Save the Manual Wagons!

I have a 2000 with 80,000 miles, car is all stock. It *occasionally* grinds the 1-2 shift only during low-mid RPM shifts around maybe 4000. Waiting a brief moment before putting it in 2nd does the trick, but I'd still strongly prefer it work the way it's supposed to. I've changed the clutch fluid, transmission fluid (Honda MTF), and adjusted the pedal free play.

I asked a shop that does a lot of S2000 work and they said Honda no longer sells transmission parts. Is this true? I'd rather not put in a used transmission just to find out it has the same problem. I'd rather have it rebuilt with fresh synchos, if possible. But I have no idea who does this kind of work (I'm in Madison, WI.)

Any other solutions I've missed?

yourboysoap

I had similar issues with my AP1 trans. For the price and hassle of rebuilding it, I would just get an AP2 trans. Really easy to fit (just need to swap the driveshaft coupler from the Ap1 trans). the syncros are made from carbon instead of brass, which holds up better, and the gearing is a bit better as well.

Scigheras

If this only happens when cold, it's normal

gotembro

You could try a Synchromesh fluid this will sometimes help with grinds; it's what i always tell people to do before they replace the trans you are out less then 50 and you can reuse the fluid if it doesn't work
Just something to try before you replace

Save the Manual Wagons!

No, it grinds when fully warm. I always baby it cold.

Is there a preferred brand of synchromesh fluid for these?

gotembro

Pennzoil and Quaker state are now the same company. You'll find quarts under both brands. It is also available in Buckets under Pennzoil brand. All the Synchromesh fluid is made to the same GM specifications

gotembro

Ballers would get
https://www.amsoil.com/p/manual-sync...kaAtGDEALw_wcB

This thread has already talked about this
https://www.s2ki.com/forums/s2000-un...d-s2k-1008714/

starchland

Clutch pedal free play?

Slowcrash_101

The one and two gears still have brass synchros, they just have carbon inserts.

Slowcrash_101

.
If your clutch hydraulics are working perfectly, then consider some Lucas stop slip, a full transmission oil change is 56oz replace 6 of those oz with stop slip. Mix it with regular Honda manual transmission fluid. It will not change the viscosity of the fluid. It will not starve the oil distribution plate. The valve bodies on automatic transmissions have smaller orifices, so no issue there. The polymer film it leaves on the gears reduces grinding by providing more meat for the synchros. When the synchros wear grinding increases because the synchros become thinner and have a less precise fit with the actual gears.


For the record you're going to spend ~$600-700 in parts. However used transmissions are going for ~$1,400 now so it's starting to make sense to rebuild. Parts and labor plus labor to R&R the transmission is around $1,600-$1,700 out the door.