I've searched and read the forums, but still have a few points I'm confused on, so here's my situation:

I just purchased a '99 CL 3.0. It has 95k, one-owner miles. The CEL is on as code P0740 (TCC Circuit Malfunction).

From reading around, a swap is likely cheaper than a rebuild, so my questions are:

1) Is there any stick that can reasonably swapped in and bolted to my 3.0 (it appears no, but they all seemed to be from over a year ago)?

2) It is my understanding that the 98-2002 Accord has the same drivetrain. Will their transmissions swap right in as well.

3) If I chose to rebuild it, is there any suggestions on things to do to make it last longer? I plan on doing the full kit with the water pump, pulley, etc in it.

We'll likely do the timing belt while the car is apart just to make sure it's done and not to be worried about.

Thanks for the help!

 

To swap in a stickshift transmission you'd have to do a full J32 engine/tranny swap from the 2nd gen TL. I don't know if the auto accord trannies fit, but I do know that the 2nd gen guys use honda odyssey auto trans to resolve the glass tranny issue, I'd look into that.

 

^^^^^What Chris said.

 

Any idea if the Odyssey transmission will mount up to the 3.0 V6? I'm still learning how similar or not my 1st gen is to the 2nd gen.

 

No one has ever swapped a manual transmission into their first Generation with a 3.0 engine but everything I have read says it is possible but its also allot of work. There is a second Gen guy that makes a module that will allow you to use the same transmission computer also and even though he said he wasn't 100% sure it would work with the 1st gen computer he doesn't really see why it wouldn't. here is a link talking about the module https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-performance-parts-modifications-116/yo-richiev6-699063/ . I was going to do this swap myself but have had a real hard time finding all the parts needed to even start and have other projects I need to finish first especially since my transmission isn't having any problems. Everything I have read says the 6 speed Transmission should bolt up to the 3.0 Engine but since it hasn't been done no one knows what other modifications will be needed.

These are links I had saved for reference for when I was planning the swap describing what is involved in the swap even though these are 2nd Gen TL's
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/6-speed-conversion-591872/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/inspiretls-swap-thread-progress-56k-please-upgrade-645076/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/6-speed-conversion-2nd-problem-9-2-17-a-591798/
https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/finally-started-ordering-parts-swap%2A%2Awork-starts-pg-9%2A%2A-631849/


Parts List (post 18) https://acurazine.com/forums/2g-tl-1999-2003-98/phees-99-tl6-swap-thread-parts-list-price-list-question-thread-703784/

This is teh CL's 3.2 swap in a 1st Gen CL. His car wasn't a 3.0 and he already had a manual transmission so he didn't have to have pedals and such for his swap https://acurazine.com/forums/1g-cl-1997-1999-56/here-we-go-again-748020/
I think the actual swap starts on page 5

I hope this helps and as I said its not an easy job and you will want to have a second car to drive daily

 

It looks like the stick swap is gonna be out of reach for me. For now it's trying to find an auto to swap in that is an improvement over the stock unit. I've posted around about the Ody tranny, but I dunno if it will mount up or not.

Does anyone know if there is a rebuild kit to beef these guys up? I plan on adding external tranny cooler regardless.

 

Or you can pick up my subframe/engine/trans/ecu for 3k :P (3.5L with 6speed lsd tranny)

It's lcated in Corona CA, about 45min north of you.

 

Is that a "bolt in and go" ready set, or would it still need work to fit into my '99? (I know I'll still need the clutch pedal and related).

 

It'll bolt in as long as you use my subframe. Otherwise you'll just need to take my mounts and have them installed on your subframe (consists of 2 custom mounts and the other 2 are stock positioned mounts).

If you want to take a look at it or even test drive it, you're more than welcome to. I can make the arrangements beforehand. It's located at Massimo Power's shop in Corona CA.

 

I'm certainly interested. Aside from swapping the drivetrain, what else would be involved in making it work on my car? Do I need to change anything else? Is the clutch pedal bolt in, or does the firewall need to be cut? Any other incidentals?

Also, how many miles on the drivetrain?

 

Mmmm, from my end about 6,000 miles in the last 5+ years. The transmission and engine had around 35k miles, while the bottom end had around 65k. The clutch pedal sits in the same spot as the manual 2.x CL, but I don't recall if I had to drill any holes (this project was 7+ years ago, and it basically sat in the garage since it was never street legal).

Honestly with my car there to be stripped, anything you'd need to make it work you can take.

 

If you're in need of a tranny and can pick up Chris's setup, you will have an EPICALLY AWESOME alternative to your auto tranny woes, and a proven power setup. I'd do it if I were in your situation

 

The swap is street legal in case there was any confusion in my previous statement. The CL itself was not street legal because of a few things done to it.