DRDOOM1951

I recently acquired a 1997 Acura CL 3.0 Premium in fantastic cosmetic condition with 224K miles. The engine purrs like a kitten and runs very smoothly, but I'm afraid that the transmission has symptoms that may require a rebuild or a total replacement. I was informed of this by the PO, but the car was in such excellent shape otherwise I could not pass it up for the price. I've been looking around and OEM Acura CL 3.0 transmissions for the1997 model year are tough to find, but there are plenty for 1998 and 1999, still 1st Gen transmissions,
My question is will the 4sp auto transmission from a 1998 or 1999 1st Gen Acura CL 3.0 be a compatible replacement for the 1997 model year transmission, or would I have to rebuild the 1997 OEM tranny?

acuralongtime

its a same car should be same tranny

frankjnjr

FWIW: Oddly, Car-part.com lists four pages of available transmissions for the 97 Acura CL 3.0, but ONLY 1997 model years are listed.. Normally, if other model year parts are compatible, Car-part.com will list them This would be one indication to me that further investigation, regarding compatibility of the 97 model year, with later model year transmissions is necessary. In looking at an Ebay listing for a used 97 CL 3.0 Premium used automatic transmission, and checking it's compatibility to a 1998 model year, the Ebay comparability tool says it IS NOT Compatible! So, unless you can find an example of someone who has actually installed a 98 model year trans. in a 97, and been successful, I would not recommend trying it.

mayers929

I have had good luck asking that question to the local salvage yards. They have the cross reference books that in many cases will say why it won't work or what is different. Good luck.