My 05 Evo VIII 27,000 miles clutch is starting to slip so I need to quickly work out what I am going to do. I have all factory parts so no tuning has been done and nothing is planned any time soon.

I got an OEM quote from the dealer for the following 6 months ago.
- Disc,Clutch $136.95
- Cover Assembly $164.98
- Bearing $78.80
- Flywheel $509.38
Parts Total: $890.11
Labor: $1495.....ouch

I am hoping to get some help/input on a couple items.
1. Is a new flywheel really needed or suggested?

2. If a flywheel is suggested, I seem to find the OEM is 13.9lbs and people start lightened flywheels at around 13lbs, 10lbs, etc. Do lightened flywheels make any difference or cause any risks? Is 0.9 lbs lighter really going to make any difference over the OEM or should I be looking for lighter? My setup is on a stock engine so I don't know if any weight reduction would do anything for me?

3. I hear a lot of chatter about the OEM clutches wearing out but I am also struggling with loosing my drivetrain warranty by using aftermarket parts. I am a couple months from it being 5 years though so I don't know if there really is any good warranty left? Does anyone know if from year 5 to 10 if there is anything really left to warranty against in the drivetrain and engine? I plan on calling a dealer next week but I question getting any good answers from a dealer.

4. I got an ACT clutch for my old car 95 NA Toyota MR2 and wasn't overly impressed with how the clutch engaged way late and suddenly versus the OEM smooth engagement. If I go aftermarket, I have a small budget and I would like the feel and throw of the clutch to be similar to the OEM. From what I can find, it seems that my choices are the entry level ACT or Clutch Master clutches. Does anyone have experience with their engagement, quality and types or have any other suggestions?

Thanks!!!!

 

First off, that is a good low mileage for an 05, congrats.

1) A new flywheel is not necessary, but you should get the old one resurfaced AT LEAST before you pair it up with the new clutch. So either resurface it (much cheaper) or replace it.
2) A lightweight one is just better because you lose less power through the drivetrain. The lighter the flywheel is, the less power is lost in turning the weight. Lighter flywheels can have daily drivability issues, but some of that is due to a bad choice in clutch with said fiywheel, or a bad pairing of clutch/flywheel and application. If you are staying stock, just get it resurfaced, or get a new one and don't worry about flywheel weight it won't be a huge difference.
3) I am not sure about how long the warranty from Mitsu is, either 5/6 years and 50/60k miles, not positive though, maybe someone else can chime in there. I lost mine the week after I got the car, so it is what it is .
4) I had an ACT with a honda and it was garbage. Lockout at high RPMs and just trouble shifting in general. Pretty sure it wasn't the install, I installed it, and then had it looked over by a dealer independently, and the alignment and install was fine. I decided its better to spend the money now and enjoy the car, than hate myself by skimping out and having problems down the line. I have driven in a few Evos with ACT clutches, one was fine, the other had lockout at high RPMs also, so mixed reviews. There are MANY MANY threads on here about lockout and ACT clutches, so read up:
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...u-bastard.html
https://www.evolutionm.net/forums/ev...-you-suck.html
and on and on... also there are a billion clutch threads on which one to choose.

I would recommend staying away from ACT at all costs, but I have no idea what Clutch Masters is like either. You don't need anything major, why not a single disc exedy? or spec? Read up, the search button is your friend.

Good luck

 

I only drive a short distance to work and back but I try to have as much "safe" and as legal as possible fun as I can.

Thanks for the input. I am also looking into Exedy and Spec now. I thought that Exedy only made really expensive 6 disk setups but I see they sell an Exedy OEM and an Exedy Stage 1 also. If anyone has any expereince with these or Spec, opinions are appreciated.

I tried without a lot of sucess before on searching. There is a lot of wasted chater about clutches but I will refine searches with these manufactures also.

If anyone is willing to also chirp in with their opinions, I am happy to have them.
Thanks!!!

 

I had an Exedy Stage 2 in my car before and loved it, and I reused the flywheel, just get it resurfaced and you should be fine. Also, that labor is ridiculous, find a nearby shop that knows how to do it and they'll do it for cheaper, for example, I do it for $400.

Rob