5th Gen Prelude Automatic Transmission Question
 

Hello,

I have a 2001 Honda Prelude SE, with the sportshift automatic transmission. I am well aware of the fact that these transmissions are prone to failure and would love to do a 5 speed swap, but being a college student with limited funds, that's not practical (yet).

My Prelude has just under 190XXXkms and has no signs of failure, but I am wondering if there is anything I should do to preserve the life of my transmission? I have heard a lot of information about external transmission coolers and Lucas oil ATF transmission fix, but no definitive answers. People seem to be split 50/50 on both. Some say its a critical lifesaver others say it does nothing or worse.

If anybody has some information regarding those or anything else I should be doing/researching its much appreciated.

i always stuck with the HONDA ATF for my lude and mdx.
my lude never had any problems with it, but i was always fairly paranoid about it and performed frequent changes before i sold it.

You'll likely come out ahead if you just sell your current car to get a manual. Unless car history is worth the extra cost.

use Honda ATF (Automatic Transmission Fluid)
If you are worried about the transmission failing then sell the auto Prelude and buy a manual Prelude.
It will cost you probably around $3000 total after everything for the 5speed conversion.

I had GarageFive do a 5speed swap on my 97 Prelude a very long time ago.
If I remember correctly, I paid about 1300 for parts, some new and some used
And I think it was 1500 for labour at GarageFive? I can't remember of the top of my head, I'll have to find the invoice and double check but roughly 3K for the entire conversion.

Here is all of the information for the swap:

VancouverPreludeClub.net ? View topic - Automatic to manual transmission swap

I wouldn't do this again. I think its best to sell the car and purchase the same model, better model or different vehicle in manual.

Hope this helps

Cheers
Mike