NSX in the shop - should I put a new clutch in?

[twizted]

I took my 91 NSX with 84k miles into the shop (Oster and Nabil are great guys!) and we've been doing lots of work to get her in top mechanical shape. The clutch master had failed, and the car needed the standard valves, seals, belts, water pump, misc things done to it to bring her back - but we stumbled across a few things:

1) It turns out the FORK in the clutch broke, but was never driven this way. When the master failed it happened at the same time as the fork without the car started.
2) The transmission has been rebuilt and snap ring replaced in the past.
3) The clutch was done at 55,000 miles and then at 65,000 miles another throwout bearing was put in and an ACT clutch part.

The clutch looks like it is in decent shape - but with 29k miles on it and a second throw-out bearing installed, who knows how it was treated. I'm debating on the following:

1) Replace the bearings & fork and reassemble.
2) Install OEM clutch kit while doing the above.
3) Install aftermarket clutch kit while doing the above.

As an added point, I need to order the kit and have it here on Wednesday! What do you guys think? Anyone have any decent suggestions for me? Should probably toss the 4.23:1 final drive and short gears in now too?

Thanks!

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Your math doesn't add up. 84k on the car now, last clutch installed at 65k, that would be 19k not 29k.
How do you drive the car?? Like a sane person or do you drag the car? Seems to me that 10k miles, as you stated, is pretty fast to have a clutch in need of replacement. I'm talking about the disc and pressure plates and not the other components of the clutch system.
How does/did the clutch feel when it was brought into the shop?
I would also get the feedback from Nabil and Oster. They are honest, straight shooters and will tell you the truth, good or bad.

 

[twizted]

They didn't do a full clutch, just the throw-out bearing and one ACT part added in. I didn't own the car until around 81k miles - I just have reciepts for the 29k old clutch and the 19k old throw-out bearing and ACT part. :smile:

ADDED: I seem to drive the car pretty hard. I enjoy taking the car to its limits - alot. I don't enjoy babying my car or cruising in it. Nabil feels that while I am in there I *COULD* replace the clutch, but he isn't recommending to do it or no to do it. He feels the current clutch is acceptable and the decision is mine. The clutch feels pretty good. The only issues I seem to have is the 3rd gear synchro effect at 8k RPM's when shifting, and the oh no, the car is cold, can't go into reverse until I put it into 1st effect.

 

[2-Saw]

Let me know what you plan on paying for the new clutch. Im getting my clutch off Dali for 1125.00 http://www.daliracing.com/v666-5/catalog/index_browse_part.cfm?focus=846. + Tax. I have a guy here in Atlanta that is certified and has worked on abot 10 NSX b/c he worked at Nally Acura for 7 years. I believe he is going to charge me about 650.00 for labor.:smile: That is fantastic considering i have been looking for a guy for about a month now. Im seeing him tomorrrow at 2:30, and inspecting his shop, if he is top quality I am going with him. Let me know how much left you have on your clutch to make the drive. If we can do a 2 for a discount ( I know this is a hell of a discount) we can get you a 59 dollar ticket with AirTran back home and one more back here when work is completed. Just trying to help out a brother from a different mother.:biggrin: Sorry Im a retard! I realize you have the clutch out of the car now. Thats the only way you could inspect it. A big Duuuhhhh. My heart is in the right place though. 92 NSX--- I still cant find that Shark Attack II

Dean

 

[FeetFxr]

Have you driven one with shorties and final drive? I had them installed last month and I'm not so sure I would do it again unless I was going to track my car. Let me know if you want to try them out before you buy to see what you think.

 

[twizted]

Yes, I'd like to try them out! I see you are in Winter Park too! Awesome!

 

[twizted]

2-Saw, we need it quick. It looks like $1400 + $800 for install - unless I can drop ship a clutch for less. I do not feel that I can have Dali Racing ship my clutch in the next 12 hours :biggrin:

 

[nsxtasy]

The only issues I seem to have is the 3rd gear synchro effect at 8k RPM's when shifting

If it is crunching, then yes, I would have him go ahead and replace the synchro (actually, what wears first is the hub selector for third gear, so he needs to replace that, and if the teeth on the synchro also look worn, then that as well). Do it now and save the labor...

 

[veronsx]

You may want to ask Nabil about rps clutch, he just put one in mine and I really like it. Pedal kind of stiff but easy to get used to.Nabil also did my trans new 1st and 2nd synchros and shift fork. those guys are really the best,thanks again Oster and Nabil. bob veronsx

 

[NSXSOON]

DownForce has a killer deal on the RPS clutch as a group buy:

http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?t=63824

If you shift hard at high rpm's this is going to be a better clutch than stock for you.

 

[2-Saw]

I was put off till tomorrow, mechanic is sick:frown: I will let all know an post price for job.

 

[4AU4LIFE]

Have you driven one with shorties and final drive? I had them installed last month and I'm not so sure I would do it again unless I was going to track my car. Let me know if you want to try them out before you buy to see what you think.

Todd, why do you say you hesitate doing that again? Is it that drastic of a change in the manner of the car?

 

[FeetFxr]

Todd, why do you say you hesitate doing that again? Is it that drastic of a change in the manner of the car?

M,
I think it's enough of a change that would be much more useful on the track than around town as a daily driver like mine.

 

[NSXDreamer2]

M,
I think it's enough of a change that would be much more useful on the track than around town as a daily driver like mine.

Let me take a blind guess... Higher rpm crusing on Blvd or highway legally, thus wasting gas and pulling even more unwanted attraction??

More frequent shift required to achieve certain speed but really the added acceleration is no needed for everyday leisure driving with your wife's putting lipstick on ??:wink:

 

[nsxtasy]

Have you driven one with shorties and final drive? I had them installed last month and I'm not so sure I would do it again unless I was going to track my car.

I think the stock gears are better for the track, and whatever (debatable) benefit the short gears have is on the street (in the "stoplight grand prix" ). I've driven both versions on the track. The primary benefit of the short gears is to bring first and second gear ratios closer together, and they do so by spreading the ratios between third and fifth. You never use first gear once you're on the track, and the closer spacing of the other ratios is an advantage for the stock gears. The shorter R&P gear is pretty much a wash, depending on the track; it will definitely change your shift points, but with only a slight advantage on some tracks and a slight disadvantage on others, and little effect overall.

 

[twizted]

Turns out the current clutch plates are around 0.5mm-0.7mm within factory spec and the clutch looks good. We are just going to put those back in and hope for the best!