Clutch advice needed - how much should I pay?

[Randall]

Hello All,
Amazingly, after 116,453 miles my baby's original clutch finally gave up, and I don't have time to do the repairs myself, so I need your advice. How much should I expect to pay for this job? I priced the clutch kit at 280$, but I got estimates between 700 and 900 dollars for the job and parts combined. Is this normal? Are there any repairs or preventative maintenance that should be done at this time that is much harder with the tranny in? Thanks for your help!

 

[SASHO91]

thats not a bad price... but really depends on the shop.

im sure there are a few guys out in Cali that could help ya out....

more than likely they will drop the subframe... so you will have acess to SFB's, front SB bushings,and you might as well change out your tie rod ends, and sway bar endlinks.... also if you have worn strut rod bushings now is a good time to put them in too...

 

[Mr Anonymous]

That's about average, with tranny R&R labor usually being in the $500-$800 range, plus the cost of the clutch.

Biggest item to replace while the tranny is out is the rear main seal.

 

[baySHO_510]

You should contact Nick Chrimes from Bay SHO Performance, your SHO will be in good hands and his shop is in San Jose.

 

[Randall]

Thanks guys! Does anyone know how to get in touch with Nick Chrimes? I looked on the directory from SHOtimes and got a number from 2003 listed as 408-295-4778. Is this correct? Also, I know I should already know the answer to this, but what does SFB stand for? Thanks again, and because of your help I just made a paypal donation to the forum in your honor.
-Randy

 

[fricker66]

SFB - subframe bushing. These are easily upgraded to the aluminum style or replaced with rubber bushings while doing a clutch job. The subframe will need to be removed and provides a good opportunity to replace your 110k old factory bushings.

You'll love the feel of the new clutch. It was like night and day when we replaced mine!

 

[HoustinoJillian]

SFB - subframe bushing. These are easily upgraded to the aluminum style or replaced with rubber bushings while doing a clutch job. The subframe will need to be removed and provides a good opportunity to replace your 110k old factory bushings.

You'll love the feel of the new clutch. It was like night and day when we replaced mine!

ps you can get the aluminum subframe bushings from this website http://www.shonutperformance.com

 

[Randall]

Thanks for the input! It looks like the only mod ever done on my SHO before I got it was the aluminum SFB's. I got the clutch done yesterday for $675 before taxes, and the mechanic told me that she found them when taking off the subframe. They did the job in three and a half hours! You were right Frederick, it feels like a totally new car, what a difference! I also organized a discount at this shop, called Clutch Works in San Jose, for all SHO owners who reference me on ATX or MTX work. This discount applies also to suspension, brake, or steering work as well. Anyway thanks for the advice, I made a donation to SHOforum in your honor today!