87 SW 5spd Clutch Replacement

[FractalSight]

My clutch started slipping about a month ago and has been getting progressively worse over the last couple of weeks; only has 40k miles on it which seems odd but maybe I am just rougher on the clutch than I thought, it wouldn't surprise me.

So after calling around to my local mechanics and getting quotes all around the 1000 dollar mark to replace the clutch I am going to bite the bullet and do the clutch replacement myself; I have come to terms with how epic a pain in the butt this job is going to be and now I am shopping around for a good clutch kit. I have found an OE clutch kit from a company called Phoenix Friction Products for 85 dollars; this seems a little low to me and I am wondering if anyone here has heard anything about or purchased any parts from this company? I was unable to find anything after doing a search of the forum. I really hope this isn't too good to be true because paying for college is really constricting my budget right now. Thanks for any help, I really appreciate it.

[fredk]

never heard of em

[white90dx]

Sounds like that's just the disk. You will also need a pressure plate, new or resurfaced flywheel and a new throwout bearing.

-Charlie

[FractalSight]

The way I am reading the part description it does seem to indicate that it is for the disk, pressure plate and throwout bearing.

This is the page:
http://www.phoenixfriction.com/1987-...lutch-Kit.aspx

[white90dx]

It looks like the kit has everything... (I'm used to buying performance clutches...)

Make sure you get a new flywheel or have it resurfaced while you are in there. Oh, and replace the main seal that is behind the flywheel... get an OEM seal from the dealer for that.

-Charlie

[FractalSight]

Thanks a bunch for the tip!

I thought about going the route of a performance clutch but with 245k miles on the original transmission I figured I should play it safe

[seng]

I say spend the extra $50 and get you a Perfection Clutch set at Advance Auto.

http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/web..._272092203___#

Perfection clutches are Exedy clutches. And, you don't have to wait for the clutch to come in the mail. You can get it right then at the part store. Perfection clutch is what's on my '02 WRX. I have nothing but good things to say about this clutch.

[Jimnist]

Originally Posted by FractalSight

Thanks a bunch for the tip!

I thought about going the route of a performance clutch but with 245k miles on the original transmission I figured I should play it safe

Main difference between OEM and performance is the pressure plate 'clamping' force and material/type of clutch plate. Lower-end performance ones tend to only increase the force.

Performance clutches makes it better for towing and transmits a bit more force from the engine to the wheels. Only difference from a users point of view would be a heavier feel on the clutch pedal and maybe starts that aren't as smooth.

[FractalSight]

Originally Posted by Jimnist

Main difference between OEM and performance is the pressure plate 'clamping' force and material/type of clutch plate. Lower-end performance ones tend to only increase the force.

Performance clutches makes it better for towing and transmits a bit more force from the engine to the wheels. Only difference from a users point of view would be a heavier feel on the clutch pedal and maybe starts that aren't as smooth.

I was under the impression that a performance clutch would also put more strain on the transmission as well as feeling heavier, am I misunderstanding that? I don't mind a heavier clutch at all, the stock clutch is too light in my opinion, I just want to be confident I am not going to be causing any transmission problems farther down the road. Thanks everyone for your help!