Transmission steroids?

**Robs89LXi** · 01-19-2004, 12:53 AM

What can be done to "beef up" my 5-speed '89 LXi transmission? I've seen a lot of posts for engine mods to increase hp and torque, and of course clutch upgrades, but nothing about getting the transmission up to par to keep up with this. Just how much power can our transmissions handle stock? And I don't mean for just one pass down the strip, but for a reliable daily driver. I'm going to be pulling mine (5th gear gone), and would like to take the opportunity to muscle it up some. Any suggestions?

**shepherd79** · 01-19-2004, 05:40 AM

well, there are members on this board with cars pushing over 300hp and i think they use stock tranny. it will handle a lot power. i would say it will start creaping on you around 350-400hp.

**Mike's89AccordLX** · 01-19-2004, 05:48 AM

Well if you want more power you might want to swap in a 2nd gen prelude si tranny b/c it has better gear ratios. I have heard that after the swap you will lose one second off of your 1/4 mile time. That's pretty huge if you ask me.

**'A20A3'** · 01-19-2004, 09:04 AM

Have it upgraded at a shop. I know some shops have to do that because in car magazines all the time I see "upgraded for performance by such-and-such a shop". It's probably not very cheap, but it's definetly worth it in the long run.

**k-roy** · 01-19-2004, 09:07 AM

The prelude swap is a good Idea, but the Integra swap is better for one reason, LSD. Sure its not the best LSD out there but its a damn good upgrade.

**Justin86** · 01-19-2004, 11:10 AM

yea you can take it to a shop but exactely what they do I have no clue.

**Mike's89AccordLX** · 01-19-2004, 11:17 AM

What integra swap are you talking about kroy? I know that you can put itr lsd in some lude trannies. I didn't know that any integra trannies would bolt up to our motors.

**rjudgey** · 01-19-2004, 11:41 AM

well loads can be done depends on howmuch you got!
mines got a accord bellhousing with integra gearbox bolted on, pretty much all honda/acura gearboxes are interchangeable in someway, the internal parts can definately be used from 86-89.
so basics accord bellhousing needed, acura/honda integra/u.k/jdm civic 1.6 dohc 16 valve gearbox, the internal gears can then be mixed and matched to pretty much anything you want, also word of advice don't use cheap main bearings or honda bearings, they can't take high power or high speed constantly i got a bearing specialist to match someting up as it happens they had something that fitted which are race spec and will take a lot more abuse. also a phantomgrip lsd can be fitted to diff and possibly a quaife lsd which was made for civic in japan and u.k. but i need to check this out with them by sending them my old diff to see if it fits. also a fresh lick of paint makes it look nice and also if you plan on track racing might be worth looking at rigging up a oil cooler for box.

**BootMachine** · 01-19-2004, 01:32 PM

yeah man..do a prelude tranni swap...I have a prelude SI with the stock tranni in it and MAN it tears in 1st and 2nd gear. The gears are so steep and close together you swear the box belongs on a motorcycle. When you hit 3rd your rpms drop quite a bit though...NOS would help with this problem BUT.....no car can gain on me when I'm going from 1st to 2nd gear! At redline in 2nd I can only go about 60 kms/h!

**Robs89LXi** · 01-19-2004, 03:35 PM

Thanks for all the great input, guys. What I'm looking for though is a way for the tranny to RELIABLY handle the extra horsepower I plan to make (not too warped, but around 250 maybe). More than likely, I will be going turbo, and I want to make sure the transmission will keep up. Yep, I've heard of the prelude and integra swaps, but while the gearing might be different, are they actually any stronger? The horsepower rating on these cars are not much better than ours, eh? Actually, I kind of like the ratios I have right now, and if turboed, I will be reaching shift points fast enough to actually make the Prelude swap too short.
A20A3, yeah, I've heard the same thing, but like Justin said, I have no clue as to exactly what a "performance upgrade" is. I would imagine stronger components, and of course, ratio changes depending on your application. The oil cooler is of course a good idea anyway, especially down here in hot-as-hell Texas

!
I'll be taking mine to a certified Honda guy who now has his own shop, and I'll pick his brain to see what he has to say. I'll be sure to let you know.
Thanks again.

**Sean** · 01-19-2004, 04:18 PM

im working with liberty transmission here in MI to see about upgraduing the gearboxs. looking at a bunch of ideas. everything from heat/cryo treating them to making new counter and mianshafts with straight cut gears and a spray oiling system with dog clutchs and welded in case reinfrocements. there some things on the table. depends on how crazy you want to get with it.

**Justin86** · 01-19-2004, 04:54 PM

Originally Posted by Sean

im working with liberty transmission here in MI to see about upgraduing the gearboxs. looking at a bunch of ideas. everything from heat/cryo treating them to making new counter and mianshafts with straight cut gears and a spray oiling system with dog clutchs and welded in case reinfrocements. there some things on the table. depends on how crazy you want to get with it.

As long as the tranny will hold +400hp I will be happy.
If you guys think the lude tranny kick ass try the teg tranny. If I don't run 15's I will shoot myself. The car still pulls hard at +120mph in 5th.

I will maybe loose 15mph over the max speed but for what you gain in acceleration it is well worth.

**k-roy** · 01-20-2004, 05:30 PM

Originally Posted by Mike's89AccordLX

What integra swap are you talking about kroy? I know that you can put itr lsd in some lude trannies. I didn't know that any integra trannies would bolt up to our motors.

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