Transmission mini-build -- advice needed

[KrayzieFox]

Hey guys, I am getting ready to do some transmission work so I thought I would post here to get some help and advice.

The plan is to replace my stock clutch and flywheel (90K miles) with an ACT HD Stage 1 & Fidanza lightweight, plus replace the stock MP3 open diff with a welded MSP LSD. Now what I want to know is what else should I do while I'm there? My thoughts were to do the rear motor mount and front swaybar bushings while I have the transmission off, and upgrade the clutch line to a braided line, but other than that I couldn't think of anything. GTX gears? Other transmission internal "weak points"?

Any other suggestions? Keep in mind my motor is still stock and even if I do ever build it I don't think I will plan on going over 275-300 HP, so I don't need PAR gears or a Quaife/MFactory differential.

 

[dacquesta1]

depends what are you paying for a msp welded diff? cant go wrong with an mfactory, they are fantastic and well prices against the msp welded.

 

[KrayzieFox]

$300. It's used, but was welded new.. and to date I have yet to hear of anyone's welded diff breaking so I'm pretty confident it will do the job for me. The MFactory would have been a no-brainer if I would've bought a new one, but this way I'm saving a solid $400 that can go towards something else.

 

[dacquesta1]

yeah 300 is hard to argue with. i would grab the diff install kit from xover auto for 140. maybe grab a nice set of ebc brakes?

 

[KrayzieFox]

My brakes are good, I just do regular street driving so I'm not gonna touch them until the current pads wear out.

What I'm looking for are suggestions for things to take care of while the transmission is out. I don't have a whole lot of free time anymore so I'm trying to make the most out of this project. I figured the rear mount and swaybar bushings would be a lot easier with it out of the way, but not sure of what else (if anything). I guess the main thing I'm looking for are suggestions on transmission internals, such as shift forks, gears, synchros, or anything of the like that is known to be a weak link and fail. And again, my HP goals will most likely never surpass 275-300 (maybe not even 250) so I know I don't need to drop 10K on my trans. But if I can prevent a future failure with an extra $300 or so then I'm all for it, I just don't know if I've heard of anything other than the LSD breaking all that much.

 

[dacquesta1]

honestly for those hp goals, i don't think there is much worth doing to the transmission while its out. how many miles are on it? could grab urethane shifter bushings and maybe a short shifter. how much is the act clutch going to cost you? I personally like SPEC clutches, especially their stage 2 ($239).

 

[KrayzieFox]

Only 90K, it's pretty low mileage for an 01 and I don't really drive much anymore so it probably won't see over 150K for another 8 years if I still have it at that point. I did think about the shifter bushings but I like the stock shifter height and throw. How much of an improvement are the bushings by themselves?

And the clutch and flywheel were bought together from a forum member for about $400 I think, so again pretty cheap. I know most people would discourage against used clutches, but I know this guy personally and he barely used it before his motor popped. Plus the clutch and flywheel were broken in and worn together so there shouldn't be any problems regarding uneven or unmatched surfaces.

 

[dacquesta1]

The bushings just stiffen up tthe shift feel and reduce play. Sounds like u found some good deals