wassup_nuthin

Ok so my rx8 throwout bearing is going and the clutch is on the way too. I took my car to the dealer and they say it will cost 1100 to replace the clutch and throwout bearing. So i told them to hold off on fixing it b/c i was going to look into fixing it myself. now i am pretty mechanically tune** but have never torn apart a clutch b4 bymyself so i have some questions. * now i will be having someone help me that knows what theyre doing. Ive looked in the forums and done searches and looked at the *clutches clutches clutches* forum and need some questions answered directly to me.

1. is the prolite clutch kit a good kit?
2. is there a clutch kit better then the oem under $390.00
3. do the kits come w/ a throwout bearing or do i buy that seperatly if yes where?
4. can i use royal purple as soon as i install the new clutch or will the synthetic not be good for break in?
5. now any ideas on what kit i should go for all i plan on doin is minor upgrades and nitrous in a couple months so i would like something with a little more umphh.

im also going to buy a light wieght flywheel.

any opinions or helpful comments will help.

Thanks
Alan

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

1/ ACT HD clutch is stiff and not necessary for stock power levels . Exedy stage 1 sounds a better bet from what I hear .
2/ OEM is Exedy anyway -check prices on at DPE on this forum
3/ Kits normally have the brg
4/ You do know how a clutch works don't you ?
5/ Stock clutch is OK for minor upgrades .

ACT prolite flywheel is a favourite around here - not over the top $ wise and one of the lighter ones .

wassup_nuthin

ok so i see clutchmasters comes with throw out bearing and is decent price.

or should i just replace the throwout bearing for like 30 bucks?

wassup_nuthin

thanks for the info . yea yea i know how it works. just never worked on a tranny b4 so its a new feild for me. cant know everything or we wouldnt need these kinda sites

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

At the very least you should replace the clutch plate while you have the trans out .
Getting the LW flywheel at this stage would make a lot of sense also & if you are going to do that you may as well get a complete clutch kit .

Don't know anything about the clutchmasters cluctch - do a search on it ......

Brettus

iTrader: (2)

sorry to be an *** - but I can't see why you ask about oil when that has nothing to do with your clutch ....

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

that means he knows close to nothing.

I suggest you to leave this install to someone else. its not going to be funny (if you mess something up)

ken-x8

Gotta start somewhere. All of us knew nothing before the first time.

General tips on clutch replacement:

- Replace both the disk and the pressure plate
- Resurfacing or replacing the flywheel is a call you can make after seeing what the surface looks like
- Always replace the throwout bearing - it does not cost that much and it's so much work to get to
- Remember to get a pilot tool. Otherwise you're going to find yourself whittling a piece of broomstick at 2 AM. (Yes, I know you're going to do it in an afternoon. But first time on anything takes a while.)
- Get the shop manual so you know where the gotchas are on R&R, and have the right torque specs and such.

It goes without saying to raise the car on safe supports. And, on the 8, be careful to not nick the CF driveshaft.

Ken

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Also, replace the pilot bearing, this should be done anytime the clutch is replaced. Its cheap as well.

PoLaK

iTrader: (1)

Not the tool to take it out less you have a method?

wassup_nuthin

no im not doin the install i have a buddy that works at amco transmission doing it. and i dont even know why i asked about the oil honestly i dont know what i was thinking. im not really an idiot lmao. i do feel like an idiot though. all i can say is i was in a hurry typing it i guess

wassup_nuthin

and im getting the clutchmasters stage 1 kit it comes w/ everything pilotbearing,throwout , pressure plate everything.

Cam

iTrader: (1)

Sorry, I have no secret method of removing the PB w/o the tool.

A step of the install/replacement shouldnt be skipped (IMO) because you dont have the tool. Buy it, borrow, or pay to have someone to do it for you. I just cant stand half assing things.

PoLaK

iTrader: (1)

Don't suppose i could pay for a 2day on the tool to borrow it from you could I?

nycgps

iTrader: (1)

You want to remove yours too ? Im going to change my brake lines to SS first then Im going to work on my tranny.

You can get a cheap pilot bearing removal tool from Autozone for free. not sure if it works tho, I suppose it should.