Bad news from my mechanic

[dan xvi]

Hey everyone, I have some bad news. I just heard back from my mechanic (sent my car to the shop thinking that I had a bad water pump, he says its my clutch) We diagnosed the problem using a mechanic stethoscope to locate the noise the car was making and we felt it was coming from the water pump.

He is going to charge 1050 dollars for parts and labor to replace the clutch. First off, does this price sound about right? And secondly, being I'm replacing the clutch anyway, do you guys have any suggestions for performance clutches? I know I only have the 420a engine, but being it has to be replaced anyway, I wouldn't mind spending a little extra money to get a clutch that I know is good and will last me.

Thanks for the help in advance
- Dan

(I have a 1996 Talon non turbo)

 

[Denji]

that seems way high. clutch is typcially 400-550 in labor depending on the shop, and a clutch is no more than 200, actually i got a performance one for 250. Even if you count a performance clutch/throwout bearing, resurfacing the flywheel and labor it wouldnt be that much, not by any stretch of the mind.

 

[weith1111]

No F'ing way dude. $300 labor for AWD. A FWD should be even less. Call Aamco or someone who specializes in trannys, it should be much cheaper. A good way to do it is to do the removal yourself, then they can just do the new parts, flywheel, and reinstall. I've done this with motors and trannys before, getting charged $150 to put an AWD tranny in, check the torque specs and do fluids sounds good to me. Taking stuff off is cake.

 

[keymaster]

Damn, where are you guys finding clutch installs for $300??? I was calling around months ago for me 3G, and I got quoted anywhere from $650-$800 labor. Any suggestions in the Chicago area?

 

[92redman]

Where are you guys finding clutch installs this cheap? We just did a customer pay Tiburon and with parts and labor cost $2050. This is with a dual mass flywheel though so it can not be resurfaced so knock off about $830 for the flywheel.

 

[keymaster]

Ok, I retract my previous question. Called Aamco today, quoted $450 for install. Going to order ACT 2600 tonight hopefully, get it installed in a few days. Then, once the injectors go in this weekend, my project is done for the time being. At least until I get the money for a 50 trim and FMIC.

 

[weith1111]

All they do is look up your car in a little book and see what the price is. Ask them how many hours of labor, they will say like 7 or something ridiculous, tell them you know it takes 3-4 hours tops, and would appreciate a better price. That's how I get my cheap installs. Think about what $700 is...$65 and hour, that's over 10 hours, for a tranny R&R??? NO WAY.

Most people just go places, ask how much and say OK. If you talk to the person (make sure it's the owner/manager, not some scrub) they will give you a reasonable price.

 

[D_Eclipse9916]

Yea especially find a dsm apsecialty shop. I am getting mine done for 300 labor as I am in college and dont have the time to do a flywheel and clutch install on an awd in a ####ing parking lot. But I do everything else, just finished up a big 16 g turbo instal...

 

[assa 98gsx]

I got my clutch installed at the local mitsubishi dealership for 350 plus tax. 800-1000 sounds scary... you can blow that extra money to get a brand new evo16g.

 

[dr1665]

Buddy here in Phoenix was just quoted nearly a grand by Mitsu to replace his clutch and he was supplying the clutch for that price. Something like eight hours labor at $90/hr.

The real question here is, if you're taking a mechanic's stethescope to your engine to troubleshoot, why are you paying someone else to do the actual work? Basic hand tools and an afternoon would have you drinking a beer with a new clutch installed for under $500, new clutch and TOB included.

On your 2GNT, the clutch slides on and off the input shaft by hand. It's easier to replace than a lightbulb once you get access. I've bought entire DSMs for less than some people here are paying to have others do the work for them.

Damn.

 

[rs-t eclipse]

first off a stock clutch for a 420A is around 350 dollars not 200 a after market is around 450 for a stage 2. 1000 is a bit high. Labor is around 40 dollars a hour were i live. its about a 6-8 hour job. so no more the 400 for the clutch and and 300 for labor. around so around 700. or you can get a Haynes manual and do it yourself like I've done 3 times.

 

[weith1111]

its about a 6-8 hour job.

...if this is the first time you've ever touched a wrench. It's about a 4-5 hour job WITHOUT A LIFT on an AWD which is doubly-difficult.

A shop shouldn't be charging the "i've never done this before price." I've got buddies who can swap heads on SBC in the time it takes to change oil. You don't pay someone 8 hours of labor for something like that.

They will take the business, even at 6 hours, $300 is at least $200 of pure profit on their part, after paying the mechanic for his time. $200 is $200. Just walk in when they look slow. They will negotiate.

 

[L8TR V8S]

no way dude... i just had a 2100 act clutch and a flywheel installed by switzer performance... $650.00 and thats on my AWD 95 talon $300.00 Labor and $350.00 about for the clutch!!! Hes screwing you big time.... FIND SOMEWHERE ELSE TO TAKE IT 2