RX: New Clutch. Brand Name or generic?

[2ksev6]

Hey all,

My clutch is fried and I need a new one. I don't think I can afford to go aftermarket performance, although I'd obviously love a badass one that lasts longer. I tend to speed, but I'm not a monster on acceleration. I know those seem like conflicting statements, but I wasn't the one to burn it out, and let's leave it at that.

The shop I went to gave me an $886 estimate for a Toyota OEM clutch and guestimated about $650 for a an aftermarket one (including install). I doubt the aftermarket would really be any better than the OEM, but how bad could it be? What I'd really like is 1. a mega-awesome super clutch that won't ever wear out and 2. somehow detects idiots who think they can drive a stick, but can't, and won't start. I'll settle for 1. only. It's like $227 for the parts and $636 is labor on the OEM clutch, so I think their guestimate for the aftermarket is somewhat off the mark or thier OEM clutch price is.

Any ideas on clutches that'd outlast an OEM Toyota one? Is it best to go Toyota? Are aftermarket clutches (not racing style) reliable? Or would a clutch by ACT or Exedy be a better choice for long-term durability?

[Mole]

how many miles did you put on before the clutch went bye bye?

[2ksev6]

I'm going to venture a guess and say 50-75k. I haven't checked my reciepts for an exact number, but it's only been about 3 years since the last change, so it's possible it's less.

It wasn't worn out, I wouldn't dog on it, but I could sense it had some wear before an individual fried it to the point it needed to be replaced. So I want one that's maybe meatier to avoid wear and perhaps be more resistant to those without experience, though I plan to be more careful about that. The one I'm replacing is aftermarket (non-performance) and I don't know how much better or worse it was than stock since it's life was cut short.

[Mole]

you changed your clutch 3 years ago ??

[2ksev6]

4 at most. And the garage changed it. It had plenty of life left when it was burned up. Now it slips and it's grip feels less confident when it's engaged. It particularly slips in gears 3 and up, and two isn't as solid as it was before the frying.

[Kenz]

I got 110,000 miles on the original clutch. Its starting to shutter sometimes so I think its getting worn out.

Not to hijack but are there any after market clutches for the 2az? I checked the parts list link and didn't see anything. Would one for a Scion work?

[Mole]

how many miles in the 3 years??

[2ksev6]

Roughly 56000. That seems pretty low to me. Though I did drive from TX to CA with the car packed full, and there's bad traffic in Austin and of course in LA. Still seems way low, and it didn't feel brand new, but it did driven poorly which is why it has to be replaced.

Edit: Upon further research the clutch went out young, but somewhat within reason. It'd probably have gone another year or so, but it's dead now. So what should I replace it with so I can get 90,000 miles on a clutch? OEM? Aftermarket/Generic? Aftermarket/Performance?

[mac-phisto]

well, i got 150k on my OEM - i'm on my 2nd clutch now (which is also OEM). i'd stick w/ the OEM.

that price includes the rear main seal, flywheel & prep, right? if not, it seems a little high to me.

i was looking into "performance" clutches when i replaced mine & the mechanic made a good point - if you're not going to upgrade your other components, don't waste your money. i will say that the OEM is pretty beefy. i've had a few "experts" try to drive my car & it hasn't seemed to affect the performance at all. but the best protection against n00b drivers is to just say no!

[2ksev6]

Yes, that's all the parts needed. I'm leaning OEM, we'll see though. Thanks you guys for taking an interest and sharing your experiences.

[ozone]

Kind of surprised. If the clutch is fried, I would have expected the flywheel to be blue'd and in need of replacing too. Either way, if it were me, I'd replace it all because once you are in there, might as well. Dropping a tranny isn't easy, especially in a front wheel drive. I know you are going to have a mechanic do it, but "not easy" just translates to expensive in that case.
On Ebay, they have a "kit." It features a Fidanza lightened flywheel, an Exedy clutch, the pressure plate, throwout bearing, pilot bearing and alignment tool for $439.00. I don't have any personal experience with Exedy, but others seem to think they are ok. I do have personal experience with Fidanza and I like them. That would leave you $447.00 for shipping and labor to beat the OEM pricing and that includes all of the parts, not just the clutch. Lightened flywheels rock! This is the course of action, I would take, of course, I do my own work, so labor doesn't come into play. . . just a whole lot of cursing.

Good luck.

[2ksev6]

Thanks ozone, I'll take note of that. I ended up going OEM last week, and hopefully it'll be a long time before I replace the clutch again. When that day comes I'll keep the Exedy in mind, because I've been itching to try a lightened flywheel for a while.

[dug320]

Can't go wrong with OEM. Perfect fits put the price can be a little steep.