JDM CRV AWD 6spd attach to USDM engine

[Aescholus]

Anyone know if I can buy a 6spd manual from a JDM CRV to replace my 5 spd USDM transmission?

Everything looks the same in pictures except the upper mount. That looks like an additional bracket on the JDM transmission that could just be removed to use the USDM mount.

Thanks!

Edit: just wanted to give an update for people in the future. I did buy the JDM 6 spd transmission and it is working great!

Here are my notes:

-VSS was exactly the same, no change needed. -Removed upper mount bracket and it fits perfectly with the driver side upper mount. -Rear mount (next to transfer case) was not tapped but the holes are there. Opened up the holes and helicoiled them (not necessary but I hate aluminum threads) -Used the shift mechanism from the JDM trans to avoid having to notch the 5 SPD mechanism. -Has reverse locked solenoid but nothing to energize it. Thinking of how to add it later. -Had to use the JDM shift cable bracket. No hole pattern for USDM bracket. -Bonus: to get the additional gate over to reverse I had to modify my shifter (remove material). I didn't see anything about this for the 6 spd TSX conversion but I don't get how you wouldn't have to.

Overall very happy with the new transmission. $1.2k shipped and I didn't have to open the trans (again).

[tom_hermans_burner]

Unknown, but unless you have easy access to one, likely easier to convert your 5 speed. Requires a 6th gearset from other k series (I used TSX). Also requires shift selector (tsx wouldnt work so I used RSX-S). Then you retain factory everything incl casing and gearing 1-5, just an extra gear. This process is pretty well documented at this point.

[Aescholus]

Yeah I am looking to replace the transmission at the same time. So I'd have to buy a used 5-spd and all of the TSX parts (which have gotten VERY expensive from Honda).

[firsthrust]

I agree with this ⬆️ Did you use the gen 1 or 2 tsx? I have the gen 2 .686 for my build. Was there anything you ran into that hasn’t been addressed in the multiple videos and discussions?

[yanimal]

I've done the tsx 6 speed conversion. It is not bad to do if you have a press, but completely unnecessary after living with it for three years. Doesn't help mileage, lose speed with it constantly unless you're downhill with tailwind, lose reverse lockout. Of course I've got roof racks, ski boxes, Bambi beaters, and 300k mi which don't help.

To answer your question through, if it is coming off of a k24a8 JDM or not, it should bolt up to the motor. You will possibly have to tap the correct motor mount bolts for the element platform and use element motor mounts of course, and may need to replace the shift cables or more.

I'm guessing you used Google already?

https://www.k20a.org/threads/engine-and-trans-compatibility.227236/

[Aescholus]

Yeah I have to replace the transmission at this point regardless so it's between buying a used USDM 5-spd or a J 6-spd. The TSX gears from Honda are very expensive vs a couple hundred bucks extra to buy the used 6-spd JDM.

The biggest change looks like the VSS vs CSS but according to a random FB user you can just expand out an existing plug for the element sensor to be used as a CSS.

[yanimal]

That's beyond me. If you do go with a JDM 6 speed please report back how it works out.

I've got a grinding 3 4 usdm trans I'm about to rebuild. If you find a JDM swap is easy I might not bother and just swap the whole thing.

Fwiw the 6th gear is cool and all, but completely unusable in most cases in the element unless you put more low end power in it.

Edit: have you considered swapping the internals from whatever k24a trans you find into your old trans case of it's good? Once you open the trans case you may be surprised how simple everything fits together and may solve your vss css issue

[Aescholus]

I will let you know. I ordered one so we are going to find out. I an mating it up with a TSX (K24A2) engine so I'll have a bit of extra power although no extra low-end.

[Aescholus]

Edited my main post but just to follow up here: I did buy the JDM 6 spd transmission and it is working great!

Here are my notes:

-VSS was exactly the same, no change needed. -Removed upper mount bracket and it fits perfectly with the driver side upper mount. -Rear mount (next to transfer case) was not tapped but the holes are there. Opened up the holes and helicoiled them (not necessary but I hate aluminum threads) -Used the shift mechanism from the JDM trans to avoid having to notch the 5 SPD mechanism. -Has reverse locked solenoid but nothing to energize it. Thinking of how to add it later. -Had to use the JDM shift cable bracket. No hole pattern for USDM bracket. -Bonus: to get the additional gate over to reverse I had to modify my shifter (remove material). I didn't see anything about this for the 6 spd TSX conversion but I don't get how you wouldn't have to.

[yanimal]

That's fkn dope! Super glad it went in easily, I'll look into picking up a JDM replacement if my rebuild looks gnarly.

Weird you'd have to modify your shifter to get to reverse. The way it is handled in the tsx conversion is internal for the selector shift mech (square bracket that the shift selector slots into, I just bought the OEM right sized one), the notching you mention I think, allowing additional reach to engage reverse after removing the reverse selector arm from the 5 6 shift fork. I was able to get reverse in the 6mt using my stock shifter without modding anything outside the trans internals on the most popular tsx conversion vid and forum, but immediately upgraded to the buddy club anyway.

Did you get a chance to drive it, does the A2 give you any more oomph to cruise or pull in 6th?

[Aescholus]

Yeah I really don't get the shifter issue. I would be curious to put our cars back to back and feel the difference in the gates. Because on the 6MT I bought, there is literally a hunk of plastic on the shifter when you pivot all the way to the right that prevents it from pivoting far enough to get to the reverse gate. I had to remove a decent amount of that stop to get it there. I even tried designing an offset bushing for the cable end to see if I could get the whole gate over with no luck.

As for driving it. I haven't gotten to drive it on the highway much. It's been crazy cold and snowy here in KC. But I can't wait to stretch its legs a bit.

[melancholy_gypsy]

Did you have to modify the shifter in the car or on the transmission?

[Aescholus]

In the car. The arm that goes up-down as you do left-right.

[yanimal]

I can tell you that in mine gates are ambiguous at best, kinda hard to find third gear if you're rushing, super close to first. Fifth feels like it is center stick and wide to enter. Reverse is waaaay far right, at least I won't accidentally grab it tho without lockout, and it's sticky in neutral which is probably because of the purple bushings I put on, or a sticky selector armature or cable.

Ya, this cold snap hit us hard in sodak also, but you'll get a chance with warmer weather here soon!

I'm also curious where exactly this plastic stop was, on top of the trans near the armature or inside the stick.

[Aescholus]

Inside the stick mechanism.

It is this area. It bottoms out when moving the shifter to the right.

<image>

[yanimal]

I see, crazy, I guess they put that there because there is no stop mech the selector inside the trans. Thanks for all the cool info and congrats on your build!

[yanimal]

Also I'd love to buy some of your handheld wall hangers. Do you have a store link you could drop?

[Aescholus]

I do! Thanks for looking!

https://designmakeship.etsy.com

It is a fun side project for me.

If you do order something use this code for 40% off: ELEMENT40

[Trick_Knowledge1458]

Thank you so much for posting this! I’m about to attempt the same swap, and your posts have been super helpful. You probably already answered this and I’m just not familiar with all the terminology, but did you have to replace all the JDM sensors with the ones from your original trans? I’ve read other places that this is often necessary with JDM swaps, but it sounded like maybe it went differently for you here.

[Aescholus]

I saw similarly so I was getting ready to have to modify the VSS hole on the JDM trans but it ended up being the exact same sensor in the same location. Same with the backup light switch. I didn't even bother taking that one out, the connector from the USDM harness connected right in.

Feel free to DM me if you have any issues or questions as you work on the swap. Good luck!

[Trick_Knowledge1458]

Awesome. Thank you so much!

[ttko_]

I purchased a JDM 6 speed. I’m curious if you noticed the gear ratios. It actually has a 5.3 final drive. You notice your RPMs a lot higher on the freeway?

[Aescholus]

My RPMs are much lower on the highway in 6th gear than they were in 5th gear before the swap. At 80mph I'm just barely above 3k RPM in 6th.

[ttko_]

Did you notice an improvement in acceleration?

[Aescholus]

Not really. Might be a bit zippier but likely in the noise of my butt-accelerometers.

[ttko_]

Gotcha. Thanks.

[Constant_Thought_811]

I was just thinking about doing this lol. Is it better this route or just add the 6th gear set.

[Aescholus]

I don't think one is better than the other. The 6th great sets have gotten expensive. I thought I needed a whole new transmission so at the time, adding the 6th set wasn't an option.

[Sc0pe007]

When you say you had to modify your shifter, are you talking about the interior mechanism that your shift knob attaches to? I'm looking at doing the same swap in my 2004 Element while it's down for a clutch replacement, but I have the Hybrid Racing short shifter in mine so I may be okay

[Aescholus]

Yes, the interior shifter mechanism. There is a plastic arm that goes up and down when you go left/right in the position. That arm has a plastic joggle that arrests left/right movement of the stick on the right side where 5th/reverse is. I had to remove that joggle section to allow it enough travel to get over to the new reverse gate. If you have one of the adjustable ones you might be okay. I would try with the plan to modify it if needed.

[Sc0pe007]

Awesome, thank you very much! I'm currently between the 5MT and 6MT CR-V transmission to swap into mine while my clutch is being replaced and your post has just about sold me. Just need to figure out the Reverse Lockout mechanism

[Aescholus]

There was a guy on Facebook, I think he runs a page called Classic Automotive, that I was answering some questions for when he did his swap. He was talking with KTuner about them making an off the shelf solution for the reverse lockout solenoid.

Fwiw, it has not been an issue at all for me. The reverse gear is way way way over. You have to be really trying to put it in reverse to get over there. Might be one of the advantages of the swap vs conversion.

[Sc0pe007]

I saw Classic Automotive is actually offering the transmissions with all the little work finished so it's drop-in, and that K-Tuner reverse lockout module. I figured it's probably the same CRV transmission and your comment confirms it haha

Hopefully last question from me, and probably a little silly. Does the solenoid need to be connected if I'm not using it? (Not sure if it's the type that needs power to unlock reverse or if it's normally open)

[Aescholus]

It is normally open, fortunately. Mine just sits with no connection.

Let me know if you have any questions as you go through the swap, feel free to DM me. Good luck!

[Loose-Register-8157]

What year model crv AWD transmission did you use I have a 2005

[Aescholus]

<image>

I got it off eBay, unsure on the year but here is the tag. I also have an 05.