A Ah the ever so common third gear Honda grind. This is a very common problem on aging Hondas. Basically, your synchros are going bad. It will get worse and it will not only grind when you shift hard into third, but even when you normally shift into third. The only fix there is a new transmission or rebuilding your old one. Getting a used transmission is like a ticking time bomb. If it hasn't been rebuilt, it will have the same fate as yours. Best thing to is drive it until it goes bad and you can afford a rebuild. Until then, Honda heads like to use GM Synchromesh (friction modified) or Redline MTF to help reduce the grind. Some have sworn using these fluids have completely ended their grinding issues.
Q I've got a problem with my `95 Acura Integra GS-R. I was driving home when my car broke down. I thought it was an electrical glitch. But it was raining and I drove through a good size puddle. I figured a fuse blew out or something like that. Unfortunately, after a trip to the mechanic, I was informed that the timing belt broke and my valves were ruined (even though I was traveling at about 40 mph) and they wanted $2,300 to fix it. Needless to say, I was a little dismayed to hear the repair cost, and my little DC would have to be parked in the front yard, in exchange for a Ford Escort. Sigh.... I was wondering if I had any cheaper options for a repair? Help a kid save a few greenbacks.
P.S. I was stoked to have my questions answered by Sean in the "WWJD" section!
Chris Lusebrinnk
Cummings, KS
A Well, it doesn't sound like an electrical problem at all. How old is your timing belt? They generally last between 80,000 to 100,000 miles on a car like yours. Since Honda engines are interference type engines, breaking your timing belt will almost always result in valves slapping into the pistons. At the least, you'll need a new head gasket and some valves. It is a lot of labor, and it should be expensive, but $2300 is a bit steep. You could easily find another motor and have it installed for that price or less. Call some local repair shops and get more quotes. Going through heavy water, especially if you have a cold air intake pulling air from underneath the bumper, can hyrdolock an engine. If that's the case, the block internals could be damaged as well.
Q Been reading your magazine since 2002 and I love it. It's been nice seeing Jonny's big head get bigger every year just like on them Airhead commercials. But back to the question, on your June issue I notice a nice ass green rim behind the Break Yo Self article on page 56. I just want to know what Gram Lights it is. I know it's a 57 but Gram Lights have a lot of 57 series (57c, 57s, 57f, etc.). I hope you guys can help me because I love that rim and even better in that color. It'll look nice on my blacked-out, JDM'd out RSX. And some one needs to tell Jonny his head is getting bigger than his boobs yo.
Esteban Soto
Via the Internet
A The 57Optimse is a great looking rim indeed. Maybe the best looking rim from the Gram Lights line. Unfortunately both the US and Japan website doesn't list an option for them in green. The only choices available are Shining Silver, Gun Blue, Ceramic White, and Time Attack Black/Red. You could easily look up a local powder coating place and have them done in any color you want, just like that green set.
By Henry Z. Dekuyper
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