Who should swap my clutch?

[threSHOld]

I am an experienced mechanic but have never worked on an SHO. I just bought two that both need the clutch replaced; one car I need on the road as my DD, the other I will pull into my garage and tinker with either way. The second car will be my learning experience that I can take time with but I honestly am kind of worried about having someone work on my SHO after reading through tons of threads.

The shop I am considering going through quoted me $450 for the labor (I do business with them through my job) they are a great shop but I also do not know if they are very versed in the SHO. Should this matter? And if it does, are there any reputable shops in the Whatcom or Skagit county areas of Washington?

Thanks!!

 

[AREA 91]

$450 for labor is a good deal!!!

 

[Bob Gervais]

The SHO clutch isn't really much different from any other FWD clutch. I'd say if that shop has experience with FWD clutches, you'll be well served.

 

[93rev2sev]

The SHO clutch isn't really much different from any other FWD clutch. I'd say if that shop has experience with FWD clutches, you'll be well served.

Except that $450 will not include all the extra parts/labor needed to repalce exhaust ****** studs/sway bar endlinks/subframe bushings/etc..

 

[shopartsnw]

I also charge $450 for labor in Vancouver.

IF your mechanic follows the Ford manual, you will be ok. If they think they are experts and guess how to do it, you run the significant chance they will:

1) Break your clutch adjuster (parts no longer available)
2) Stretch and break your wiring harness (you think a SHO can have gremlins now)
3) Crack or break your heater core or A/C evaporator (dash work is no fun)

I actually had one person from Tacoma bring me a car that had all these problems and a couple more due to a local "clutch and transmission" chain that totally blew it when they got a clutch.

I am not trying to scare you, but if I were in your shoes, I would definitely try to scare the shop into using the service manual to the letter.

Since you are a mechanic, I personally recommend trying the work yourself? That is how I got started in the whole madness called SHO ownership.

Glad to have another local club member - Welcome to the club.

Mike

 

[Bob Gervais]

Except that $450 will not include all the extra parts/labor needed to repalce exhaust ****** studs/sway bar endlinks/subframe bushings/etc..

You forgot hockey pucks. :sun:

On a serious note, I would assume that any quote for clutch replacement doesn't include replacement of incidental items that you mentioned.

 

[zoomlater]

There is also a clutch replacement write up on SHO Phoenix project website and Josh has clutch replacement video. Do a search on this site for clutch replacement or follow the links.

 

[Frisbeeguy]

I am NOT a mechanic but was able to manage a clutch / ceramic throw-out bearing and 60k service using the SHO Phoenix instructions and help from SHOForum members. The main reason o do it yourself is to both familiarize yourself to the car and see the other "needs" while it's torn apart. (I also installed a new SHOSource Y pipe & O2 sensors)
If you can find the time - DITY

 

[St Louis SHO]

I charge $750 + parts. Cheap labor gets you cheap workmanship in some cases. I'd let Mike (shopartsnw) work on my stuff ANY day.

 

[shopartsnw]

I charge $750 + parts. Cheap labor gets you cheap workmanship in some cases. I'd let Mike (shopartsnw) work on my stuff ANY day.

Thanks for the props James. I guess I need to raise my rates I know as I get older, I don't bounce as well after a big project, so the extra money can go for medical bills.

Mike

 

[turbosho]

do it yourself and dont look back

 

[threSHOld]

Thanks everyone! (I haven't figured out how to thank individual posts). I have been eyeballing the clutch replacement video and am feeling more up to the task with your encouragement. My main concern is making sure everything is covered if need be (i.e. rear main, carrier gasket, etc) and that my newly acquired SHO will be taken care of.

 

[shopartsnw]

I also recommend trying the job yourself. There is a strong club in the NW to help, and SHOsource is local if you run into an urgently needed part.

Mike

 

[St Louis SHO]

Thanks for the props James. I guess I need to raise my rates I know as I get older, I don't bounce as well after a big project, so the extra money can go for medical bills.

Mike

Haha! i know the feeling.

 

[itwonder]

With Josh's clutch video, which also includes a step by step written procedure, the job is DIY ready. Just have a good engine support - which can be bought (Harbor Freight has them now IIRC) or fabricated. Doing the job yourself provides the opportunity to evaluate other areas that may need attention such as subframe bushings, strut rods, and heater hoses - things easily changed while the subframe is out for the clutch job.

 

[shotime1994]

Try it yourself. It is not that hard to do.