ACT 2600 clutch, what to do/where to go

[initialRES]

I have a 98 gsx with the mods listed below at right under 60K. Today I was on the highway at 3000 RPM in 5th gear. I floored it and the clutch slipped a little bit so I guess its getting to that time.

So I am pretty set on a ACT 2600 but I am on a tight budget, especially if I have it installed by someone else. I was wondering who has changed a clutch themselves and how difficult it was. I'm not really worried about taking out bolts and taking things apart but I'm worried that I will mess something up because it is a long process and I don't have much experience doing this type of thing. I have just done bolt on type stuff and little things like that. I know I could do it but how tough is it?

Also, I don't have money for a new flywheel right now. Do you think it would be that bad for me to just turn the stock flywheel? I know it isn't the best idea but I am on a tight budget. What would be the negative effects of not getting a new one besides a little less matched shifting and less performance?

Finally, I am looking at buying from prostreet or wherever. Would you guys buy from them or is there somewhere else that I should look?

Thanks for any opinions

 

[Cesar]

You don't NEED a new flywheel at all. Flywheels are only to be replaced if damaged or worn beyond repair. The only reason people replace them is because they usually want to go with a lighter one. If it is scratched, warped, gouged, etc, etc, have it machined to the correct spec. (this will depend on the clucth kit that you will use). If the flywheel is not marked you do not NEED to machine it. Even though it isn't a bad idea.
You should be able to perform the job yourself. Nothing is hard as long as you do a lot of research and take your time doing it. Plan for a lot of downtime on your car.
Your car is a 98. I don't have a lot of experience with crankwalk but a stronger pressure plate will increase the load on your thrust bearings.

I've heard of shift forks breaking due to the incresed stress . Make sure you ajust your clutch properly afterwards as well.

 

[initialRES]

Well yeah I was thinking the same thing. I don't know why I threw in the deal about a flywheel. I know I don't need one but it was on my mind. But yeah I've been reading about this job for the past 2 weeks and it seems like quite a process. I know with patience and time I can do it, I'm just worried. I don't want to screw it up, and put it back together to find it doesn't work. Oh well, I guess its better than spending a bunch of money on labor.

As for the crankwalk, I am terrified of it but I have $1000 in a bank account just in case something like that happened. It won't be the whole cost of the 6 bolt block but its a good chunk of it.

 

[98TsiAWD]

RRE is offering the ACT flywheel for $200 with the purchase of an ACT clutch.

 

[initialRES]

I will look into that flywheel deal because I know that would be the best solution. It all depends on how much I can scrape together.

Is there anywhere on the internet that I can buy OEM parts? I have been reading about how poor the ACT throwout bearings are. I know this is going to be a very long job and I don't want to have to do it again in a year because of a crappy throwout bearing. I was thinking of just going with the OEM one but I know the dealership will rip me off. So is there anywhere I could go to get it at a decent price?