I warn you, this post may be long, I'm so excited, I have a bunch of comments coming
Alright. I just have to tell you guys. I was dead tired of my 7 year, 360,000 miles auto tranny, so I swapped the whole thing for a 5-speed. It is a much more difficult thing than expected, but happily, I had it done by a mechanic who does only stuff.
There still are small adjustments to be made, like the right CV joint, which is still an auto joint and feels very tight in there. And a few squeaks in the console which will have to be looked upon.
But so far as the swap, I'm very excited about it. (can't believe I drove around with an automatic for 5 years ) I also thought, heck, why not get a flywheel in there as well as a good clutch. So I bought me a nice UR 10lbs flywheel, and a dual face Centerforce clutch. Oh my do I love the difference! The engine revs are so much quicker, and the pedal feel and engagement are just the right stuff for my tastes.
As for the flywheel, it is amazing how much low end torque it adds to every gear (a little less in 5th), and though the clutch grabs on faster and may feel jerkyier, being able to rev up the engine faster really helps not to stall too easily. But I had to pay a lot more than in the US. I done my shopping, and paid around 700$ taxes included, which is over twice what it's worth . But still, it was worth it. Definitely the best bang for the buck I did yet
As for the Centerforce clutch goes, I had a few nightmarish comments, like one guy who lasted it only 4k. Of course this was on his 300whp Talon, so maybe the clutch was not well suited for his car. Should I expect trouble? If you guys know, please tell me if you had experience with the Centerforce kit.
Also, basically, what I have done so far is the I/H/E, flywheel, clutch, 5-speed swap on the engine. I also have some work done on brakes and suspension. I love the low end torque, and any upgrades I would do next should not sacrifice it. I have noticed the 500 rpm gap between 6000 and the 6500rpm cutoff is pretty useless since the power drops so drastically. What could I do to "fill" this up and have it pulling all the way to 6500? I was thinking along the ways of putting on my accessories pulley kit that lies in my wardrobe since 2 years ( ), but also maybe a TB, adjustable cam gear, and FPR. Am I going the right direction? If you have other suggestions, I have an ear for you.

 

Hehe, ok. Oh well. for me then, I guess... ( )


[Modified by sauceman77, 5:18 AM 12/29/2002]

 

700 for the whole thing? that's great.. ask for f23 tranny for me okay?

 

Well the 700$ was for the flywheel alone. It wasn't a good deal, and I know it, but I didn't want the hassle of getting it across the border and all that, so I bought it at a speed shop.
The clutch with throw-out bearing went at around 300$.
The tranny and all the parts necessary for the swap 645$ guaranteed 3 months
500$ went for the mechanic who performed the swap.

It was not necessarily the best deal around town, but considering the fact that it was on a 5th gen and for some reason we have a hard time getting 2nd hand parts for this gen around here + the peace of mind of having it done by a Honda guy who guarantees his work, I'm still pretty pleased with the deal.

BTW, iam7head, why are you getting rid of your rims, you just painted them.


[Modified by sauceman77, 6:37 AM 12/29/2002]


[Modified by sauceman77, 6:38 AM 12/29/2002]

 

welcome to the club...

 

Yeah...I am selling it to save up alittle bit before College and all that.
I dont have a job now.. I used to work for chase manhattan$$$$

 

Okay. Do you really want me to look it up for you for the f23 tranny? I don't mind, it's just that I don't think it'll be worth it after S&H and getting it across the border.