So.... my clutch is going. Where to get a new one?

[ninethreeeleven]

So, as the title reads my clutch is going bye-bye. I guess I should describe how I know this, when I am getting up to speed on any surface or any road (from 30 to 50+) when the boost hits, I get an RPM spike, then it catches and I get going. This mainly occurs if I slam the gas pedal at 2000-2500 RPM and it spikes right around 3300 RPM. Will spike to about 4500 and drop down to 3500-3600 when it catches. I have stopped doing this, to save whatever is left.

Other than that, the car is completely drivable. It doesn't slip (yet) in first or second, just the higher gears, and just when I mash the gas in an RPM range lower than boost. But I stopped doing it so I have a little time before I get a new clutch.

So I am here asking where I should get a new one installed/purchased. The car is unmodded engine wise and because I like my transmission I will be going with the OEM clutch. Should I buy it and go to a local shop? Or just do it all at a dealer? Also, should I buy everything (clutch, pressure plate, throw out bearing, etc) or just a clutch plate.

Or better yet, anyone with some tools and previous clutch installs want to do it with me??!?! I love working on this car and as long as it can be done in a weekend I more than willing to help out/do it myself. I just don't want to do it myself, get 80% done and realize it's too much.

So in the Capital Region where should I go? Albany to be specific.

[stylesrex]

My car was having similair clutch issues, now it does it in every gear.  Its hard to speculate exactly what parts you'll need to replace.  Replacing a clutch is a fairly involved process, you might want to consider replacing the pressure plate and throwout bearing while doing the clutch.   

Id recommend Capitaland Subaru for the parts and service.  Speak with Fred in parts he's uber knowledgeable.  I was recently discussing with Fred about having Capitaland install a clutch/pressure plate/bearing and he said that itd be about 4.5hrs to install the new parts. 

If it takes a pro-mechanic that long with all the proper tools then i def dont want to attempt this myself outside in my driveway in the cold with minimal tools and even less patience.  This may not be your scenario im just lazy.

[beat22]

API(autopart international) offers an oem exeddy clutch kit in the 350 range, which includes clutch,pressure plate,T/o bearing, pilot bearing and clutch alignment tool... 233-1010 for the troy store... also if your looking for subaru oem...deff call fred, he's the man

[beat22]

Or better yet, anyone with some tools and previous clutch installs want to do it with me??!?! I love working on this car and as long as it can be done in a weekend I more than willing to help out/do it myself. I just don't want to do it myself, get 80% done and realize it's too much.

i can also lend a hand with this, give me a call, i've got my plate full of alot of projects right now but if we can work something out it would be great 522-9948

devin

[ninethreeeleven]

Thanks guys. So the Exedy clutch is OEM in regards to holding power? That's all I want/need.

It's currently holding up just fine so I am putting this off until it gets warmer, I think. Now real reason, but mainly so I don't have to pay for it just yet. Glad I know it's going slowly, that way I don't have to "oh, shit! I need $600+ all the sudden!" or anything like that.

[AussieDan]

Thanks guys. So the Exedy clutch is OEM in regards to holding power? That's all I want/need.

It's currently holding up just fine so I am putting this off until it gets warmer, I think. Now real reason, but mainly so I don't have to pay for it just yet. Glad I know it's going slowly, that way I don't have to "oh, shit! I need $600+ all the sudden!" or anything like that.

You can get the Genuine Exedy OEM Replacement (Part # KSB04) on ebay for $166 shipped.  I know because I have one next to me right now awaiting fitment on the RS.  http://stores.ebay.com/gripforce-clutches

Edit: The WRX one (KSB03) is a little more, $233 shipped from the same guys

[ninethreeeleven]

Does anyone have any idea how they can charge so little? Stolen? Fake? Used? Made of Cupcakes and frosting?

[BlackParis]

Does anyone have any idea how they can charge so little? Stolen? Fake? Used? Made of Cupcakes and frosting?

Those seem like average prices for Aftermarket OEM Replacement clutch kits I paid 114$ for my integra one.. Hell Im getting a sixpuck + 7lb flywheel kit for my CRX for 230$ Honda FTW!

[homurcules]

when i had the clutch and flywheel done in my rs,  i think i got both the clutch and lightwieght fly for maybe 450ish.  depending on how many miles you have on it, you might want to consider a new flywheel too, ( its also the perfect time to put a lightwieght flywheel in, if you had ever considered it )  also if your having the work done, its worthwhile in the long run to replace it all, pressure plate, throwout bearing, ect ect

[dw0095]

Here is a fun looking DIY 
http://ken-gilbert.com/wrx/clutch/clutch_flywheel_swap.htm

[stylesrex]

Interesting link

The owner went with an OEM replacement clutch because he believes, "Keeping the clutch as the failure point could mean the difference between replacing a 200 dollar OEM clutch vs. replacing a 2000 dollar transmission." 

He would further state, "Last but not least, it is my opinion that you REPLACE a clutch that slips due to normal wear and use, and you UPGRADE a clutch that slips even when brand new.  People have trapped over 110 mph in the quarter mile on an OEM clutch, which means they can actually hold quite a bit of torque."

I agree with half of this.  Replacing an oem clutch that slips(when new) and even worse from wear and abuse, with a brand new oem clutch, will retain drive-ability.  Slippage when new makes the car easier to drive/launch.  However it should wear out the clutch faster as noted in the article when owner replaced the oem clutch after 35kmi.  I have no doubt that many people have trapped over 110mph in the quarter mile with oem clutch.  My question is how many times did they continuously trap that speed before the clutch was spent? 

110mph traps means that those cars are putting down substantially more power than stock.  That is why I question the longevity of the oem clutch with that much hp, under those driving conditions(drag racing).

[BlackParis]

  Get a torque converter