matcron391

here's the scoop! I bought an 1999 acura tl. I was wanting to know if a 2007 tl tranny will work with a 1999 tl? I didn't pay very much for the car.

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

I would go for the 04-06 6spd transmission. (or the 03-07 accord 6spd transmission, its usually cheaper)

it will work, but there are some things you will need to do in order for it to work properly.

visit the 2nd generation TL section. there are threads on swapping to the 3rd gen transmission and also accord V6 transmission.

https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/

fsttyms1

Actually the only real transmission to swap is the CL-6 speed.

BUT, having a 99 he has a lot more work to do.

fsttyms1

If talking about the manual trans, No, it wont. 07 and up they changed the bell housing.

If you are looking at a auto, only the 4 speed trans will work with your ecu.

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

by real you mean simple?

I distantly remember people using 3rd gen TL/Accord av6 transmissions.. hmm

BoriTL

Not for the 99 though, the 2000 and up models were 5 speed, unfortunately the 99 is a 4 speed so the automatic swap isn't possible. Was told to much of a hassle to do it for the 99, ecu, wire harness, etc needed to be changed out, as well as i believe some of the pins are different from the 99 to 2000+ models. I have a 99 and ended up rebuilding at a local tranny shop. sucks though would have loved to do the 06/07 accord swap since you hear all the 2000+ modelers raving about it.

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

excluding any of the autos.
the 99's cant be swapped over to M/T from accord/TL?

obviously there is work in any swap from model-model.. I just could've sworn when I was looking into swapping my 2nd gen, the accord/tl tranny swap was recommended by somebody who had done it already.

matcron391

it will be the automatic that I will be putting back in it. I found the 07 automatic tranny for $300 with 27k on it. I knew there were going to be a few differences. but still had to ask before buying. I only gave $1200 for the car. the car appears to be in great shape. just wanted to fix it well enough to last for a couple of more years

BoriTL

With two kids can't really be the tester to just up and buy parts, but if you do have success on this please keep us posted, would love to do the swap as well as the reliablity of the original trannys isn't comforting.

fsttyms1

There is no point in putting the accord manual in. It doesnt have the LSD. That alone makes half the reason to swap it.

To put the TL manual in you NEED to get your hands on a richie module as you cant use the CL ECU with it.

fsttyms1

wont work. You need to find another 99 trans that is a 4 speed.

Rockstar21

iTrader: (1)

I remember that.

lsd is great if you want that performance aspect of it. when I had mine, I was shooting for longevity.

of course im glad I didn't b/c I moved on not long after anyways.

3.2TLc

IMO, if ya can do the installation work....buy another '99 TL 4 speed AT and drop it into your car. Otherwise, it may be to your advantage to have the existing tranny rebuilt if the car is in good condition.

matcron391

that's just it! the car is in great shape. it was a one owner car. belonged to a doctors wife. so they had the means to take care of the car. the current mileage on the car is 286k. one of the other things I am considering. is doing a full jdm drive train swap. the other thing I would like to know. will the 2.5 engine fit the 3.2 engine cradle. power is not my concern. more like having a running car that is usable. so the wife will shut up. I gave $1200 for the car. which I didn't think was a bad deal.

BoriTL

you could always get a 2000+ motor with ecu and wire harness and than get the 06/07 accord tranny, would be a lot of wiring work. as well as some of the components are pinned different for the 99 i believe like the guage cluster.

3.2TLc

Hey Matcron391, if ya want a running usable car for your wife.....keep your work as simple as possible. This way, ya won't have any surprise issues pop up here and there.....now and later !!!

The '99 TL's with the older 4 speed AT were very durable, compared to the newer 2000 and up models with the newly designed problematic 5 speeds. So, with that being said.....look for another '99 4 speed to directly bolt in. While I'm unsure, there may be some Gen 1 TL's with the older 4 speed that could be used as a donor. If ya can find a lower mileage tranny, it'll get ya by a couple of years, IMO. Otherwise, consider a rebuild of your existing tranny. This will be your most sensible and quickest way to get your wife into a usable car.

matcron391

thanks 3.2 tlc. I see what your saying. and I have looked into rebuilding or replacing. and I am still going over the options. and trying to decide which way would be the best to go with the project. it's not a big rush kind of thing. I figure it will take until the end of the year to complete the drive train swap. and to work out the bugs... the labor of doing the swap doesn't bug me. I get satisfaction from being able to see what the result of the work give. I've been building cars a lot like the one I have now for 20 years....