I have a 2003 Cavalier 5spd 2.2 My clutch engages pretty late and I think it needs to be replaced. It grabs really good, just I think my disc is worn down alot. I have 52,000 miles on the car. I got the car at 36,000. I drive pretty hard and don't ride the clutch whatsoever. I live in the city and go through a minimum of 30 stoplights just going to school and back. I drive hard between stoplights and go though all gears sooo (150 upshifting engagements per day minimum)
so heres my questions...
The slave cylinder IS the throwout bearing right?
Why are these clutches so freakin expensive? $552 from Schucks, $520 and Autozone, $500 something and the dealership. I mean that is just the kit, thats rediculous! I was expecting likt $200+. If there is a performance clutch for a better price than $400 that will hold a little abuse, please let me know.
So I have quickly looked, and performance clutches are cheaper and probably better quality. my BIG QUESTION is what stage clutch to I get. My car isn't modded at all, but I drive hard. There are I, II, III, IV, V for spec clutches. I think V is a little overkill. IV seems like still too much, but I know nothing about them. I want this next clutch to last longer, but I also don't want to have to used two feet to push it down. ( i do alot of city driving and sitting in traffic, so pushing down a heavy clutch can't happen)
If the II, and III are the same price I am thinking I might as well go with the III, but I don't know if the III will make my car less streetable (driveable). Is the difference just the disc?
I would really appreciate the input, thanks.
also, can I just grind my flywheel instead of getting a new one?
I don't have a whole lot of money to be fixing this car( i know I know, then I shouldn't drive like a maniac, but its sooo hard)
what is your cheif complain... my mother has a 2.2 saden and i have a 2.4 z24.... if you are saying that your clutch engages late... i noticed that in both the 2.2s i have driven... before i bought the z i looked at a base coupe for cheaper insurance. that was one reason i went with the z because of the clutch responsiveness... you only have to worry about replaceing the cllutch if you engine is reving when you hit the gas had after fully releasing the clutch...
i hope this helped you out...
sorry i forgot to answer you slave cyl. throw out bearing question....
yes the slave cylinder and throw-out bearing are the same unit and is included in must clutch kits....
if you want a new clutch go with the centerforce dual friction, stage 2... im from canada and they go for around 350 here.
Talk to Karo at carcustoms.net He has good prices for SPEC clutches. I got my stage one from him. Keep in mind that if you get a racing clutch it will engage late anyways.
I would recomend the Stage II. Stage I is practically OEM replacement mine engages a little harsher, but not much. Stage III for forced induction applications and IV and V for all out race cars only.
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Madjack wrote:Like I said before, building an engine like ours (2.2 or 2200) is a painstaking chore , since there is so few custom made parts. It's frustrating to me too, but that's what I like about doing this engine, it's the challenge.
My clutch grabs good, it just engages late. It is hard to get used to it engaging late. I usually drive hard and take off kinda quick from a stop, but when I go to drive normal when I have people in the car it gets kinda tricky.
Still though, my clutch never slips, it's just late. I'm thinking of just using it until the clutch gets close enough to gone that it won't grab under a load. Then I think I could get by for a week or so driving like a grandma until I get my clutch. I'm just doing research ahead of time so I know what I'm getting into and know how to approach this clutch project.
So the spec clutches seem to be pretty popular on this forum and seem to hold a good reputation. What about the Centerforce Dual Friction Stage II clutches. I haven't heard much on the forum about them...? are they any good? or is there a better one when compared?
from experience i can tell you that the centerforce is better than a bully clutch by far but i've never been in a car with the SPEC clutch.
If your clutch isnt slipping then I dont see why you should change it.
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Madjack wrote:Like I said before, building an engine like ours (2.2 or 2200) is a painstaking chore , since there is so few custom made parts. It's frustrating to me too, but that's what I like about doing this engine, it's the challenge.
Are there hp/tq ratings for clutches per say? Like a Stage 1 is basically a stock replacement. Would a Stage be ideal for 200-260 applications. Stage 3 for 250-290? Stuff like that. I just pulled those numbers out of nowhere, so there's no truth in them.
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/2265283
