Cable-to-Hydraulic Clutch Conversion with a Remote Actuator for B-Series Swaps (Civic/CRX EF, Integra DA)

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Time 3-5 hours
Level Moderate
Steps 12
Done by
In progress You stopped at step of 12.
Caution
  • Brake/clutch fluid damages paint; cover painted surfaces and clean spills right away.
  • Air left in the system can prevent full clutch release; bleed until no bubbles appear.
  • Use jack stands whenever you work under the car.

Introduction

1988-1991 Civic and CRX (EF) and 1990-1993 Integra (DA) cars use a clutch cable, while most later B-series gearboxes are hydraulic. One way to keep the factory pedal and cable is a remote actuator: the cable pulls a lever that pushes a master cylinder, which feeds the transmission's own slave cylinder through a braided line. Innovative Mounts' actuator mounts on the lower radiator support in front of the radiator. Another route is a lever assembly on the transmission itself, such as Hasport's EFBHCL for EF chassis, which lets the cable work a hydraulic B-series gearbox's clutch lever; that is not covered step by step here. Innovative's 49150 EF B-series mount kit can also be bought with its own actuator at the release fork, which replaces the remote actuator; use one method or the other. The hydraulic gearbox also needs hydro-specific transmission mount and rear bracket. Adapted from a community writeup by Innovative Mounts on innovativemounts.com (https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2702/7966/files/41001-INSTRUCTIONS.pdf?v=1773220584).

Procedure

12 steps

  1. Step 1: Confirm the mounts suit a hydraulic gearbox

    A hydraulic B-series gearbox needs a different transmission mount and rear engine bracket from a cable one in an EF/DA. Innovative's 49150 kit is made for D-series EF cars converting to a B-series with a hydraulic gearbox. It is sold either with its own cable actuator at the release fork or in a no-actuator version; buy the no-actuator version if you are fitting this remote actuator. Hasport sells the EFBHCRH hydraulic transmission mount for 88-91 Civic/CRX and the EFRB-HY rear bracket for 88-91 Civic/CRX and 90-93 Integra. Follow the mount maker's instructions, and get the engine and gearbox mounted before you place the actuator.

  2. Step 2: Choose the master cylinder size

    Innovative's standard is a 5/8 in master, which gives roughly factory pedal travel and effort. A 3/4 in master shortens pedal travel but makes the pedal around 20% heavier; Innovative advises against it if the pressure plate is more than about 15% stiffer than stock, because it overloads the clutch cable.

  3. Step 3: Do not adjust the actuator

    The actuator arrives assembled and set. Changing the cable lever adjustment can cause the cable to fail early.

  4. Step 4: Choose a mounting spot

    The actuator can go anywhere the clutch cable reaches, but Innovative recommends centering it on the lower radiator support, between the radiator and the bumper. Make sure the cable can reach without sharp bends.

  5. Step 5: Mark the mounting holes

    The actuator base has two threaded holes for M10x1.25 bolts. Innovative's instructions give the spacing as 2.537 in, while its product page says 2-1/4 in centers, so measure your actual unit before marking and center-punching.

  6. Step 6: Drill and bolt down the actuator

    Check behind the support before drilling, drill the two holes, and bolt the actuator down securely with the M10x1.25 bolts.

  7. Step 7: Fit the slave cylinder

    Install the factory slave cylinder on the hydraulic transmission so it engages the clutch release fork correctly.

  8. Step 8: Measure the hydraulic line

    Run a piece of string or wire along the route you want from the master cylinder to the slave, away from exhaust heat and moving parts, and measure it.

  9. Step 9: Order and fit the line

    Order steel-braided PTFE line with -3 female ends to that length. Fit male -3 adapters to the master cylinder and the factory slave, then connect the line and tighten the fittings.

  10. Step 10: Connect the clutch cable

    Attach the clutch cable to the actuator and check it moves through its full stroke without binding.

  11. Step 11: Fill and bleed

    Fill the reservoir with fresh fluid and bleed the system at the slave cylinder the same way as a factory hydraulic clutch, topping up so the reservoir never runs dry.

  12. Step 12: Test the clutch

    With the car safely supported or parked, check the pedal feels firm, the clutch fully releases (gears engage easily with the engine running) and there are no leaks. Re-check the line fittings after a short drive.

Tips
  • Innovative's actuator tags include EF Civic/CRX, DA Integra and other cable chassis; confirm fitment for your exact car before drilling.
  • A remote actuator keeps the factory clutch cable, so a worn cable is still a weak point; inspect it during the install.
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