what is the best clutch to go with? i am looking for just a bit of an upgrade from the oem clutch, nothing crazy. does anyone have any experience with the exedy? pros, cons?

also, does anyone have any idea what a shop would charge to change the clutch(average). is there anything i should get done while this is done?

 

come on, someone help me out...

 

come on, i would really appreciate any help on this.

 

I would recommend either the ACT HD-MM or the stage 1 exedy. I plan on getting the ACT HD-MM with the fidanza flywheel in the near future.

 

Exedy Stage I, that's what I'll be getting soon. ACT is a good clutch but it has a reputation for breaking 3rd gear. Although that might be because of the driver and not the product, the Exedy doesn't have that history, so I'm sticking to it, and it's also cheaper. Mating it to a Fidanza is the way to go, if you're going to go through the trouble of taking it to a shop to do the clutch, might as well put an Aluminum flywheel at the same time (if the wallet allows). As far as labor, shops around here in Miami range between $550 to almost $800, hope it gives you an idea. But if you can do it yourself, go for it, do like me and use that $ for mods. Good luck, Eddie

zT

 

wow thats alot for labor. well, i am gonna try and go to a shop and talk to a guy i know, hopefully he can give me a deal.

 

Anyone know a good place to get an Exedy stage I clutch? MaxxTuning has them for $230 but I've been waiting 3 weeks now and the proprietor doesn't know when he'll get more. Meanwhile, my car is sitting in my garage with no tranny just waiting for a new clutch to go in. To be honest, at this point, I'm half tempted to get a stock clutch.

 

yeah i wouldn't like to wait a freaking month with my car down. i feel that my clutch is very close to being gone.

 

I think that's a little pricey. My max is in the shop right now having the Exedy Stage 1 installed, replacing pilot and throwout bearings, and resurfacing flywheel (did not buy a Fidanza or other aftermarket flywheel).

I was quoted $300 for the clutch install (he said it could vary between $300-330), $45 for the flywheel to be resurfaced (off premises), and that the job takes about 6 hours. I think this is reasonable. So if I were to guesstimate, my shop is charging about $50 an hour to install my clutch. If another shop charges something like $80 or $90 an hour, it could work out to around $500+ like some other people are seeing.

My suggestion is to shop around but make sure the shop is reputable and warrants the install and the product if you are buying the clutch from the shop. Choose quality over price, but shop around with different quality installers, and I think you will see a wide range of prices (probably from around $200/chopshop to $800/expensive).

 

Man, you found quite a deal there. I agree with you on shopping around for quality and not price. But either way, I'm going to do it myself with some friends, so I'm not worrying about labor. But when I was thinking about having some1 else do it for me, that's what I was being quoted. So do shop around. Peace, Eddie

zT

 

Location might make a difference, since you're in Miami. I also noticed that import tuning shops (that sell aftermarket/racing parts) have cheaper labor rates (maybe $50-60 an hour) than regular auto mechanics (maybe $70-90 an hour). The challenge is to find tuning shops that aren't complete boneheads.

This one I go to seems to be pretty good. All their mechanics are ASE (sp?) certified. However, i've also been to this chop shop in Chicago where they didn't even have a lift. They did all their work by putting the car up on floor jacks. They could still get the job done, and they've prepped show cars, but I would prefer my current shop, with the extra experience.

 

how could you misspell ASE?

 

Where there's a will, there's a way.

Actually, I wasn't sure what the appropriate abbreviation is for someone who has certification from auto school. I think it's ASE, isn't it? Automotive Society of Engineers? I can't remember.

 

you got it!

 

actually SAE is society of automotive engineers, ASE(automotive service excellence) certified is when you take a test and pass along with 1 or 2 years shop experince. Someone could have no ASE's but be great workin on cars and someone could have alot of ASE's and not be good workin on cars, but usually its a good guideline as to who knows their stuff...ok totally off topic....

i

 

ive driven and installed JWT(supposely rebagged Centerforce), Exedy, ACT, Centerforce, Spec, LUK, and OEM clutches

ACT and Exedy will hold your power, but with a stiffer then i would prefer type clutch pedal. In my opinion not needed for most bolt on mods, but if stiffer pedal doesnt bother you go for it.

Recently installed a SPEC for a friend, so far its good, simlar to stock pedal feel, but havent tested it on the 125 shot nitrous

me personaly have a JWT and am not happy with it, i plan to go with SPEC next time...i think.

 

has anyone else tried the spec? any feedback?

 

I have an Exedy Stage 1 with a Stillen flywheel.I think the Exedy is an excellent clutch. Slightly stiffer then stock but grabs great!