hey guys, i am going to install my clutch this weekend am im just looking for tips and tricks to install it. i have never done a s2k clutch before. my friend that is helping me has done a couple clutches before in other cars. what is all involved into getting the trans off? any help is greatly apprecitated.

 

im almost positive youll have to deal with that bastard upper starter bolt that is almost impossible to get to, and in doing so youll probably bang on the knock sensor which is super fragile and runs about 140$ shipped. Just be super careful with the knock sensor because it is extremely fragile, mine crumbled when I replaced it.

 

There is nothing difficult about the upper starter bolt at all: remove the alternator and air box and tube to the throttle body, then use about 20" to 24" of extensions with a wobble or u-joint by the socket. Stand in front of the car with your ratchet near the radiator, put the socket on the end of the long wobble (or u-joint) extension, and remove it with no muss, no fuss. You can certainly buy a 20-24" wobble extension for much less than $140.

Just pay attention to what you're removing. When you find the upper starter bolt, make sure you identify the lower starter bolt. Some people remove the wrong one.

 

I was able to get at it no problem on my DBW from the driver side under the intake manifold using a Ujoint. No need to move the alternator or accessories. I'm guessing its because there's not so much extra junk bolted to the motor on a DBW car.

Also, to the OP, the clutch removal requires dropping the subframe about 3 inches because the upper 3 bolts on the transmission bellhousing are normally tight against the transmission tunnel. There is a good bit of stuff involved in dropping the subframe, mostly unbolting things and disconnecting harnesses. Plenty of writeups out there, google it.