7A-FE clutch, 04/08: it's alive! Options

[mr-belowaverage]

There is a ton of clutch info scattered across a hundred threads in this forum, so I need some tailored advice. I have a stock 7A daily driver with 365,000kms. Yep, that's a lot. It runs great, and everything works perfectly. There is a little oil loss through the control rings, and some minor leaks from the pan gasket and valve cover gasket, but otherwise this is the little engine that could.

After so many miles, the clutch is understandably worn. It slips a lot, hits false neutrals, and as someone said in another clutch thread, acceleration is a two-day affair. So it's time for replacement.

I am on a TIGHT budget. I can probably spend about 200 bucks on this job, including the new fluids and other miscellanea. I need help deciding which clutch to use.

I have a few minor mods lined up, such as an intake, but I won't be doing much to this engine at all. I'm saving up for a future swap. That means stock torque is all I have to worry about.

What I'm currently looking at are either Exedy OEM clutch, F1 racing ebay special stage 1 or 2, or anther ebay special from Ezclutch that doesn't specify the make. They look like ACT knockoffs. If these clutches are all total ****, or if the Exedy OEM is a poor choice comparatively, I will take the time to save up a few more bucks and go for an ACT HDSS kit for about 300 plus the rest of the required bits, which puts me in $400+ territory. I understand spending more might be the only right choice, but budget is a big deal.

Please post advice on selecting a clutch, and experience with specific brands and types from what I've listed. If you have a line on a great deal on something in the Stage 1, street/performance range, it would be appreciated.

IN RETURN FOR YOUR HELP:
I will document every step of the install. There is no single, thorough clutch replacement step-by-step, so I am willing to take a ton of pictures and even shoot some video, write detailed notes and post the whole thing. It will help people do what I do in the future, and will force me to slow down and do the job right. I hope that's a good trade!

ALSO: I just started working at my local toyota dealer as a service advisor, so if anyone needs part numbers or rare bits, I can probably help with that.

Here's the first 6gc sighting from my new job: (I have seen a few now, all in bad to moderate shape )


This post has been edited by mr-belowaverage: Apr 8, 2008 - 9:43 PM