I am in talks to buy a B16A shortblock to drop into a 1990 CRX. The problem is that the CRX requires a cable tranny (right?) and the B16A uses a hydro tranny. Is it possible to use a cable tranny on an engine that came stock with a hydro tranny? I need an answer from someone who knows their stuff ASAP as I don't want this enginesold out from under me.

 

all b-series trannies can mount to all b-series blocks without any problems. the exception would be the 88-91 prelude motors.
but if you wanted to you could run an '01 ITR block and still use a B-series cable trans.

 

So I can use the B16A with a B16A tranny in an older 1990 CRX and not worry about cable or hydro?

 

since you have a 4th gen civic (88-91) you need a cable trans. what year B-series engine you have doesnt matter as far as the mating of the trans to the engine.

thats only one of your problems though. you are also going to need a pre-OBD (preferrably 1st gen JDM B16) ECU, distributor and injectors unless you want to do some rewiring so that you can run the B16s current computer which i assume is OBDI.

 

what you are failing to realize is that not all b16a's have hydro trannies. the Civic SiR1 in Japan (88-91) has a pre-obd b16a with a cable tranny. that's the swap you need to put in your car. you can pick one up for around $1000-1200 for the whole swap including axles, ecu, etc...

 

The B16A I am buying has a stock hydro, and I found a 90 B16A tranny which is cable so it will work.


Does a second gen. GSR tranny have a LSD?

 

no USDM GSRs came with LSD. only the JDM YS1 had the option of an LSD.

 

if the b16a your buying has a stock hydro than chances are its not a obd0 b16, which means your gonna need a new dist, ecu,and injectors. on top of that you will still need axles, shiftlinkage, and a motor mount kit.