PRODUCT DETAILS
Synchrotech Differential Ball Bearing Conversion Kit (B-ITRC) - 94-97 GS-R & Type R
The early B18C transmissions came with tapered differential bearings, and Honda moved to ball bearings on the later cars for good reason. This kit lets you make that change. It converts a 94-97 GS-R or Type R differential from the tapered setup to the ball bearing design used from 98 on, which is what most builders want when the case is already apart.
Why Ball Bearings Over Tapered
Worth understanding, because it explains why this conversion exists at all.
Tapered bearings handle thrust load well, but they require preload to be set correctly and they generate more friction than a ball bearing does. That preload also changes as things wear and as temperature moves, which means the setting you dialed in cold isn't necessarily what you have at operating temperature.
Ball bearings run with less friction and are considerably less sensitive to preload variation. Honda's own switch to the ball bearing design on the 98-01 transmissions tells you which they preferred once they had the choice.
For anyone building a transmission, that means one fewer setup variable to get exactly right and a differential that's more forgiving over time.
Check Your Differential First
Two things to confirm before ordering, and they're both quick.
This kit is for the 10 bolt differential with tapered bearings, which is what the 94-97 GS-R and Type R transmissions came with.
It will not fit the 14 bolt viscous LSD. If that's what's in your transmission, this isn't the right kit. Count the bolts on your ring gear before you order.
Measure Your Preload, Don't Assume It
The most important install advice on this page.
The kit ships with a 1.45mm preload shim, which is the standard size and fits most cases. But cases vary, bearings vary, and assuming the included shim is correct because it came in the box is a bold assumption on a differential you're about to seal up.
Measure your actual clearance during assembly. If the number calls for a different thickness, use one. Getting differential preload wrong means either a bearing that's running loaded and wearing early, or one with play it shouldn't have, and either way you're splitting the case again to fix it.
We stock differential thrust shims for Honda B, D, K, L, and R series transmissions in a range of thicknesses, so if your measurement calls for something other than 1.45mm you can get exactly what you need rather than making do. Worth having a couple of sizes on hand before you start, since discovering you need a different shim mid-assembly stops the job cold.
Do It While The Case Is Open
Converting differential bearings means the transmission is apart, which is nearly all the labor on this job. Use the access.
This is the natural moment to fit an LSD if one is in your plans, since the differential is already out and you'd otherwise be doing this same teardown again later. Same goes for synchros, sleeves, and seals if the transmission has real miles on it.
The parts are the cheap half of any transmission job. The labor is what costs you, so spend it once.
Fitment
1994-1997 Acura Integra GS-R (B18C1)
1994-1997 Acura Integra Type R (B18C5)
For transmissions with the 10 bolt differential and tapered bearing design. Part number B-ITRC.
Does not fit the 14 bolt viscous LSD.
Who Should Grab This Kit
This is for the builder going through a 94-97 B18C transmission who wants the later ball bearing setup rather than putting tapered bearings back in. Less friction, less preload sensitivity, and the design Honda themselves moved to. Count your differential bolts, measure your clearance properly, and close the case up once.
Fits: 1994-1997 Acura Integra GS-R (B18C1) and Type R (B18C5) with 10 bolt differential and tapered bearings. Part number: B-ITRC. Converts to: ball bearing differential setup as used on 98-01 transmissions. Includes: 1.45mm standard preload shim. Also available: differential thrust shims in additional thicknesses. Does not fit: 14 bolt viscous LSD.
1994-2001 Acura Integra GS-R
1997-2001 Acura Integra Type R