Best Mod to Date - Trans Swap (1997 Civic HX)

[slownugly]

I did a vx drivetrain swap into my lx sedan. Search lean burn civic sedan on here. Before it had the stock d15b7. I could get up to 50mpg with that but I had to do engine off coasting. Now I can drive comfortably without worrying about shutting my engine off every other mile. It rusty as heck but I drive almost 700 miles a week and it doesn't let me down.

I think member cbaber was planning the vx trans in his hx in case you run across it on here ask him. He's very knowledgable with the Hondas.

As soon as I get an extra front bumper I'm gona start closing it up. I have a duct tape and cardboard one on now for scientific testing of the grill block.

Also I recommend doing a block heater if you have the capabilities to plug it in in the morning before leaving for work. I saw a 2-3 mpg increase on my sedan usin it religiously in the morning and when I left from work. I shot for at least 2 hours of use before leaving

[Xist]

Slownugly, did that take a while?

I so wish the HX came with four doors! There are times when I stick my autistic brother back there, so there are advantages, but I do not think that two doors are very practical.

Pennsylvania? Would a heater help in the Phoenix area?

[tvbd56]

I can't wait to find a transmission to swap out that has a lower final gear than mine. I have a 98 Honda Civic EX and the only transmission that would really be worth the effort would be the CX like you guys are talking about. But the other one I saw was from a CRX HF but I don't think that transmission would be direct blot on.

[slownugly]

Yea the hf is cable actuated instead of hydro.

How cold does it get in ax haha

The swap itself was easy. The wiring took the most thought and also making sure all the vx parts were there.

[boostmaster]

I just saw this thread and figured I'd chime in as well.

I purchased a 97 Civic HX because of this website.
227k on the clock. 5mt. (no spare tire, no jack, stock aluminum rims)
I have at times managed 43mpg but my averages are closer to 36-38mpg without any special hypermiler driving. Wondering about this VX transmission swap? My daily commute is 75 miles total. Mostly, city with a few stretches of highway type roads.

What should a VX trans cost?

Wife and I swapped some worn bearings and the clutch this past summer so we can pull the trans within 30 minutes or so!

[mcrews]

a little off topic...
on another site....any mention of wife or girlfriend automatically invokes "RULE #1" (PICS!!)

Back on topic...very impressed that your wife helps!!

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by boostmaster

What should a VX trans cost?

Wife and I swapped some worn bearings and the clutch this past summer so we can pull the trans within 30 minutes or so!

My 1992-1995 CX transmission, which has the exact same gearing as the VX, was "A" grade quality $300 out the door (93K miles on it). And I'm impressed and jealous that your wife can work with you, will work with you, and is so skilled you two can do the swap in 30 minutes. Grrr....

[boostmaster]

She used to be a helicopter mechanic and airborne also!

She helps with all the cars, usually pushing me out of the way to do the work.

[Xist]

Originally Posted by boostmaster

What should a VX trans cost?

Thanks to car-part.com:

1995
Transmission
Honda Civic M.T., Htbk, 1.5L, CX-180K 180,000 A 1004095 $325 D.L. Webster Auto Recycling - Parts & Sales USA-KY(Walton) [Dlwautoparts@yahoo.com] 859-356-8552
1994
Transmission
Honda Civic 6-94,FWD,F5,FLR,CX 131,000 A 4F9920 $250 Williams and Tucker Auto Parts Inc. USA-KY(Sulphur-Well) [Parts@SCRTC.com] 1-800-545-0687
1992
Transmission
Honda Civic NS [400-59763] 192,108 A 05B080 $250 Grassy Auto Parts USA-KY(West-Liberty) [sales@GrassyAutoParts.com] 1-800-354-7402
1995
Transmission
Honda Civic 268K-268K 268,000 C 031225 $225 A 1 All Auto LLC USA-KY(Walton) Request_Quote 859-356-6145 Request_Insurance_Quote

1992
Transmission
Honda Civic 1.5,5 Sp,FRONTWD,Floor-150406 150,000 A 107 $195 Used Salvaged Auto Parts USA-KY(Georgetown) [yvlitvin@yahoo.com] 1-502-857-0585

[tvbd56]

I think if I want to do a tranny swap it's going to be a while down the road, and I would love to swap from a auto to a manual but I think that'll be too much for me to handle. What would be a tranny that I could swap that has a final drive taller than 4.357? I've been researching it but have had no luck yet.