Clutch recommendations for stock b3?

[TorqueEffect]

Well I was afraid this would happen, but last friday as I pulled out of the driveway to go the bank, the clutch started chattering.

So looks like I have a clutch job on my hands sometime this week, and I have never changed one in my life, but I have read through the Haynes manual, and read the writeup on here about removing the transmission, and doesn't sound particularly hard, just very time consuming.

Any recommendations on a brand of clutch? Are the $90 clutch kits from mcparts stores any good? Or would it be better to get a $108 EXEDY clutch off ebay?


Also have a couple more questions.

This car is my main mode of transportation, would it hurt to drive on a chattering clutch until I can change it out? Will this damage the flywheel or input shaft at all?

Plus, I have a leaky valve cover, so there is oil all over the exterior of the engine, is it possible that some of the oil got into the bell housing and onto the clutch?

[blkfordsedan]

I would go for the Exedy if you plan on keeping the car. As for damage, it depends on how bad it chatters....but it can't be good for the input splines. I would change it out as soon as you can. Make sure to resurface the flywheel or deglaze it and I would consider installing a new rear main seal since you're going to be right there anyway. Oil pan gaskets, front seal, timing belt & water pump are also things to consider when the engine is out.

[TorqueEffect]

I would go for the Exedy if you plan on keeping the car. As for damage, it depends on how bad it chatters....but it can't be good for the input splines. I would change it out as soon as you can. Make sure to resurface the flywheel or deglaze it and I would consider installing a new rear main seal since you're going to be right there anyway. Oil pan gaskets, front seal, timing belt & water pump are also things to consider when the engine is out.

Well I am just dropping the tranny, not pulling the whole engine, don't have access to a engine hoist, plus allot of people seem to say dropping the tranny is easier.

Also excuse my ignorance, but I am not 100% sure it is chattering.

[TorqueEffect]

The clutch cable adjuster nut is rusted and won't turn and just twists the cable.

I am going to end up having to cut the cable off won't I?

[gmiller123]

I just soaked mine with Pb blaster then put vise grips on the metal part thats behind the nut and broke it free. I also have a new clutch kit from autozone if u were interested. Only has 10 miles on it. I pulled it the next day an put a bp an f series trans in.

[WmWatt]

I've had a bit of rainy day start up clutch chatter for some time. I pull away slowly and finesse the clutch and gas pedals. Could be glazing on the clutch or condensation or oil or something. I use the car sparingly and don't plan to do anything about it until next year when the weather is nice and warm for working outside. Only preparatioin so far was buying a $2 bottle jack at a garage sale a couple weeks ago to support the transmission. Have not worked on a transmission since the 60's and not looking forward to it. Good luck.

[twopass]

I find it way easer to pull the engine than the tranny (and mine is carb).

http://i1079.photobucket.com/albums/w515/Donnie_Thacker/IMG_20120601_145559.jpg

[JPT]

I can tell you what NOT to buy.



Nothing but orange painted crap. Slips more than a drunk on an icy sidewalk.

I'd go with an Exedy. Had one on my B3. Worked excellent.

[skimsucka]

I can tell you what NOT to buy.



Nothing but orange painted crap. Slips more than a drunk on an icy sidewalk.

I'd go with an Exedy. Had one on my B3. Worked excellent.

ahahahahahahaha

[TorqueEffect]

I can tell you what NOT to buy.



Nothing but orange painted crap. Slips more than a drunk on an icy sidewalk.

I'd go with an Exedy. Had one on my B3. Worked excellent.

Lol, I will probably go with the Exedy then.

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How much does flywheel resurfacing usually run? Because if it is going to cost around $40-$50, I might as well just buy a whole new flywheel for a little more.

Something like this. \/\/\/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMS-Clutch-Flywheel-167726-94-97-Ford-Aspire-88-93-Festiva-/290768742268?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&fits=Model%3AFestiva&hash=item43b32ae77c&vxp=mtr

[Tommychu]

Exedy is worth it for the cheeky cartoon installation precautions on the back of the box. :3
But seriously, they are 100% worth the extra cake. Most of the Japanese OEMs use them for a reason.

[Tommychu]

Lol, I will probably go with the Exedy then.

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How much does flywheel resurfacing usually run? Because if it is going to cost around $40-$50, I might as well just buy a whole new flywheel for a little more.

Something like this. \/\/\/

http://www.ebay.com/itm/AMS-Clutch-F...2ae77c&vxp=mtr

My last flywheel job cost $40. But you don't want that new one. They're usually crap Chinese castings and the one I got in last week had an oversized pilot bearing hole- I could push the bearing clear through the flywheel with my little finger.

[M3NTAL]

Do it once do it right, who wants to do a clutch twice?

It'll cost you double if you got to do it twice .02

[TorqueEffect]

Exedy clutches are made in Michigan, and the Duralast brand ones are rebranded "Perfection Clutch" clutches which are made in China. Would happily pay the extra $18 for something higher quality and made in the states. This country needs to stop buying junk made in China just because it is cheaper.

My last flywheel job cost $40. But you don't want that new one. They're usually crap Chinese castings and the one I got in last week had an oversized pilot bearing hole- I could push the bearing clear through the flywheel with my little finger.

Alright, thanks for the tip. Guess I will just call around and get some quotes beforehand.

Do it once do it right, who wants to do a clutch twice?

It'll cost you double if you got to do it twice .02

Very very true, that's why I am asking so many questions beforehand.

[blkfordsedan]

My '93 had an Exedy in it when I replaced the original clutch at 120K. That was enough for me to put an Exedy back in. I usually just use an air sander to deglaze the flywheel if it looks good.