FR-S and the clutch is slipping. Where can I get it fixed in Cincinnati?

[AlanLGuy]

If you daily drive your FR-S or plan on autocrossing it then just go with a stock replacement clutch. Aftermarket clutches will likely have a stiffer pedal which will make driving in traffic less comfortable, unless you plan on adding boost then the stock clutch is more than adequate and if driven correctly will last much longer than a heavy aftermarket replacement.

The person who sold it to you probably didn't know how to drive a manual transmission worth a crap. Anytime you buy a used manual trans car there's very little way of knowing whether the clutch was babied or abused by the previous owner.

My first car, a 2000 Celica GT-S had the stock clutch go about 2,000 miles after I bought it, though it admittedly had 145,000 on it by that time. During the test drive I took it to redline a couple times and did some hard shifts (much to the chagrin of the sellers father) but never felt it slip, you just never know when it's going to give up.

In the future though don't buy a used car without taking it through its paces, I can understand that a seller may not want everybody and their brother beating on a car they are trying to sell, but as a buyer you should also be certain that you are getting a car in good mechanical shape. At the very least make them wind the car out and keep your eye glued to the tach to spot signs of slipping.

[sluflyer06]

Originally Posted by Mad1723

Our clutch is one of the softest one you'll find in a sports car. If you think that it's stiff, you haven't driven that many cars. I've driven my friend's M3 and to drive it is the equivalent of leg day but for only one leg.

Also, while you're replacing the clutch, you might as well get an upgraded Exedy or something like that. They are often priced similar to the OEM ones, but offer better torque ratings.

Just my 2 cents

There's zero reason to upgrade a clutch unless your planning on FI, all you'll do is put more wear and shock load on the gears and driveline. This is one of the few times upgrading for the sake of upgrading really doesn't pay off.

[Mad1723]

Originally Posted by sluflyer06

There's zero reason to upgrade a clutch unless your planning on FI, all you'll do is put more wear and shock load on the gears and driveline. This is one of the few times upgrading for the sake of upgrading really doesn't pay off.

Depends on the long term plans for the vehicle. If FI is planned, then upgrading is a good idea while you're already there. Otherwise, yes, you could stay with OEM clutch, but at the price it was last time I checked, you can get a good small upgrade that won't kill your left foot and that could be good for future uses.

[sluflyer06]

Originally Posted by Mad1723

Depends on the long term plans for the vehicle. If FI is planned, then upgrading is a good idea while you're already there. Otherwise, yes, you could stay with OEM clutch, but at the price it was last time I checked, you can get a good small upgrade that won't kill your left foot and that could be good for future uses.

I don't think FI is in the cards for him/her, more the hypermiling type.

[Mad1723]

Originally Posted by sluflyer06

I don't think FI is in the cards for him/her, more the hypermiling type.

Then OEM will be fine =)

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[rinnamon]

I just got it back from the dealer. Feels like a different car and the clutch is far less stiff (strangely). I feel pretty dumb that I didn't test drive a new one at a dealer before buying used. I would recommend doing so unless you have a friend with an FRS / BRZ.
The dealer who originally inspected the car (Joseph Airport Scion) ended up fixing the clutch at $700 (I asked for 600, they wanted $800 after discount.

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[rinnamon]

Oh. One more question. This was happening both before replacing the clutch as well as after. When I have the pedal on the floor and I put it in first, when the tranny goes into first (meaning, as the stick feels like it is passing through the door), the car gives me a very slight push forward, like it catches just a little bit. The shifter knob feels like it hits a door and then is allowed into first gear. It is as it is passing through the door that I feel this kind of nudge. Does anyone else ever feel this either? Unsurprisingly, I've never felt this in another car. I think it is less pronounced if I wait for about 2-3 seconds with my foot on the floor before shifting out of neutral. Typically I push the pedal to the floor and then out it into first about a quarter or half second afterward.


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[Gords_zenith]

The brakes IMO are pretty good, meaning they aren't over boosted (grabby) or grandma drivers. Plus, I've noticed that once they get some heat into them, they grab pretty good. Also, you should look up bedding your brakes and clutch, to get optimal life out of them, especially if the previous owner beat on it.

As for the putting it into 1st gear at a stop, give it a extra split second or so before selecting 1st after depressing the clutch. This will allow the input shaft of the transmission to slow down from the engines idle speed as it will come to an immediate stop if you don't wait, which is what gives you that slight jerk. This is normal!

And most importantly, congratulations on your purchase, and honestly just keep it maintained and you'll be fine. Don't worry about not checking this or that, it's all part of the process, use it as a learning experience.

[radroach]

The brakes are good, on my car. Lots of good response, though it is kinda soft.

The kick you get when putting it in 1st gear is known as the "rear thud" and is normal in this car.

This car does shift better above 3000 rpms, and is notchy below that. But it seems something might be a little out of whack on yours.

[kombatlion]

Well my friends I have the same problem 4th gear grinds evry time I put it over 4000 revs... I have no warranty due to Turbo Kit I will be taking it to the shop hopefully next week I let you guys now. The shop have fix 2 more FRS with trans problems and they believe is the fork not the schincros but we will see!

They are very good and have experience with FRS trans so I will let you guys know!

[Scenic Driver]

Originally Posted by rinnamon

I have to push the brakes much harder than on other cars

Bleed the brakes, change the fluid too while your at it