We got sent a super weird clutch and installed it anyway

Zach was given a clutch and flywheel that look pretty aggressive, but only holds how much torque? This week we’ll install a new clutch and flywheel while we talk about how clutches work, what makes for a more aggressive clutch, and why we want a lightweight flywheel, and then we’ll see if the new clutch is as aggressive as it looks.

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[Donut]

Just so everyone doesn't get too worried about me - the jackstands I have aren't one of the recalled part numbers!

[isaacotwell]

I like how confident he is about everything despite admitting he’s confused as hell

[ragnarok]

The most realistic part is that he started when the sun was up and was half way through when it got dark.

[wallyszarek]

Watching him laying there with the transmission on his chest was something I felt deep in my soul. I feel like we've all been there

[m.k.mcgill]

“If you had to get in here just to do a rear main seal.. **sigh** boy, that would be annoying..”

“Uh, like I said, we didn’t really *need* to do a clutch in this car, so..”

With the way he delivered that first comment, I’m actually starting to think all that really needed to be done was the rear main seal.

[janjakoncic]

Chrisfix: shows us how it's suposed to be done
Donut: shows us what it will acualy look like

[umbaupause]

Dude, mad respect to the camera guy sitting on your hood like that while you're driving!!! Such a sick angle!

[zkipa]

i believe the primary advantage of that particular 3 puck is that it won't over heat nearly as easily, because it slips less and has materials that are better suited to functioning in high heat scenarios. a larger stock clutch will develop heat soak in a continuous use situation like the track, and once its fully heat soaked it can't hold as much power and becomes unusable until it cools back down. however the 3 puck design will maintain its performance and function better in a max temp scenario, and at the same time will reach operating temps more quickly due to less surface area, which increases the overall consistency of feel whether your 1 lap in, or 20 laps in, it should feel about the same and maintain performance if you are under the hp rating specs. so reliability and consistency are the key words, versus comfort/ease of use/max hp performance ratings. i could be wrong about some aspects of that for this particular model, but that is usually the case for most clutches like this. it is counter intuitive because you would think the stock clutch would dissipate heat better and hold more power with more surface area, but a lot of it just comes down to the lower friction material not being able to perform in high temps and maintain consistency. but also a higher puck design with more surface area of the same material would hold way more horsepower, but be much much more difficult to drive due to being underpowered, and also adds rotating mass. which then you get into multi disc clutch designs that have the advantages of smooth engagement and high horsepower ratings at the minor cost of rotating mass--- but while this little 3 puck might not hold as much power as a twin disc and also be less comfortable to ride around with, it is considerably lighter and can hang laps and not overheat, so this is really the highest performance option you could possibly get out of a clutch for track use at your power level.

[sxfglcc]

It blows my mind the amount of engineering that goes into cars. Crazy to think about how anyone ever invented these parts in the first place. So cool.

[attackpotato]

For someone such as myself who doesn’t understand cars at all, this was actually very informative and entertaining at the same time

[liberatorkramit]

I've been a mechanic for over 10 years... I literally never thought of doing that with the bolts. In my own defense I haven't had an issue remembering where they go since I was a teenager, but still, that is a remarkably good idea.

I personally do that both ways. If you need to replace rear main seal, and it is a manual, replace the clutch. Same if you're doing the clutch, do the seal. Save yourself time and money both ways. To the point where I have bought the seal myself for customer cars when they refused it.

[TacoDave]

One thing y’all didn’t touch on. When installing a new clutch, there is recommended break in miles. Meaning daily driving and not thrashing on it until those miles are complete. I know some people don’t bother, but the concept is still there.

[petermcmullin]

zach: takes starts taking clutch out

geese: *quaking intensifies*

[Ducky]

Wednesday’s have become my favorite day of the week, I’m always so excited for Money Pit!! 🤘🏻🤘🏻🤘🏻

[dangerdeven]

"If you had to get in here just to do a rear main seal... ...man that would be annoying". Every XJ owner ever just shuddered 🤣🤣🤣🤣

[abelincoln]

From an actual mechanic, I can say that this is a Fantastic video for an at home clutch swap. Thank you for mentioning the rear main btw. Good job!

[franciscolugar]

Never thought I'd be so entertained by watching an angry dude make love to a transmission under a Miata.

[DreamWrench]

Zach is a boss for throwing that transmission back up there by himself!

[areminderofwhatweare]

Remember: when re-installing a transmission, never underestimate the power of thrusting.

[adrielklein]

Damn, good memories of the days of Money Pit when Zack used to work on the ol' Miata at home, learning as he goes, mistakes and all. It was very relatable, but looking back it was also probably way more challenging to do lol