Replacing my own clutch. Reassure me.

[Tommeh]

I'm buying ECS's "is" clutch upgrade which includes the following items: Clutch friction disc, throw-out and release bearing, clutch fork lever, pressure plate, and pressure plate bolts for my FBO+Meth car making around 400WHP.

http://www.ecstuning.com/BMW-E82-135....0L/ES1897635/

I was also reading that BMW uses a plastic Clutch Pivot Pin, and i will replace the plastic pin with a SS Rogueengineering one.

http://www.rogueengineering.com/rogu...E-CLU-PIN.html

While the transmission is removed I was wondering if there is anything else that can easily be accessed and replaced or upgraded? Also if there is a detailed DIY floating around? If not I will more than likely buy the e90 Bentley book for reference.

*What kind of gains and loss would be noticeable with a aluminum or steel SMFW? Is it beneficial? Can I go ahead and not replace my steel DMFW?
**Clutch fluid changed 7k miles ago, as well as lower transmission mounts to solid ones.

[Freon]

Replacing the rear main seal is pretty standard while you're bothering with a clutch in any car.

[Spoolin Montego]

Let us know how it goes! I will need to do this soon. Also, with FBO+Meth your N54 is making a good amount more than 400whp, I would est 430

[suspenceful]

Rear main seal... it's a PITA though.

I didn't see any mention of an actual clutch in there

[E82MSport]

This is a very informative video

[Silenus]

You're also going to want to jam a flywheel on there.

[Tommeh]

What is the benefit of a single mas steel flywheel?

[..]

Order a set of Aluminum transmission bolts as well.

Possibly transmission mounts also!

[E82MSport]

Originally Posted by Tommeh

What is the benefit of a single mas steel flywheel?

Depending on either a steel or aluminum SMFW there will be a slight weight savings. Another advertised benefit it the direct connection between the FW and clutch.

In my opinion, for a street driven car it's overkill and the drawbacks far out weight the benefits. I really don't see a huge cost savings with a SMFW. There are plenty of reputable machine shops that can machine DMFW like ours if it's within spec. If you choose to go SMFW you will have increased driveline NVH. Our transmissions have a bit of drivetrain/gear rattle even with the DMFW.

I would reach out to the companies that are manufacturing these SMFW and see what they have to say.

[brusk]

I went with a Spec Steel SMFW and the noise with the AC off is barely noticeable but with the AC on makes the car sound horrible unless you push the clutch in. Weight savings was only about 3 lbs so no benefit there. You only need a SMFW if your pushing higher power that stock framed turbo's can't achieve, I'd say above 600HP. I replaced mine for the safety reason that there have been a few DMFW's come apart and a handful of people that had the springs break and not properly work. Most recommend replacing the flywheel even if it's with a new OEM one.

[vma1788]

Single mass feels more natural, how a clutch should feel.

[joe86]

I would replace the pilot bearing, transmission bolts, flex disk with 6 nuts and shift linkage plastic washers. Personally I wouldn't replace the rear main as it is extremely rare to see it leak on newer bmw's (many shops mis-diagnose leaking engine oil pan as a rear main).

[MuNkY6913]

Originally Posted by E82MSport

This is a very informative video

I used this exact video for my install. Only a jack and jack stands. Never again. Hahaha. I installed the spec stage 2+ with steel smfw. The chatter is really loud on idle on my car. The fluid needs changed in the tranny and rear end. I've read that helps a bit. I figure that chatter is one of the trade offs for holding the power. Doesn't bother me but people ask me what's wrong with my car a lot. Which usually comes after holy shit that's fast, what is it? Haha. I think the weight savings was a lot. I had trouble bending over and picking up my stock clutch and flywheel together. With the spec clutch and smfw it felt possibly 20lbs lighter.