How do you feel about auto parts store replacement clutch kits?
05-19-2011, 12:01 AM
#1
How do you feel about auto parts store replacement clutch kits? My 99 SS is my dd and is in desperate need of a new clutch kit, slave and master. I don't have the money for anything fancy but this sucker has to get me to work everyday for the next few months. Will this be a temporary worthwhile investment or are they just complete piles of junk. If I get some miles out of it and a half dozen trips at the track I'll be happy. What do you think?
05-19-2011, 10:29 AM
#5
I think I'm going to have to settle for it unfortunantly. For now its my dd and it just has to last a few months. Once I get another ride this car wil get something else but I just don't have the cash now. I was just curious to know how they hold up to dd abuse.
05-19-2011, 10:39 AM
#6
Dd For a daily driver it is probably ok as long as the driver is grandma, and probably not even then, as soon as you said a half dozen trips to the track it became a bad choice for a clutch replacement. I dont care how much of a warranty it has and that they will replace the parts for free, a clutch job isnt something that you want to do every couple of months. I know I will hear the stories about its not that bad and that they can change a clutch with one hand tied behind their back and one eye closed, I dont care it is not a job you want to repeat often. Spend a little extra $$ even the big name clutch companies offer stock power level replacements that are much better than most local parts chain clutch kits. But if you must go that route at least try and get a semi well known replacement brand and not one of those crap taiwanese brands. G/L
05-19-2011, 10:44 AM
#7
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I've got one in my garage I'll sell you cheap with the FW. Dropped the trans to replace the slave and decided to upgrade the clutch while I was in there. Car ran a 12.4 with a 1.8 60 ft just a few weeks ago. Still has plenty of life on it. How's a hundred bucks plus shipping?
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05-19-2011, 01:36 PM
#8
I wouldnt put anything from autozone or advance in one of these cars ever again, my advance auto perfection (zoom) cluth lasted 5k very easy miles before tearing itself to pieces and wedging the pressure plate full of debris so that it couldnt be disengaged. Could have easily taken the flywheel out with it but it didnt.
Look at tdp's sale, have your factory flywheel resurfaced and pick up a new slave and you'll be out the door for well under $500. Thats what im running now and im very happy with it
Otherwise if you get a valeo/exedy clutch from a parts store im sure it will work fine for daily use
Look at tdp's sale, have your factory flywheel resurfaced and pick up a new slave and you'll be out the door for well under $500. Thats what im running now and im very happy with it
Otherwise if you get a valeo/exedy clutch from a parts store im sure it will work fine for daily use
05-19-2011, 02:05 PM
#10
what I have seen in recent years on auto part store "replacement" clutch kits is they are china clones under the "house" brand name. Typically close inspection shows less than = quality of what the OEM brand clutch was. These parts stores go for the low $ so that makes it a offshore source part.
5-6 years ago when I did a A4-T56 swap on my car I bought a Autozone kit which at the time was a "valeo" kit in the stores branded box. 100% exactly what would have come in a 94-96 car. When I went with a 383 I installed a aftermarket SPEC puc type clutch and returned my used Autozone (Valeo) since it had a lifetime warrenty so I could sell a NIB clutch. This was now 2008 and the Autozone kit was no longer a Valeo kit but clearly a "clone" no name other than it now said "made in china" on it. Disc was 4 vs 5 spring and just looked "cheap". I did sell the kit for $100 but my point is these replacement kits often now are clone offshore knockoffs.
You can check various part store brands and look at each one and you may find one that is in fact decent quality.
I will agree with one posters comment that if you intend to "go to the track 6 times a year..", this replacement clutch will wear quickly at the least and litterly break up in the worse case.
You have a LSx so I dont have direct experience with what came with the car but for a very good $ Competition Clutch makes a DF clutch for 94-96 pull type LT1's for $300 with good reviews. maybe their version for a LS car is similar in priceing.
5-6 years ago when I did a A4-T56 swap on my car I bought a Autozone kit which at the time was a "valeo" kit in the stores branded box. 100% exactly what would have come in a 94-96 car. When I went with a 383 I installed a aftermarket SPEC puc type clutch and returned my used Autozone (Valeo) since it had a lifetime warrenty so I could sell a NIB clutch. This was now 2008 and the Autozone kit was no longer a Valeo kit but clearly a "clone" no name other than it now said "made in china" on it. Disc was 4 vs 5 spring and just looked "cheap". I did sell the kit for $100 but my point is these replacement kits often now are clone offshore knockoffs.
You can check various part store brands and look at each one and you may find one that is in fact decent quality.
I will agree with one posters comment that if you intend to "go to the track 6 times a year..", this replacement clutch will wear quickly at the least and litterly break up in the worse case.
You have a LSx so I dont have direct experience with what came with the car but for a very good $ Competition Clutch makes a DF clutch for 94-96 pull type LT1's for $300 with good reviews. maybe their version for a LS car is similar in priceing.
05-19-2011, 02:52 PM
#11
What I meant by a half dozen trips to the track was that I might go to the track one time this entire summer but make 6 passes. Sorry for the confusion. I know a store clutch won't hold up to that abuse. My car is bone stock besides a flowmaster and a lid so big hp isn't an issue with my car. I would love a monster lvl 2 and a new hydraulic system but I just don't have $800 right now.
05-19-2011, 03:39 PM
#12
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When I was breaking my engine in I brought a new clutch kit from autozone thinking that it would last since I was taking it easy on the engine, but before I hit 3k miles the clutch started slipping badly. So i'd say unless your motor is stock and your gonna baby the car I wouldn't recommend a stock clutch.
05-20-2011, 12:56 AM
#14
ORRR
jump in on TDP/Diamond's special and get a stage 1 (good for 500hp) for $330 SHIPPED or stage 2 (600hp) for $370 SHIPPED, plus a slave and flywheel resurfacing and you've got a very nice clutch for around $450 rather than a piece of crap for $350ish from a parts store
05-20-2011, 08:09 AM
#17
i have actually priced them and at the store they want on average a high 3 almost $400 flat or more after the tax man .
even in a stock ride , just dont see the value .
on a related note , was pricing head gaskets for foreign whips . three different , popular stores wanted average of 5 times or more than what the exact same gasket cost .
of course that is why they are in bizz to begin with .
even in a stock ride , just dont see the value .
on a related note , was pricing head gaskets for foreign whips . three different , popular stores wanted average of 5 times or more than what the exact same gasket cost .
of course that is why they are in bizz to begin with .
05-20-2011, 08:37 AM
#20
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No point in getting a parts store clutch when it is cheaper to get a Centerforce.
http://www.speedinc.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000137
http://www.speedinc.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000137
