Clutch Advise and Transmission Removal

["charles.slayman" <Charles.Slayman@domain.elided>]

	Looks like Ray M and Brad A are in for some transmission and clutch work this
weekend.  Russ and Scott have already given some great advice, so I'll just
add some minor details I've learned in the process of bashing my knuckles:

1)  You can wressle the transmission OUT by laying it on your chest.  But I've
found it difficult to wressle it BACK IN the same way.  Northern Tools sells
an inexpensive (<$100) transmission scissors jack that straps the transmission
down at variable angles.  It makes installation a one man job.  Get the car as
high as you can and MAKE SURE IT'S STABLE!!!  Push it from the side to make
sure.

2)  Tilting the engine is a necessity.  Make sure you loosen the exhaust and
fan shroud.  Loosening the motor mounts gives more flex but is not manditory.

3)  Check the fit of the clutch splines on the input shaft beforehand.  Hand
file any rough edges on the disc so that it slides easily on the transmission
at all rotation angles.  There's nothing like trying to wressle a hundred
pound weight only to find that it won't go in!  Check the light switch with an
ohmmeter beforehand also.

4)  The later model Spiders use bolts on the bellhousing instead of studs. 
Some find the studs as good guides.  But some find the studs a hinderance
because it's hard to line up the transmission several inches back with the
transmission tunnel.

5)  Ray asks about clutch recommendations.  I use an AP Racing disc
(CP5352-1).  I looks stronger than the Sachs unit and it works great on the
street with uniform linear grab.  Sachs also has a heavy duty steel pressure
plate and an aluminum unit.  (The heavy duty steel unit is advertised in IAP
but seems to be on perpetual back order).  I've got the aluminum unit from
Spruell.  It's pricey but I love the feel.  Louis Le has driven mine and his
comment is that the pedal feels heavy compared to his stock Spider.  If your
on a budget and don't have wild modifications to the engine, the standard
Sachs pressure plate with the AP Racing disc should be more than up to the
task.

Cheers,
Charlie  
'89 Spider (with relatively new clutch and transmission! whew!)

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