Got the clutch slave cylinder replaced today, the clutch height adjusted, and the clear Helix sidemarkers installed. I see why everyone complains that they don't fit flush - they certainly don't. The housing also isnt made to perfect spec, the clips are cheaper and the twist hole for the light bulb is too tight, which marrs the original bulb housing. I'm glad I only paid $38 for them. Overall I'm happy with the look and the flushness won't bother me. I use them as turn signals so it's nice to have amber LEDs now, it's much brighter in the daytime.
I test drove the car with just a lowered clutch pedal first to see what that was like - I immediately felt like I was driving a BMW... which I wouldn't say is a compliment. The travel was super short and mushy, you couldn't feel what was happening but things were at least happening faster than before.
Next I swapped the slave cylinder and again re-adjusted the clutch height since the new slave raises it a bit automatically. Immediately I noticed the clutch travel is much stiffer... but in a good way. Not too stiff but stiff enough to feel sporty. Next I noticed that the travel felt longer as a result - keep in mind I left my assist spring installed.
Once I took it for a drive I got the full impression - the feel is MUCH BETTER. I can feel where the clutch is engaging, and best of all the engagement point is lower now so gear changes are way faster - less RPM lost. It's like meeting the car all over again, it's beautiful. So glad I did it - thanks again to @
Ultramaroon for the DIY guide and all the preparation help.
I think having the clear sidemarkers really pulls together the ascetic of the car - the sidemarkers were the only orange thing on the whole car and it was really distracting. Now I just need to do something about the chrome fender pieces.
