Hey folks,

I'm interested in upgrading my clutch from stock and I'd prefer to do it myself. I've done rebuilds and have access to a full shop, but I've always found each project to have obnoxious quarks that the Haynes manual doesn't mention. Does anyone have any tips or tricks with regard to the actual procedure? I've heard of some shops pulling the engine in FWDs so they don't have to fanagle with the transmission.

Yes I have heard of this as well, but NOoooooooooo on this car. We 4cylinder guys are lucky, because the engine bay was designed to fit a 6! Pull your battery and air box, and shit you can remove the majority of the bolts from the top!

As you know you will also have to disassemble the suspension on the drivers side, but clearance will not at all be an issue. I just finished swaping a K20 in a EP3 (LITTLE ENGINE BAY!) from a 5 speed to a 6 speed.(good luck to him and his 3rd gear haha). Drops right out, if you are upgrading your clutch.. I would highly reccomend lightening your flywheel.

Let me be more specific, Don't buy the excessively light 8lb fidanza w/e. This will allow you to get to red line in a few seconds, but give you NOooo torque on hills. Your flywheel is about 24-28 lbs.. don't remember exactly, take it to a good machine shop (you have to resurface it anyways) and have them shave and balance it to about 14-18 lbs. This will also be much cheaper than a fidanza. You will notice an amazing differance, and not lose torque for hills. Good luck with your project, keep us posted!