You can try it in phases:

1. Get rid of the CDV--~$0 (or change to an AP1 clutch cylinder -- ~$50).
See how it drives. If you're happy, leave it. If you get slippage or are concerned about wear, then:

2. Get a lighter flywheel (an AP1 flywheel --$60used-- would work nicely, as would other aftermarket flywheels -- ~$200).
See how it drives. If still unhappy, then:

3. Get an aftermarket pressure plate. An ACT "stage 2" --~$300--works just fine for most street and low-mid horsepower applications.

 

From what I gather, removing the CDV and replacing the PP and flywheel are pretty worth while mods. Just for the heck of it though I may remove the CDV tomorrow, I mean the process seems insanely simple. Who knows if that works maybe I will save myself $1K in a clutch and flywheel.

 

If you are rev-matching your upshifts and not just jamming the shifter and clutch around like a goon, you'll never notice the CDV. If you prefer to jam the shifter and clutch around like a goon... well, one day you're either going to get nice and friendly with a mid-corner tree or with your VISA card at the differential shop.

 

Rev matching upshifts? Now that's a different view. I have to respectfully disagree. The difference is obvious between the AP1s and AP2s. Take a model year '00-'03 out and drive it at the upper limit of the tach. Then take an AP2 out and do the same. (Try to drive the two close together). The difference, to me, was as clear as night and day. The CDV almost makes you feel like you're a bad driver... as if you can't shift clean and quick. For you to say that you can't feel the difference mostly suggests that you could be shifting "differently"...

 

I am really not sure what you mean by rev-matching your upshift, unless you mean allowing the rpms to drop so when you release the clutch the engine and tranny are at similar speeds??

Either way you are wrong, I have driven tons of cars with and without the CDV, and can deffinately feel the difference.

Maybe you don't have the "feel" that some of us do, when driving cars

 

vooper, you're probably feeling the MUCH heavier flywheel in the AP2, not so much the CDV.

 

No, a heavier flywheel does not make the clutch pedal feel like "mush" between shifts. BMW did the same thing and felt the same way, until owners removed their CDV.

 

You drag your S?

 

^ i did/do. and i dont think it makes that much of a difference. stock my 60 ft times were 1.96s. slightly moded were 1.92, more mods and act clutch and 8 pound flywheel 2.3xx.

 

I thought about that too actually... but I think the CDV is in place because of the heavier flywheel -- and this is what keeps delaying my shifts. I think if it were just the flywheel, then my shifts would be quicker, but not as smooth since the extra intertial mass of the heavier flywheel would just lurch the car/chirp the tires between shifts.

Either way, I'll be finding out soon enough. I'll be changing my flywheel to an AP1 and pulling the CDV next weekend. Cant wait for a properly shifting tranny!