I want a manual tranny so bad.......But I've heard that its not worth it and only causes more problems to your engine and is always needing to be repaired, etc. Anyone had one done yet, or can put in their knowledgable opinion on this?
Another question......anyone know where I can find a manual transmission for a 99 lude?

 

Too much money, more likely to have maintanence issues, and it will lower the resale value of your car.

Not a hard decision in my opinion.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by AndyD &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Too much money, more likely to have maintanence issues, and it will lower the resale value of your car.

Not a hard decision in my opinion. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I disagree completely. I did the swap and I know many others who have done it and have had zero problems..

Anyways, it can be cheaply done - You can find all the parts in a local junkyard or try to find a completely wrecked prelude. I found a wrecked prelude at an auction for next to nothing- but both the motor & transmission were in perfect shape - I didn't need the motor, but another guy did, so I was able to make back money. You can get all the parts for less than $600 if you look around. The only other part expense is if you want a new clutch, flywheel, or LSD - all of which I recommend doing if you're considering the swap (I couldn't afford the LSD). If you have a HELMS manual, you can follow to do the swap.

As far as reliability goes, there have been zero problems. I know 4 people personally who have done the swap, and none of us have had any problems. Honda uses the same exact chassis for both cars as they go down the assembly line. All the bolt holes are already existing for the shifter, pedal assemblies, clutch assembly, etc. No cutting of the firewall or anything else required. If you just follow the helms manual and if you have all the bolts/parts of another prelude, everything will bolt up as if the prelude came from the factory as a 5-speed. If you're serious about this, do a search on this site and preludeonline.com and you will find more information about these swaps and will see the people who have been successful with them.

Resale Value is not a concern to me. If you have already spent your time, money, and energy modifying & maintaining your prelude as I and many others have, then you know that it may be very difficult to find a 5-spd exactly like yours or in as good shape. My prelude was in perfect shape and the swap just made it that much better. Plus, I'll never sell the prelude to get another car I'll keep it until it's a classic

 

as far as money, hes right it worth it. in my day ive been thru alot of cars and autos can't take nearly as much abuse as a manual. Ive done a couple tranny swaps on autos, and i wish they were all manual. Never had any problems with my 5speeds. and resale value ? if you have a lude why the F*ck would u want to sell it!?