Identifying S13 or S14 Tranny?

[Xren17]

My 98 tranny went out, bought a used tranny, thought it was a S13 since it didn't have a hole for the CPS. Here's where the question comes up. I've searched and everyone is saying that the speed sensor from an S14 won't fit an S13 without modification or buying the right gear. The problem is that mine does. So the question is, is it possible for this to be a 95 tranny since it's OBD1? But from R240NA post it seems unlikely since he's always seen CPS on them.

Thanks,
-Ren

[sdtouge]

you can also swap the gears onto your old bell housing
and drill holes to make the cps bolt up/

[Xren17]

you can also swap the gears onto your old bell housing
and drill holes to make the cps bolt up/

Thanks for the reply but that's not the question. I already drilled the hole for the CPS. The question is, why does my S14 speed sensor fit into a tranny without a CPS hole? To be honest it doesn't really matter but I'm just curious.

[projectRDM]

My 98 tranny went out, bought a used tranny, thought it was a S13 since it didn't have a hole for the CPS. Here's where the question comes up. I've searched and everyone is saying that the speed sensor from an S14 won't fit an S13 without modification or buying the right gear. The problem is that mine does. So the question is, is it possible for this to be a 95 tranny since it's OBD1? But from R240NA post it seems unlikely since he's always seen CPS on them.

Thanks,
-Ren

All S14s will have the CPS. The other deciding factor is the number of additional switches. Not counting the VSS, the S14 has three switches. S13 DOHCs will have four, S13 SOHCs will again have three. The rear 'cup' on the back end is also sized differently between chassis, but they're usually missing anyway so that's not always clear.
As for VSS fitment, both units will fit but the calibration is different between chassis, as it is between transmissions.
You have an S13 transmission.

[Xren17]

Thanks, but the question then, why are people trimming down their sensor in order for it to work? I thought the whole point was because of fitment issue.

[SR240DET]

when you use the s13 transmission use a fat flat head screw driver or chisle and hammer.... knock off the black dust cover on the very back or you will fuck up your drive shaft like i did...

[NemeGuero]

I trimmed it down.. I think you're reffering to my post. DON'T DO IT!
It leaked and I ended up just putting the old one in.

I still don't have an answer for my VSS problem but I KNOW my tranny is s13 and my car is s14.. just not sure what sensors I really have.. Hah. I was taking someone elses word for it being an s14 sensor.. but I don't know because it still reads 2-3X higher then actual speed.

[projectRDM]

Thanks, but the question then, why are people trimming down their sensor in order for it to work? I thought the whole point was because of fitment issue.

They're not properly informed. Trimming won't solve any anything and is usually only done when you have the incorrect (transmission type) sensor.

S13 VSS has a pot metal case and a long harness coming off of it with a green and black wire going to a 2pin plug about 18 inches up.
S14 VSS is plastic case, direct 2pin plug right on it.
S13 VSS harness exits downward, S14 exits up.

[NemeGuero]

Damnit! That means the guy lied! He said it was a kouki 5 speed VSS.. but when I got it, it was metal cased and looked exactly like the s13 sensor I already had. LIES!

Russ, you got any lying around?

-Evan

[Xren17]

NemeGuero, I'll be in the same predicament as you are in then, I'm putting the S13 in this weekend and hopefully my VSS works. The 2 options I see if the VSS doesn't work properly is to.

1. Ask R240NA how to make it work
2. Play around with the resistors at the back of the cluster to change the speed sensor. This might not work but it's just an idea. http://forums.freshalloy.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php?Cat=&Board=UBB21&Number=67913641&page=0&view=collapsed&sb=5&o=&fpart=1

[projectRDM]

Classic, I love option 1. I just spit up from laughing.

Unfortunately I don't have any 5spd VSSs of either chassis laying around, too high demand a part to keep and most people who buys transmissions need them anyway. The only one I do have is for my own car, if and when I ever swap it.
But I've got a dozen autos if you want to be in a worse situation than you are now. I'll sell them cheap too. :)

Sometime next week I'll take pics of each type so there's no more confusion on this subject too, maybe one day we'll all know it by heart.

[NemeGuero]

We should sticky it in the FAQ! What would we do without Russ? haha
I think I might just swap the pinion gears then. Its just the clip that holds the gear on the sensor, and then change out the gears?