Mine is a stock 5 speed DX, what options do I have? My understanding is all D series trans are interchangeable. What are my options, benefits? Ratios? I know will lose a few MPGs, but I live at 5k ft and would prefer the shorter ratios. Ideally, shorter 1-4 and lengthy 5th gear ratios would be ideal.

 

I mean...... is this for road racing or just daily driving?

In all honesty the stock Y7 is just fine or even a Y8 manual transmission. Everything is so close between the 2 that there really isn't any comparing them. I've had them both and I couldn't tell any real difference.

 

Ideally,for the time being I'd like to get just a little more zip out of the car. The plan is to eventually turn it into an auto-x/track funday car when my other half gets the truck he wants,but those plans are tabled for quite some time. The gear ratios in this trans are incredibly tall. I had an 03 2.sl0w Jetta that was definitely quicker and more fun, beause the gear ratios in the trans were far shorter, and that motor made no more power than a Y7. I do live at 5,000 ft,which means 15% less horsepower. 30% less if I drive to the mountains for a day.

I have come across several "best cheap mods?" Threads in which swapping trans was a prevalent suggestion

 

You will see a slight improvement in performance by swapping the Y7 for a Y8 5-speed transmission. It is a bit more expensive, but you could install a shorter (bigger number) final drive in your Y7 trans and improve your acceleration even more.

 

Food for thought, thanks!
Are the EX and SI manuals the same? Or Y8 vs Z6?

 

The '92-95 EX and '96-00 EX 5 speed manual transmissions are nearly identical... the '92-95 Si trans has a slightly shorter 5th gear making the acceleration in that gear a bit better over the EX transmissions.

 

so I found a transmission from a 95 Del Sol for $225 in a they-pull-u-pay parts yard...I asked if that trans was from an SI model. They told me the SI in that year range was Canadian market, but that same trans came in the Del Sol he has. So, am I getting an Si trans?

Also, maaaayyyy have made the decision to go K20A2 in a year or two >_>

 

Was just about to mention that building up the transmission is also an option, but it can rack up on the cost. But a built D series transmission sounds fun and interesting.

 

it appeals to me as well, but this car is our only daily until my truck is done (650hp/1400tq 6.7 Cummins 6 speed), and I am starting to solidify my long term commitment to a K20A2 swap. Basically, just looking fot a little extra fun as cheap as possible.

 

I live in the USA, so my experience is with USDM Honda models, and thus, I cannot speak intelligently on Canadian models.

 

I used an S20 from a 95 Del Sol. The yard sold it to me with bad bearings >_<. Looks like the S40 is going back in. My first time, and last, ever buying a transmission from a parts yard. Just not worth rolling the dice.

I will say this, the gearing is perfect for the altitude I live at, it makes the car a LOT more fun to drive, and gas mileage isn't terrible at 85mph. But I did see a few mpgs drop off.