Honda Del Sol VTEC: Understanding the Rare TransTop Mechanism Before Buying

There’s a specific kind of magic that happens when you press a button and watch your Honda Del Sol’s roof fold itself away like a piece of origami, disappearing into the trunk as if by wizardry.

The Del Sol VTEC is already special—a lightweight two-seater with a 160-horsepower B16 engine that loves to rev. But the Japanese and European market TransTop system takes it to another level. It’s one of the most brilliantly over-engineered roof mechanisms ever put on a production car, and it’s also one of the most fragile. Before you fall in love with one, you need to understand exactly what you’re getting into.

TL;DR

The Del Sol VTEC (also called CR-X del Sol SiR in Japan) has a 160-hp B16 engine and a targa roof. The TransTop system—a power targa roof offered only in Japan and Europe—uses four motors to automatically stow the roof in the trunk at the touch of a button. In North America, the Del Sol only came with a manual targa top. If you’re importing a TransTop car, be prepared: the system is notoriously unreliable, parts are scarce, and troubleshooting requires patience. The VTEC trim itself commands a significant premium, with collector-grade examples reaching $25,000–$35,000+.

What Makes the Del Sol VTEC Special

Before we dive into the TransTop, let’s talk about what you’re actually buying. The Del Sol VTEC (1993-1997) came with the B16A3 engine—a 1.6-liter DOHC VTEC screamer making 160 horsepower at 7,600 rpm and 111 lb-ft of torque . It’s the same engine family as the ones in the Civic SiR and Integra GS-R, and it loves to be revved.

• Weight: The VTEC model tips the scales at 2,522 pounds, which is heavier than the base or Si trims . The TransTop system adds about 23kg (50 pounds) to the car .
• Transmission: The VTEC came with a 5-speed manual or an optional automatic. Most enthusiasts want the manual, and clean examples command higher prices.
• Cargo space: The trunk holds 10.5 cubic feet, but the TransTop mechanism eats into that, effectively halving the usable space .

The TransTop: Brilliant Engineering or Overcomplicated Nightmare?

Here’s the thing about the TransTop—it’s both absolutely brilliant and deeply flawed.

How It Works

The TransTop system is a fully automatic targa top storage mechanism offered on Japanese and European Del Sols . North American cars only got a manual roof that weighs 24 pounds and can be stored in the trunk . Here’s how the TransTop operates:

1. Driver unlatches two handles on either side of the roof from the interior
2. Press a dashboard button—trunk lid rises vertically on two arms
3. Rear of the roof unlatches
4. Driver switches the roof-mounted latch from “close” to “open”
5. Press the button again—a short arm extends from the raised trunk
6. The arm grabs the roof panel, lifts it, and pulls it into the trunk lid cavity
7. The trunk lid closes with the roof stored safely inside

It’s like watching a mechanical ballet. Honda engineered a system where the trunk lid acts as a drawer for the roof panel, and it’s genuinely impressive to watch .

Why It’s a Problem

The TransTop is the Del Sol’s Achilles heel. Here’s what owners say:

“Personally, I believe the TT is hondas worst design for flaws. If you are planning on buying, be ready for it to break.”

Common failure points:

• Plastic gears strip: The system uses plastic gears that are designed to break first to protect other components. Once they strip, the roof won’t operate .
• Sensor switches fail: There are about 10 switches throughout the system that tell the control unit what’s happening. When one fails, the whole system can stop working .
• Wiring issues: Problems with the alternator or fuses can cause the Transtop to malfunction. One owner found their system only worked when they disconnected the alternator .
• Latches and locks break: The springs in the roof latch switches can snap, preventing the system from recognizing the roof is secure .
• Forcing it will break it: Never manually force the tilter motor—there’s a winded cable inside that will snap if you apply too much pressure .

Troubleshooting the TransTop

If you’re brave enough to own one, here’s what you need to know:

• There’s a diagnostic box behind a cover in the trunk (left side). It blinks error codes that can help identify issues, though the codes aren’t always accurate .
• The system relies on Fuses No.41 and No.39 in the underhood fuse box, and Fuses No.12 and No.15 in the under-dash fuse box .
• There’s a sequence to follow: engine on, hand brake on, undo roof latches, hold the button, windows drop, trunk opens, roof tilts, arms extend, switch middle latch, hold the button again to stow the roof .

The warning from owners is clear: “Don’t buy a TT del sol LOL.”

Manual Roof vs. TransTop: Which Should You Choose?

Feature	Manual Targa (North America)	TransTop (Japan/Europe)
Operation	Manual removal, 24 lbs	Fully automatic
Complexity	Simple, reliable	Complex, prone to failure
Weight	Lighter	+50 lbs
Trunk space	Full 10.5 cu ft	Halved
Parts availability	Easy	Very difficult
Cool factor	High	Extremely high

If you’re buying a North American Del Sol, you don’t have to worry about the TransTop at all. You get the manual roof—you unlatch it, lift it out, and snap it into a tubular frame under the trunk lid . It’s simple, reliable, and leaky seals are the only real concern.

If you’re importing a Japanese or European car with TransTop, you’re signing up for a project. The system can break, parts are hard to find, and fixing it requires patience.

What to Look For When Buying

For Any Del Sol VTEC

• Rust: Rear wheel arches, rocker panels, and the trunk area are common spots .
• Roof seals: Check for leaks. The manual hardtop can leak, and replacement seals are getting harder to find .
• Maintenance records: Timing belt service is critical (every ~90k miles or 7 years). A VTEC with no records is a risk .
• Originality: Unmodified cars command a premium. Modified cars can be cheaper but may have hidden issues .

For TransTop Cars Specifically

• Test the system multiple times. Cycle it open and closed at least three times. Listen for unusual noises.
• Watch for warning lights. A red light over the boot on the dash display indicates a sensor or latch issue .
• Check the trunk. Make sure the mechanism doesn’t bind and the lid closes properly.
• Check all switches. The latch switches in the roof holes need to work for the system to operate .

Is It Worth It?

The Del Sol VTEC is a fantastic car. The B16 engine is a joy, the handling is sharp, and it’s one of the most stylish 90s Hondas you can buy.

The TransTop is a gamble. If it works, it’s one of the coolest features on any car from the era. If it breaks, you’re in for a long, expensive journey to fix it.

Here’s the honest advice: If you’re buying a Del Sol for the driving experience, consider a North American manual-roof car. You get the same engine, the same handling, and none of the headache. If you’re buying a TransTop car because you love the engineering and you’re ready for the challenge, go in with your eyes open.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was the TransTop available on North American Del Sols?

No. North American Del Sols only came with a manual targa roof that you remove and store yourself. The TransTop was only offered in Japan and Europe .

How reliable is the TransTop system?

It’s notoriously unreliable. Owners describe it as “hondas worst design for flaws” and warn that “if you are planning on buying, be ready for it to break.”

How much does a Del Sol VTEC cost?

Clean VTEC models typically sell for $10,000–$18,000, with exceptional low-mile examples reaching $25,000–$35,000+ .

Can I fix the TransTop myself?

Yes, but it requires patience. The system has about 10 switches and numerous sensors, and troubleshooting involves checking error codes, testing switches, and inspecting gears. The community has posted detailed guides, but parts are hard to find .

What’s the difference between the Del Sol VTEC and the Si?

The VTEC has the 160-hp B16 DOHC VTEC engine and requires premium fuel. The Si has a 127-hp SOHC VTEC engine and runs on regular .

References

For further reading about the Honda Del Sol VTEC and the TransTop system:

• Jalopnik: Honda’s Brilliant TransTop System
• Road & Track: The Coolest Power Hardtop America Never Got
• Honda-Tech: TransTop Troubleshooting Guide
• Kelley Blue Book: 1997 Del Sol Specs

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Have you owned a Del Sol with a TransTop? What was your experience like—magic or nightmare? Drop your story in the comments below.