Third Times a Charm… right?
I’m in the process rebuilding my civic r18 manual transmission for the 3rd time! Damage Report:
- original bellhousing dead (hole from countershaft)
- original 5th gear syncro stuck on top cone on mainshaft
- Second trans from picknpull Differential completly trashed
- Second transmission bellhousing destroyed by VSS Sensor
That’s two trashed transmissions!
2 Bad trans = 1 Good One
Ebay bellhousing + 2nd trans mainshaft and countershaft + original differential + original trans case…. We put this all together to make 1 full trans. No Hondabond sealant yet!
With our frankenstien trans, have a transmission with a mainshaft thrust clearance of around 0.005 inch, which is in spec!
Now our Differential thrust is around 0.381 mm, which is way too much. We have a shim that’s 0.30 mm thicker hopefully coming from Honda.
We are so close…
Mainshaft Thrust Clearance for Under $30
Assuming you have a pickle fork and vise scripts already... You can use a metal L bracket from Ace or any home improvement store, Harbor Freight dial gauge, and Harbor Freight dial base. Video coming soon and will update this blog with new video soon.
2025-05-06 : Shim is Here!
My Differential shim is here, so we can continue our transmission rebuild! I have a mainshaft thrust clearance setup video, the differential clearance video, and the last transmission sealing video coming out soon. I might make video putting inside the car, but I don’t want to be too detailed, mundane. Also, I thought about clutch upgrade in case we go turbo, but might hold off. We really want to be sure that:
- Transmission does not leak any fluid
- Transmission shifts perfectly
After ensuring basic functionality then comes the fun upgrades:
- Civic em1 master cylinder?
- Stainless steel clutch line?
- Clutch upgrade for next time we drop trans?
- Lightened flywheel?
- Short Shifter?
- Shift cables?
- GM Syncromesh fluid?
- mfactor lsd for next rebuild?
David McDavid Pickup
I like these guys. Close to home, nice prices, and have my parts. As time goes by these parts will get harder to find. Having access to Honda oem parts is critical for your Honda project.