3rd Gear Grind
 

I plan on picking up my buddy's '98 1.6. He's selling it to me for under 4 grand. The engine was swapped with another stock 1.6 el engine with 100xxx km. The body is pretty mint, just a couple of small surface rust spots on the QPs and a side skirt is loose. I'm not worried about any of that though.

The few things that I am worried about is that the rear wheel wells seem like they were pounded in, probably a cheap-mechanic did it so the wheels clear? I don't know how big of a deal it is, seeing as how it doesn't show on the outside and isn't causing any layered rust. Some people say it's not bad so long as it doesn't show or cause rusting. Not sure?

Also his suspension is a little messed up. He's on stock suspension and you can feel every bump we go over. I know changing it to decent performance parts shouldn't cost me over a grand, so I'm not that worried.

Most importantly, I'm worried about 3rd gear. It grinds when I throw it into 3rd, but if I shift slowly it doesn't grind. I don't know if I have to swap the whole tranny or will some tranny oil do it? I have a buddy who owns a 2003 RSX and he used the oil and he's fine now. But I don't know.

You guys think this is a good buy? Will I have to swap the tranny or worry about the rear wheel wells? Thanks guys.

And any hints to making the car look more JDM (asides from the obvious such as lip, debadging, front grill, black housing, etc.) would be cool too.

hey i have a 95 integra and i got the infamous 3rd gear grinds. I bought some synchromesh fluid from GM and it hasn't ground 3rd or any gear since then. Get the AC Delco stuff, it worked for me. Good luck with the purchase!

Thanks man.
I have the same thread running at Clubel.ca and someone said that the fluid only postpones the problem, it doesn't fix it. So the brand of fluid is AC Delco?

Yeah that's what I've heard too. It's pretty much that the synchros are wasting away or something like that. Yeah the AC Delco stuff is the normal brand you'll get at GM also there is synchromesh fluid by penzoil but i wasnt able to find that. One that you dont want to use is Mobil 1 because it supposedly corodes the synchros. Unless you are willing to get your transmission redone and keep the car for many years, this is your best temporary fix.

I used Syncromesh in my EG and it worked like a charm...you guys are right hough the syncro is wearing out...but for no now GRIND WOOHOOO

you might also want to check out REDLINE fluids...they make a great Tranny oil

+1 on that. I would also suggest getting a skunk 2 magnetic drain plug.

HAHAHA

i need an integra transmission 5 speed badly.. lol i have first second... ... ... fifth ive been driving like this for like a year n a half how degrading.. i hate it some out thee help me get transmission.... pleazee.. gm syncro mesh didnt hlp either..for me .. when i got my clutch done..

905 773 1258 help

yup thats sick

y do u do thats

LMAO@1-2----5th??
how did you live with that for a year? LOL

I sometimes grind in first gear. Lets say I am making a left turn and I try to throw it into 1st, it will grind like crazy. I don't Know what the problem could be.

if you are still rolling, you shouldn't be able to get it in first. it's a safety thing so you dont shift into first from second when you are trying to hit 3rd. on any turn if you are moving you should use second, it is safer. that is what i have been taught.

i have an integra too!

you gotta learn your tranny, i useto be able to shift my 1990 civic dx without hittin the cluch and no grinding gears...just gotta time everything rite. i dont know how good that was for the car or not but i didnt care...and its gone now lol

and you can put it into 1st if upu are rolling really slow but u gotta watch how u cluch, so it doesnt make a big jerk when u hit the gas