I just finished an in-car clutch-install and I want to say that the info that I found on this site was invaluable. Thanks to everyone who ever made any comments on the subject (past and present). I'll add a few points that I experienced during the work.

1) rent or buy a transmission jack and spend some time learning how to use it properly.

2) tilt the engine back and use plastic tie-downs and the firewall to hold the tilt

3) use a filter mask when removing the old clutch disk and cleaning up the inside of the bell housing as the old disk may have contained asbestos

4) plastic clutch alignment tool worked fine

5) ask your girl friend/wife to wiggle the ratchet attached to the main pulley while you do the final push to mate the transmission to the engine

The only help I needed was point 5) which took about 1 minute.

Babbs

Sorry if I double or triple posted this as my fingers are kinda spastic.

 

^ Fine points indeed.

 

I dunno about you,but number 5 sounds kind of Kinky!
and don't say less than a Minute,it will make you look bad!..heh-heh!
But all points are good points..kudos!

 

How did you hold the engine to the firewall using plastic ties?

*EDIT*
Just noticed you are in Calgary as well, neat
Where did you get your clutch from, and did you do a stock(ish) replacement?
Did you remove the flywheel and have it machined? If so, what shop did the work and are you happy with their work?

 

The 'kinky' comment made me laugh especially when I re-read my point 5).

As for the clutch/pressure, I got it from Mazdatrix. The CDN-US exchange rate is really good right now. No I didn't resurface the flywheel. I did a roll-out measurement (<.003") and a visual for gouges. A bit of emery cloth hand-sanding and the surface looked very good. As for the plastic tie-downs (the ones used to hold electrical wires, etc. together), I threaded it through the top of the alternator bracket and then around some metal vacuum lines bolted to the firewall. I was hesistant at first using the vacuum lines but it soon became apparent that the force from tilting the engine wasn't very much. You might want to look for a better place.

I've had the car out on the street several times now and things are working well. I'm looking forward to some track time soon.

Babbs

 

Kinky or not, suggestion five is a good one.

 

i've always had trans in gear and put drive shaft in and rotated it while wiggling the trans.... not a bad list tho

 

Good thought. That would indeed make it a one-man job.