Looks like I "may" need a new clutch, so here's my question

Too bad about the clutch...
Yes get an after market clutch, should be much better...

but if you bought the car used then that is the price you pay for not knowing how it was driven before you bought it...

Yeah I bought it used.
Like you said,....its a price you pay.

So I'm looking for comments and recommendations.

There's no reason not to upgrade it. It's not that expensive for a better clutch (around $300), it doesn't compromise street driving or daily driving, and it can withstand hard launches (if that's your thing). If you ever want to supercharge your car, it will be great for that as well


Everyone says the ACT HD clutch is the best for street use (sold through ForcedFed or MWR). I went with the Fidanza Kevlar clutch and it's great so far. (sold through Sector111).

Yes that’s one of the mysteries of a used car. But 14,000 miles seems vary suspicious* to me. Maybe something warranty wise could be done. But with it being a clutch you are most likely F-ed. But get an after market clutch at any rate. Even if it is something the warranty covers offer to pay the difference to cover a better clutch.


* What did someone do to wreck a clutch in only 14,000 miles?:wallbang: What else may be abused that may need a looking at?:sad: I would do a trans oil change just to get the maybe little bits of metal in there out. Also when in there (checking the clutch) look at the face of the flywheel to see if there is any sign of over heating or what not.

And I know BM knows what he's talkin about, so this is good information.

Hard launches aren't my thing at all.......I baby this car and use it only on weekends.
I did think about trying out the hard launch after we spoke about it once before on another thread.....but......I didn't have the heart.

I think I should probably put some of those sector 111 motor mounts in there while I'm at it.

I've already called about having a clutch installed by someone highly reputable in my area.......the quote is 550.00 which I think is more than fair.

Please keep the recommendations coming.
Lighter weight flywheel???? Will this give it more pep from a roll?

i have had plenty of the TOB's make those noises, many every aftermarket companys use the factory TOB even with aftermarket clutches but there are plenty that make their own and will fail sooner. As far as the ACT bearings we pack them with grease now either way because there is a very good chance that over time the bearing will make noise. so if its just the noise that is making you change it consider the chance that you may have the noise again in the future. Pack it with grease either way if you are changing the clutch.

As far as which clutch to use i would use an ACT heavy duty or extreme with solid sprung disc if you do plan on changing it. The heavy duty will hold more than enough power if you are supercharged and still feel close to a stock clutch and last you a very long time. The extreme i would only adivise if you were turbo and making more than 275ftlbs of torque.

Once again, pack the bearing w/grease no matter what you end up doing.

Green Ghost said:

* What did someone do to wreck a clutch in only 14,000 miles?:wallbang: .

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I wish I knew.
I mean the car drives and shifts perfectly.......it's just makes that chirping sound and when you very lightly put pressure on the clutch pedal..( maybe a pound of pressure) .the chirping goes away completely.

$550 for a clutch install is a steal.

thats a vary good price

Bavarian Motorist said:

$550 for a clutch install is a steal.

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How much more are other shops charging ?

dustylax said:

Thats just about what we charge. How much more are other shops charging ?

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I'm going to you after I blow this one out I forgot what mine charged. Will check.

IXLR8....where are you located?

IXLR8 said:

Isn't that wonderful? I've had the car three months and it only has 14k miles on it.

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rotfl

Count your blessings. I'm at just over 15k miles and on my third clutch and have no standing starts. I wouldn't install the OEM clutch if Lotus paid me to.


Lighter flywheel will be noticeable but only for the first one or two drives. Lots of better aftermaket clutch solutions, IMHO.

southbend/exedy/fidanaza

codymac said:

rotfl

Count your blessings. I'm at just over 15k miles and on my third clutch and have no standing starts. I wouldn't install the OEM clutch if Lotus paid me to.


Lighter flywheel will be noticeable but only for the first one or two drives. Lots of better aftermaket clutch solutions, IMHO.

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How many clutches have been on the Evo? anic:

Tristar Racing said:

How many clutches have been on the Evo? anic:

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Still on the stocker! Knock on wood!
She needs rotors so I'm going for Martin's $200 Girodisc "Bailout Special."


The Exige broke the clip on the OE clutch and then broke a torque strap on the OEM replacement. I talked to Dirk Starksen and ended up getting an ACT HD/TODA combo from ForcedFed and have been happy with it.

clutch life and durabilty is more affected by how the car was driven more than anything else...had my clutch for over 17Kmiles, autoX'd it a few times and do plenty of spirited driving, but NO hard launches...the clutch is just starting to slip NOW, hence i got a "new" (oem) one from a member here, will be installed on my 20K service interval, and i should be good for another 15Kmiles