Questions about NSX's transmission quality.

[jasonh1234]

I've learned that the Accord Coupe Type-R (which never made it to production) used an NSX's manual transmission. The V6 Accord comes only in a 4 speed automatic. The Accord's transmission is flawed from design and cannot handle any large increases in horsepower, so I am eager to swap it out and gain a manual transmission.

The Accord Coupe Type R engine with NSX transmission

Transmission swap options for the Accord are the Acura CL Type S 6 speed, and the NSX's transmission. Because the NSX is a more performance oriented car than the CL-S, the NSX tranny swap looks like a more attractive option to me. I'm wondering if anyone can tell me any of the pros and cons of the NSX's tranny. Are there any flaws I'd want to be aware of? Does it require any modifications from it's factory state to be able to handle forced induction with no problems? eg: Turbo and Nitrous. or Supercharger + turbo and nitrous.
Are any replacement parts for the NSX's tranny obscenely overpriced?
Any info would be appreciated.

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[vincentvtec]

How can you put NSX transmission into Accord (J-series) engine?
I don't think you can do that!!!!!!!!

 

[jasonh1234]

Snippet from a website about the AC-R

the NSX transmission will bolt directly to the block. There is an engine dyno at Honda that requires a manual transmission for testing. The engineers bolt the J series engine to an NSX tranny for testing. But before you go doing the swap you do need stuff like a custom linkage among others.

Turns out the tranny they ended up using for the AC-R was a modified 2.5 Inspire's
but still... They were able to connect an NSX's tranny. Now I don't know a lot about engine or tranny swaps and I admit being completely clueless about what a getting a "custom linkage" would entail. Maybe this isn't possible inside the car but with Honda's engineers having the engine outside of the car it's another story? <shrug>


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[4AU4LIFE]

I don't think it is possible.

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ALL NSX
92 RED/BLACK 5-SPEED

 

[JoeSchmoe]

The NSX transmissions are fairly reliable if you get one thats not in the snap ring failure range. Search the faq for more details. There are numerous NSXs out there running forced induction or nitroous on the stock gearbox (some with clutch upgrade) and AFAIK, they seem to hold up well.

Assuming you can cobble the two halves together and fit it in the engine bay, your next biggest problem would be figuring out the shift linkages. The accord linkage normally exits the rear of the transmission while the nsx cables exit the front. You will need to figure out how to reverse the cable travel to get this to work.

Another drawback is the cost of the components. Although the 91-96 5-speed tranny can be had for ~1400+ the clutch will add another ~1100 more, a 97+ 6-speed will easily run ~4000+ plus it needs the more expensive (and heavier) single plate clutch. Other mods you might want to throw in include the JDM short gears (5-spd) at ~900 or the ring/pinion for another 800-1800 depending on the ratio (4.23 vs 4.55). It could add up quick depending on your budget.

The CL-S gearbox will probably be a lot easier (if at all possible) to cobble together since it sits in a position more similar to the accord. Plus, you also get a 6-speed and it will cost a hell of a lot less. I have no idea about its durability though.

 

[jasonh1234]

Hmm thanks for the input Joe.
Yeah the CL-S tranny is a no fuss no muss swap. The only problem is related to the ECU and VTEC engagment.

I guess what I'll do is throw a CL-S engine with it's tranny and ECU in rather than muck with an NSX tranny. Sounds way to problematic considering the alternative.

Thx for your help.

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