How long does it take to install a new clutch on a 3rd-gen? I think my mechanic is trying to take me for a ride and overcharge me for labor. He says it will take almost two full days. How long should it really take?

 

4-6 hours.

 

FWIW,
I also live in the midwest and got a couple of estimates before doing it myself...

1. Local Mazda dealer: $750 plus parts (they would only install an OEM clutch)

2. Local speed/sports car shop: $900 labor only. I buy my choice of clutch.

As I recall, both indicated the car would be in the shop two to three days.

 

Do it yourself, save you some money. Will take you personally only about 4 hours if you have any idea what your doing and have tools.

 

wow thats pricey here in New England, a good shop will do it for 250, i just checked today because i think i might do it at the same time with my springs..

 

Sorry, I just remembered that both of the above prices included fixing the 5th gear syncho while the transmission was out. You could probably take about 33% off.

 

I paid a shop that I trust $400 or so in labor. I also made sure to key them in on it being a pull-type clutch (in addition to my usual let it warm up before you shut it off note.)

 

My shop did it for 600 bucks and that included a new flywheel. Took one day. Doing the clutch yourself if you have never done it before is a pretty big job. I did one back when I was a teenanger and had no money. Took myself and a buddy about a week after school to get it done. I can remember thinking that if I had the money to pay someone else to do it I would go that route the next time

 

Complete clutch job including flywheel change, for labor only was 300 bux, @ T&R Racing.

 

My shop said $480 labor only. I found a cheap garage mechanic that will let me turn wrenches with him for 1/4th the cost.

 

In the All Data labor guide that most dealers use, it calls for 4.6 hours and add .4 to replace flywheel. So then multiply total (5.0) hours plus hourly rate . Some shops may charge extra for the flywheel grind of upwards of $85. Hope this helps.

 

i paid 300 dollars to do my act 6 puck clutch kit, a clutch fork, and a clutch line, this included everything except the cost of the clutch.

 

if you do it yourself and wanna do it right. plan on a little more time so you can replace some seals. it is a couple extra hours and a few dollars, but cheap insurance. it sounds like you wanna pay someone to do it, but if you opt to do it yourself check out this site.

http://www.scuderiaciriani.com/rx7/clutch_install.html

i do all my own stuff cuz a)you know that it was done right b)it saves you money c)you know that it was done right.

 

Do it yourself, its not that hard...

 

SidePex installed mine in a matter of 2 hours.
Clutch,pressure plate, throw out bearing, realease fork,
and driveshaft
Awesome job.