Adding TSX 6th gear to A3 tranny

[powdbyrice]

With gas at $4/gallon right now, everyone is looking for a way to get better MPG.

One option is adding a 6th gear from a TSX. Dont add the 6th gear from the RSX-S because its the same as our 5th.

Found this write up on Element Owners Club. OP added a 6th gear to his K24 Element complete with pix.
http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...ad.php?t=25635

Estimated cost of parts:

Part numbers supplied are from a 2006 Acura TSX 6MT
The identical parts could be obtained from a 2006 Civic Si 6MT, but the part numbers will be slightly different.

I recommend both of these manuals:
Helms Honda Element Manual
Helms Acura TSX Manual

- Shifter mechanism parts -
Reverse shift piece 24240-PNS-000
Shift arm interlock 24430-PNS-000 (or modify the old one)

*5-6 gearshift fork 24201-RAS-000* NOTE: In at least one CRV and possibly in some later model Elements the Reverse shift piece may be welded to the Element's 5-Reverse shift fork, instead of being attached by a pin. In this case see step 3 below.

These parts are optional. The function of these parts hasn't been determined; however the transmission functions well without them. They may be necessary for reverse safety interlock.
* MBS arm 24412-PNS-000
* MBS arm spring 24413-PNS-000
* - added by MikeQBF. }

- Main shaft parts -
Mainshaft 6th gear 23590-RAS-A00
Needle Bearing (35 x 41 x 24) 91103-RAS-003
Collar (28 x 35 x 24) 23916-PNS-000
5-6 Synchronizer Sleeve Set 23626-PNS-315

- Countershaft parts -
Special bolt 90011-PPP-000
Countershaft 6th gear 23491-RAS-000

Here is the latest from the roadtrip. This is at a steady 72mph cruise on the highway. I made two brief stops. I ran the gas down to just above the E and got 427 miles on a single tank! I filled it with 13.6 gallons to give 31.4 MPG. I can't help but think that this is awesome. I used to average 25-26mpg under the same conditions. I can't believe how well this worked.

http://www.elementownersclub.com/for...ad.php?t=45524

[talonXracer]

Add the 4.3 fd AND the TSX 6th

[powdbyrice]

and an LSD while you're in there? :)

[talonXracer]

and an LSD while you're in there? :)

Most definitely!

[04cvcsi]

Add the 4.3 fd AND the TSX 6th

is it necessary to install the 4.3 FD when installing the tsx 6th?

[davisj3537]

is it necessary to install the 4.3 FD when installing the tsx 6th?

No sir...but why stop at the 4.3? Shit I'd get the 4.0

[powdbyrice]

it'll be asked eventually, so here it is:

Why add the 4.3 FD in addition to the 6th gear? Wont the 6th gear alone drop my rpms ~500? What overall effects does it have?

[skooba]

it would take quite a bit of time to recoup the cost in gas savings.

[talonXracer]

it'll be asked eventually, so here it is:

Why add the 4.3 FD in addition to the 6th gear? Wont the 6th gear alone drop my rpms ~500? What overall effects does it have?

It would drop your rpm's even further. But unless you have alot more torque than stock then I wouldnt use a 4.3fd in the EP3's 5speed, it would be a dog around town.

[skooba]

Here's a few assumptions to determine if the cost justifies the savings.

Basic assumptions:
Current MPG: 30
Cost of gas: $4/gal
Miles driven per year: 15,000

New MPG: 34

yearly cost in gas w/ 5spd: $2,000
yearly cost in gas w/ 6spd: $1764.71

Savings after one year: $235.29

Of course, if you drive more than 15k per year, the savings are higher, and vice versa. Likewise, if the cost of gas goes higher, you save more each year.

[04cvcsi]

No sir...but why stop at the 4.3? Shit I'd get the 4.0

b/c the 4.0 is $500

[talonXracer]

b/c the 4.0 is $500

Just get the DC5base tranny(4.3fd), add the TSX 6th and a LSD and call it a day.

[powdbyrice]

i'm scurred of the labor involved. never cracked a transmission open before.

[oldschoolimport]

Here's a few assumptions to determine if the cost justifies the savings.

Basic assumptions:
Current MPG: 30

how the fuck are you gettin 30? 20-22 is my usual in town, and 30 on trips.

[skooba]

how the fuck are you gettin 30? 20-22 is my usual in town, and 30 on trips.

I don't own an EP anymore, but back when I did, it was easy to get 30, full highway driving i'd get 32-33. I usually got around 28 on an average tank. But regardless, if you see a 4mpg increase, you can expect a $230-$250 per year savings.