It seems like the clutch on my 03 MCS with 69k miles is going. The throwout bearing is very gritty, the flywheel chirps every time I start in 1st gear when the car is cold, and the car smells of clutch whenever I get out of it (especially if I had driven it spiritedly).

What is the best value clutch/flywheel for me to purchase? I plan on modding the car lightly (pulley, cai, maybe more in the future), but I really just want a clutch that will last a long time and wont have the throwout bearing problems. I would love a lightweight flywheel, but if not that's ok.

Any good combos for under 5-6 hundred?

Also, what is the cheapest you have seen them installed?

 

ACT and CM clutches/flywheel are good value...if you look hard you can get this combo for less then USD700

 

Since it sounds like it's primarly your street car and OEM clutch should work fine for you, heck you got 70k out of the first one, can't be that bad.
Otherwise I'd suggest a clutchmaster clutch kit, we've had great luck with them.

 

How much would a lighter flywheel /clutch package increase throttle response over the stock setup? It's annoyingly long when heel-toeing.