I've got a '99 SE 5-speed with 85K miles and it's time for a new clutch. I need something very streetable and easy on the tranny. Should I go with OEM? Can I save money and get better, longer lasting product with an after market clutch? I've heard ACT steet clutches engage very abruptly...

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

I have act street. I must say its a very good clutch, and I wish nissan came stock with these. Once broken in, the clutch feels 90% stock. You just have to rev a little when starting or it will feel jerky or wobbily. Stock clutch u could start without giving it gas smooth. Once you get used to it, driving feels the same as it did with stock clutch, except when you drop the clutch it grabs instantly. I would not think twice about getting it over stock. Much better. 3 thumbs up.

 

The ACT clutch is actually a built up stock clutch anyhow so that is why after broken in I think it feels semi stock. Plus it will take more abuse from you making it last a while longer.

SuDZ

 

I got a SACS clutch, it is almost just like stock, it may be stock. 85,000 and you need a new clutch, that is bad. I wasn't kind to mine and it got me 115,000 and it still had some life left. Be careful where you buy a clutch some places can be 2 times as high as others. Most prices I got where around $320. I had a mechanic buddy of mine order me one through his parts wholesaler for $145. They take a while to change if you plan on doing it yourself. You really need a car lift to change one out.

 

I actually just had my ACT installed today. Directly comparing it to a stock clutch, the engagement point is lower, the pedal pressure is less and it is slightly more abrupt, but VERY livable.

It is a little grabby right now, but I'm sure it will be much better as it breaks in. Also, what many suggest of launching at a high rpm is SO true. If you try to take off as you would with a stock clutch, it will chatter. But if you take off at a slightly higher rpm, it's darned smooth, and this is a day old clutch.

 

The pedal should feel lower since the new clutch disc is thicker than the old worn one.]

 

Maybe the ACT is the way to go. How much should I expect to pay for the clutch? Also, how much was the installation...did the clutch kit come with everything you needed?

 

I paid $310 US. Most org recommended sources for the ACT clutch sell them between $310 and $350.

As for install, dealerships in Toronto wanted around $950 plus tax. I found an org recommended place locally that did it for $460 after tax.

Be VERY careful as to what is included in the kit you buy. I've heard from various org members that many parts were and weren't included in their kit. As such I was VERY specific with my source, Pablo (can't remember how to spell his last name) who is affiliated with ISP Motorsports. My kit came with the pressure plate, the friction material, allignment tool, thrust bearing, and some copper bearing. I've heard that of these components, some did not receive an allignment tool, some one or both of the bearings. So when you order, BE VERY SPECIFIC!!!

 

I keep reading that the ACT street/strip is a built up oe, and I must say, after seeing both, I must disagree. The ACT has noticeably thicker spring fingers on the pressure plate. In fact, they call the pressure plate heavy duty application or something, and from visual inspection, you'll know why.

 

If anyone around N. Georgia need a clutch put in I will gladly do it for $400+ parts if that is what people are charging these days. That is why I did mine myself, I don't see how anyone can pay those prices.

 

$400 Canadian

 

The normal book amount of time that most mechanics charge is 8 hours. At $50 an hour that is still $400. That is about how long it took me to do mine, with a few breaks and a trip to get the flywheel turned.

 

Ebay has Exedy clutch kits for under $150. Has anybody heard of Exedy? They're suppose to be a big Japanese company that specializes in clutches. Check it out:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...tem=1871834338