a Clutch Install - Easy or Professional?

[tokendog]

My block is at the machine shop getting some work done. I am planning ahead for reinstalling the engine in to my car.

How hard is it to install the clutch/pressure plate/etc.? I've spent the morning looking up How To Guides and it doesn't seem THAT hard, but I've had a rough history with this engine. I don't want to screw any thing else up.

Is it some thing a newbie can do or should I just take the block and clutch to a professional and let them do it?

What are some things that can go wrong with an improperly installed clutch?

Thanks!

[moso]

if your confident enough to build your own engine than a clutch shouldn't scare you. its only 6 bolts to hold on the flywheel and another 6 to hold on the pressure plate, so long as you have a clutch alignment tool (which will come in a good clutch kit) you should be good to go. if your really scared about it shoot me an email and maybe i can give you a hand.

[tokendog]

I am having a shop build the engine, not me lol. I'd screw that up for sure. I can do an engine pull and an engine install, but opening up the block is some thing I'll mess up.

As for the transmission, it seems simple and straight forward, however I heard you have to make sure the pressure plate is 100% in touch or you'll get a vibration that will eventually cause some major damage in the transmission and even the crank...

or is that complete BS?

If its simple and straight forward, I can follow directions well enough but I want to make sure I am not missing anything.

Thanks

[moso]

if you can read directions you should be fine. i would drop the input shaft bearing off to the motor shop and let them install that just because removing the old one is a real bi**h. make sure you buy new flywheel bolts, i have twisted a few so make sure when you torque them down if it doesn't feel right back it out and make sure your not twisting it up. keep it clean, its much like brake material and you dont want it greasy, oily, or dirty. but its not a hard job.

[tokendog]

Cool. Well I had the clutch replaced 500 miles ago so I am assuming a new bearing was put in then. I only took it apart because of the rebuild. If thats the case, no reason to change the bearings, right?

[moso]

thay are cheap and thay go somewhere you cant get to without removing your transmission. what do you think you should do? you know what thay say about assuming.

[tokendog]

Well when u put it like that...