I'm going to be swapping a 91 CRX Si tranny into my 90 CRX DX. I will be doing all the work, however this will be the biggest thing I've done to the vehicle (I've done everything from valve jobs to a MPFI swap to axles to replacing the entire suspension). I already have a Helms, of course, but my questions are:

1. I've read that I can use a jack so support the engine while doing the tranny work. Is this correct? If so, what is the correct way to support the engine? I don't want to get an engine hoist, but I can.

2. Are there any little parts I should have on hand? My throwout bearing is fairly new (1.5 years, no noise from it), so I don't plan on replacing that at the moment. I would do the clutch/flywheel, but I'm a bit short on cash due to college.

3. Any other tips in general? I have a couple of friends who are going to help out, and have pretty much the same automotive experience as I do. Basically, I want to do this in a weekend since this is my daily driver. I find this do-able, seeing as I can have the axles, radiator, and everything else removed within 30 minutes. I just am going to take the extra steps and drop the tranny this time.

Thanks for any input you guys have.

 

make sure you have all the tools.

 

1. Whenever I do a clutch job in my garage I use a jack to support the engine so that is cool. Just make sure you put a block of wood the jack and the engine, you don't want to crush anything like the oil pan.
2. Even though your throw out bearing is new I always replace them with doing a clutch job. They should come in the package with the new clutch, well my ACT came with a new one. And the Luk clutchs at my job come with a new throw out bearing.
3. Oh yeah have patience because it can be a b*#@% trying to get the tranny back on, specialy when your on the ground, believe me I been their numerous times

 

I have all the tools I can think of needing, including the all important 8mm punch for the 'bitch' pin. I've yet to encounter something on my vehicle that required a tool I didn't have.

 

Ive pulled a tranny on a gsr, but it should be similar to the crx.

jack the car up fairly high. on my 2ton jackstands they were on the 3rd or 4th notch.

just place a block of wood under the oil pan and exhaust pipe and place a jack (scissor jack worked for me) under it. you will be raising and lowering it to get the right angle to get the tranny off and the new one on. Ive heard that the crx is a tight fit, you may have to take extra steps to get the tranny out.... im not sure.

you can remove the shifter linkage at the shifter end, and drop it with the tranny. Then you can remove the linkage pin without being under the car.

drop the tranny using another jack with wheels and use the jack to put the new tranny on... just easier this way imo. You will definitely want a buddy when putting the tranny back on.

might want to use some blue thread locker on the flywheel bolts. you dont want them to loosen up after everything is put back together.

grease the shift fork where the pivot ball thing is. and grease the throwout bearing shaft portion.

Sounds like with all the stuff youve already done, youd get this done in a weekend or less.

 

A 5 gal. plastic pail (upside down, of course) is just the right size and has ample strength to support the engine.

Use your jackstands for the body.


[Modified by 7PSI CRX, 4:52 AM 3/7/2003]

 

Thanks for the tips. Now I feel even more confident in doing this. Although, if anyone else has anything to add, I'd be glad to listen.