http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/2002-...Q5fAccessories


I am getting quoted 1200 for labor and I am looking at my options. Any suggestions?

 

A clutch is one thing you should not cheap out on. $1,200 also sounds like highway robbery. Shops around here can do it for $900.

 

That clutch kit could be absolutely amazing. Then again, it may cause you all kinds of headaches. I'm not an expert on cars, but I'd be careful buying something like that on ebay. I've ended up with some real doozies myself. I did a quick google on "West Coast Clutches" and couldn't find anything but their ebay store. That doesn't mean anything, but it does seem to mean there aren't tons of people out there raving about them. They also seem to have clutch kits for anything and everything, so they don't seem to specialize in MINIs in any way. I'm not saying this kit is "sucksville," but I'd be careful. There are quite a few companies that specialize in MINI parts. Helix and MINI Madness have kits in that same price range. Personally, I wouldn't order a kit without getting some good reviews from some NAMers. That's just me. Fortunately, I haven't had to change my clutch yet, so I can't say much more than that. Let us know what you decide and how things go. Good luck and happy motoring!

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...id=p2759.l1259

I agree that it is not something that I would like to take a risk on. I got a great deal on a radiator, but if I have to replace it, it isn't a big deal. I do not want to have to pay the labor for this job again any time soon. I would like to go with this set up above. What is the price range for labor I should expect from an independent shop? How much are the original parts? I would assume they are not much cheaper than the aftermarket and if I am going to spend that kind of money I would like to see "some" kind of improvement in the way the car drives.

 

Here's a thread where they discuss it some. Not sure if it'll help any.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...h-problem.html

 

I'd rather pick something more known on this thread like a ClutchMasters or a ACT.

 

I agree with what's been said prior....but my .02 is that it's never a good idea to go cheap on a clutch/flywheel setup. I'd say go with something that has been tried and true and you will have a little bit more insurance for yourself as to how things will hold up when you really decide to get on it.
And working with a good shop that really knows what they are doing is always a plus too.
Oh....and just an FYI, you might want to have the control arm bushings changed out too since the subframe will already be dropped. It's a lot cheaper since the car's already going to be apart.

 

Only about 100 feedbacks, and only 96% positive would send up big warning flags to me. What you save now may cost you big time down the road, unless you're planning on selling the car soon after the repair.