[ValvetrainEngineer]

Is this something I should tackle in my garage without a lift? I've done everything else from motor mounts to headers...but this seems orders of magnitude more difficult. Anyone in these forums done this on their own? Any links to install tips?

[KingofImports.com]

I have one. I did not do the work to install it, but I did watch long enough to know that it be something that is much easier to do with a lift than without a lift. I dont think it can be done without completely separating the tranny from the engine and removing it. If you do decide to tackle it, post up your "how to" when you finish it!

[Xman]

the step by step instructions http://home.nycap.rr.com/tmat3/clutch.html
the process is similar enough to all Subaru MTs that special "STi" instructions are not really needed.

It's not overly difficult if you are quite good with a wrench. The only real specialized tool is the alignment tool which comes supplied with some clutches.

It really is just more intimidating and time consuming than actually difficult.

[BoricuaSTi]

I agree with Xman. I did mine and it isn't anything super hard, just time consuming. Just make sure to unclip the throw-out bearing before doing any pulling on the tranny. I did do mine on a lift and frankly, I would suggest using a lift. You need to lower the tranny.


Over all, also, make sure you know what you are getting into. Some people, like me, dont mind these but others do. The car bogs a lot easier, say goodbye to hard launched (I never did them anyways), and driving at anything below 2k from 3rd and up is pointless as it just produces lots of harmonic vibration.

[Nivek]

Originally Posted by BoricuaSTi

I agree with Xman. I did mine and it isn't anything super hard, just time consuming. Just make sure to unclip the throw-out bearing before doing any pulling on the tranny. I did do mine on a lift and frankly, I would suggest using a lift. You need to lower the tranny.


Over all, also, make sure you know what you are getting into. Some people, like me, dont mind these but others do. The car bogs a lot easier, say goodbye to hard launched (I never did them anyways), and driving at anything below 2k from 3rd and up is pointless as it just produces lots of harmonic vibration.

Really? Which flywheel did you go with? My experience is different. How long have you had your flywheel?

It is easier to bog, but you quickly learn that apply more gas and releasing the clutch at a different speed can give you the same launches as you had with the factory flywheel.

As for harmonic vibration, I have never noticed it, but I am going to look for it the next time I get in the STi.

[BoricuaSTi]

I had a Stage3 Exedy clutch/flywheel combo. Its really not that bad. But any outsider beyong my wife and I had issues with it. The guy that is buying my car likes it, but he stalled it 4 times on our test drive.

I can drive the car smooth like a stock clutch. It just requires a few more revs than stock and some careful modulating of the clutch (last part being specific to the Stage 3).

The reason i think my car revs so quick/is a little harder to module/has harmonic noises here and there.. is because the Exedy PP is forged aluminum vs. stamped steel that you get with most clutches. Which means that not only did you loose weight with the flywheel (14lbs vs. 19 for stock) but you also loose weight in all the other parts too.

[Nivek]

Its stage 3 and a clutch so that makes sense. Is it one of those puck clutches for racing?

[BoricuaSTi]

Its a sprung 6 puck. The pedal feel is about the same as stock though, which I like. My FD used to have a clutch with a super heavy pedal, I hated it.

[Nivek]

I have the stock clutch with the STi aftermarket flywheel. There is no harmonic vibration. I was wondering what going to a puck clutch would feel like. does it chatter alot? I know you probably reduced a lot more weight by doing the clutch and flywheel at the same time. Any idea how much total weight was knocked off?

Kevin

[BoricuaSTi]

No I really dont, we didn't whip out the scale that day. It pretty much chatters when its cold only. After that its chatter free and its easy to modulate, once you get over the learning curve.

[BoricuaSTi]

Originally Posted by nhluhr

I've done a WRX clutch/flywheel/tranny before and they are not overly difficult - it can be frustrating but the best advice is to get the car jacked up REALLY freaking high. Like, max out your jackstands.

Do not underestimate when he says REALLY high.

[JPWEraser]

I did a clutch/fly install on my old car by myself(make yourself a friend because it sucked... bad). It wasn't hard really, pretty strait forward if you know your way around a toolbox. The hardest thing on your own is the weight of the tranny while you're trying to align it correctly through the clutch. I don't have a lift or anything, but it would have trivialized the entire thing. A light flywheel will increase throttle response a bit since there is less rotating mass. I had an ACT XTSS street disc/pressure plate, and a Street Light flywheel. ACT makes solid products and I plan on using them again if I have the chance on the STi. The pedal was very sharp but it just took some getting used to. Overall, I think it is a worthwhile mod but you need to know exactly what you're getting into. A lot of folks that I've helped do this to their cars weren't really prepared for the byproducts like increased chatter, slight shuddering, harsh pedal and engagement, etc. As long as you know just what you're looking for, you will be fine.