how to: itr tranny rebuild and upgrade

[Black R]

I made this for another forum that's more tech oriented, but figured you guys could use it too.

I don't know where to post it, but seeing as how allmotor cars (like mine) need all the advantages that gearing can offer, this seemed like a good place:

I'm making this thread because I've done this so many times in the past and using other people's write-ups online + the helms has helped me. BUT I always find myself wondering why people don't post certain things, and realized the only way to have a 'how to' that suits me is to do one myself. I think the majority of enthusiasts don't have readily available access to a lift or air tools, so some of my write-up is specifically for us.

In this thread I will attempt to show how to remove, rebuild, and reinstall an itr transmission. I will be including as much detail as possible, and all torque specs as well. In this instance, I'm freshening up the tranny with some upgrades: ATS close ratio 1,3/4/5 gears, syncro's (as I had a third gear grind), and possibly anything else that needs to be replaced (bearings, etc). This usdm itr tranny has previously been modded with the addition of an ATS 4.9 final drive and ATS metal lsd.

*Please don't freak out - YES I'm going to use a close ratio gearset with the 4.9 final drive. Yes, my top speed will be 128mph on 245/50/15's. And no, it's not a concern for me because it's mostly an autox vehicle.* I'm by no means saying that it's simple/ easy, etc!

The first time I dropped the tranny to install just the 4.9 final drive. I hadn't done much before that other than change the oil and put on a cai and header..... So I popped my cherry with the helms and h-t and I'm glad I did it. =)

The next time I dropped it (a couple months later) just to install a clutch and flywheel.

The next time was to help a buddy, and it's just snowballed from there - helping friends, etc when they needed it.

But I will say that the more you do it, the easier it gets, and the less time it takes. That's why some of those techs at honda are so damn quick.

I'm typically very slow and methodical with my work though - as it's usually just for my own cars and I don't like to be rushed/ hurried and mess up or forget something.

My goal is to encourage others learn to do their own work. You get to know the car better that way, and understand the intricacies of the entire car. It really is quite fascinating! I'm hoping that this will help people not make the same mistakes I have, and possibly show some nice shortcuts on how to get it done as well. =)

The start of the story is when I was just driving along in 5th gear cruising on the hwy after completing exhaust work that would get me dB legal for the autox the next day. The rpm's shot up for no reason and the car started to slow down. I figured the tranny just popped out of 5th gear or something, so I tried to put it back in, but it wouldn't go. Now 4th! Nope. 3rd? Unh-uh.
So after almost getting rearended 8 times, I coast the car with the hazards on to the emergency lane and have it towed. I suspected clutch failure due to the symptoms.

I have since removed the tranny and found all of the splines wallowed out on the clutch disc, so that will be replaced. I have pics and will post them up asap along with the write-up, so stay tuned.