Need a new clutch, need some advice

[BagelPirate]

I have a 98 LGT, there are currently two problems with my transmition;
It makes a squeak at idle/low speeds, and it just started making an occasional grinding noise, I think its the throw-out bearing.

I've never done a clutch install, but a few of my buddies have, I want to try the work myself. I looked around these forums and couldn't find any real advice, and the search feature on these old phpBBs is useless.

What is a good clutch set to go with? What all will I need? The less expensive the better.

Is ebay a good place to get clutches? They have some crazy deals on these exedys ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EXEDY-19 ... enameZWD1V (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EXEDY-1998-06-SUBARU-IMPREZA-RS-2-5L-NEW-CLUTCH-KIT_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33730QQihZ005QQitemZ150118665813QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWD1V) )
and this f1 ( http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F1-RACIN ... enameZWDVW (http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/F1-RACING-STAGE-3-CLUTCH-KIT-98-06-IMPREZA-RS-2-5L-EJ25_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ33730QQihZ005QQitemZ150245336808QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW) )

I don't really know jack about either of these brands/models

[caoutback]

the F1 Clutch is made by Exedy, I went with a stage 2 for mine (essentially a Exedy Stg1) and have had no problems with it. Just be sure it's for the right year and all. My 98 Outback used F1 # F1-55012R1-SS and I got it from Speed Solution International Inc for $164. There # is (562)905-3233 and am very happy with them. While you're at it you might want to do you're slaver cylinder and replace the rubber line with a Braided Stainless line from www.techna-fit.com (http://www.techna-fit.com). I used the one for the RS p/n SUBC-110.

[track8]

I recently did mine by removing the engine, as I had to do H/G's at the same time. I went with a stock replacement type made by Exedy, as they have a decent reputation, and are affordable. I recommend it highly if you aren't planning a whole lot of power upgrades. I actually put in an Fidanza flywheel for fun, and cause it's not a lot of cash, when you figure in the cost of resurfacing.

On the back of the block is a plastic plate that will probably be leaking oil, Subaru makes an aluminium replacement as I understand it. I made one, so I haven't a clue what it costs. The SS hose is a nice addition, as mentioned above.

Overall the job entails a lot of bolt turning, but it's none too complicated.

[99susx2]

My son and I just put an Exidy in his 95. That's not a bad price. We paid ~190 from Carquest. If you keep your flywheel - you need to have it re-surfaced at a reputable place.

The Aluminum plate was 17 plus new screws, came to 21 bucks. Well spent to not have the oil leak anymore...

I've done just the Tranny pull and install; and I've done the Engine/tranny pull and install... Next time I need to do a tranny, I'll take them both out and do the separation and re-mating OUTSIDE the vehicle. I don't have a car lift (yet... father's day???) so spending all that time on your back trying to lift and leaverge the tranny into place... Less time to just pull the whole thing.

My 2 cents...

[BagelPirate]

the F1 Clutch is made by Exedy, I went with a stage 2 for mine (essentially a Exedy Stg1) and have had no problems with it. Just be sure it's for the right year and all. My 98 Outback used F1 # F1-55012R1-SS and I got it from Speed Solution International Inc for $164. There # is (562)905-3233 and am very happy with them. While you're at it you might want to do you're slaver cylinder and replace the rubber line with a Braided Stainless line from www.techna-fit.com (http://www.techna-fit.com). I used the one for the RS p/n SUBC-110.
I actually recently replaced both the slave and master due to a clutch pedal that didn't want to come back up.


Thanks for the advice.

I think I'm going to go with one of those exedy clutches, and that fidanza flywheel (found one for $200)

I have a haynes manual for a 97 LGT (mines a 98) Should I be able to find everything I need to know there?

Any tips for dropping the transmition out? :D

[Huffer]

I've also been looking into clutch/flywheel replacements.

With the T/O making those chirping noises, I have elected to buy a snout kit
(google 5mt snout kit and you'll find them) as insurance against repeated T/O problems.

For the clutch, I am going to go with Exedy OEM or Stage 1, whichever turns out to be the better deal. Flywheel, I will go ACT Streetlite because it's cheaper than the Fidanza and still has one-piece construction - it's 14lbs too.

For the install, most people have told me that it's only necessary to pull the engine forward - that gives you enough room to get everything out without pulling the whole engine out or dropping the transmission.
Obviously you have to take the exhaust off from the headers to the cat though.

Let us know how it all goes.

[decke48]

here two write ups the might help.
http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/clutch/clutch.html
http://wac.addr.com/auto/obs/clutch/clutch2.html

[Airgne]

i went with spec clutch. i got a stage 3 racing clutch, aluminum pressure plate, and a aluminum flywheel. i went from 30lbs assy to a 18lbs assy. its crazy on how much it grabs. i would recommend this clutch to anyone that is thinking of and mods. this has the ability to hold 450tq. just costs alittle of money, but worth every penny.