I just wanted to update after a busy couple of weeks. Three out of four motor mounts have been replaced (save for the one with the nut that is free in the frame on the passenger side). The clutch kit, flywheel, and rear main seal have finally been replaced. The shaking of the motor is gone, and the previous (worn) clutch assembly and flywheel was in desperately poor shape as I expected.
Now there are new problems! The good news is that these new problems are nowhere near as dire as the shaking of the motor was (in my opinion).
My first new problem has to do with my new Exedy clutch assembly. I’ve read that with this assembly, a performance clutch system, the clutch feel is heavier than a typical OEM clutch. I shrugged these notions off treading forth to triumph. The clutch is indeed feels heavier when pushing down the clutch pedal. Not only that, the clutch now engages much sooner/higher up than previously. This may also be in my head because the clutch feels heavier. At any rate, the result is that I now stall out multiple times per trip I take. I always used to say that every clutch is different, and the results of this clutch replacement is glaring evidence that I was right. As scary as it is, I trust that I will learn to harness this new clutch. I’m also hoping, deep down, that the clutch will also wear in and accommodate to me as well. It is brand new, after all.
The next new problem is arguably an old problem. Upon receipt of my newly maintained vehicle, my mechanic and I both saw that the driver’s side rear tire had extremely low pressure to the tune of 7 PSI. This is the same wheel I had to fill up when I initially took ownership of the car at purchase time. Not only that, I could visually see a pretty sizeable gash on the tire wall, potentially the reason for the extreme tire pressure. Strangely enough, upon refill back to 32 PSI, the tire seemed to hold air. My friend/mechanic noticed that the tire was from 2015 so it is easily half a decade old. Bottom line? I need a new tire. I don’t want to just replace the one tire because I already have probably 3 different types of tires on the car today (which is how I bought it). Not only that, but to be honest–I am not a fan of the Motegi RT5 wheels on there today. They are OK, sure, but given a choice? Replacement…
Aside from those two things, paint correction is still on my mind. I’ve not yet decided whether I wanted to try to fix the paint on my own or go find a professional. After the paint, I just have to sit and recall all of the work I’ve done these past several months. Wow. Between my Dad, my mechanic, myself, sweat, and thousands of dollars worth of parts I have a pretty nice car for being nearly two decades old! I just wonder if there is any limit to this or not. I also still kind of want my uncle’s old truck so I can try to revive it. Time will tell…