Parts Center to complete your order. We will ship out the order in its entirety once we have all the parts.


Part No. Description Order
Qty. Status ETA*
54201-S04-G10 Rod, Change 1 On Order 03/16/2020

54301-S04-G10 Extension, Change 1 On Order 03/16/2020

 

Yea man I literally had both brand aftermarket shift linkage and it still felt sloppy! soon as I put the OEM unit in! no more slop! I had a hard time finding it as I t seemed the dealers were all sold out on this part but maybe not so much on the SI parts!

 

Going to pass some info I've learned recently. The Shift Change Holder Assembly in the transmission can also wear, causing play.

 

^ I've seen this in a couple of really high mileage transmissions, especially if they've really been beat on... which is unfortunately the case for a lot of these units at this point. The change holder also tends to weaken and crack at some of the bends in the assembly. It's about a $125 part and obviously you have to open the case to get at it, so it's a last resort if you've replaced literally everything else on the outside of the trans without any improvement.

#4 in the pic: