A DSM bedtime story

[TalonRacer]

When I first bought my car, the first thing I did was have a new ACT 2600 installed. The car needed a clutch and I got a deal on it so in it went. I had someone else do the work, since at the time I had even less knowledge of cars then I do now. Today I found out why I need to do all the work I can myself...

In this first picture you see a brand new throwout bearing on the left and the one the shop installed on the right. If you look closely you will see the Mitsu part is sleeved in plastic and the other is metal. Why does it make a difference you ask?

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_7956063/Pic+5.jpg?bctQNh9AuNVLCHiE

Well you notice there is a little damage on the bearing on the right. Well it's because of this:

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_7956063/Pic+7.jpg?bctQNh9AA0D7l.3W

The clutch fork evidently got hung up on the metal bearing and poof...

Inside of the bell housing has some damage:

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_7956063/Pic+4.jpg?bctQNh9A8PhwRNR8

As does the face of the pressure plate:

http://us.f1.yahoofs.com/groups/g_7956063/Pic+6.jpg?bctQNh9AUQ_Qbt5W

Moral of the story. First always get Mitsu parts and second never let anyone work on your car :)

[V8SpankR]

I've had three clutches installed (plus a tranny rebuild) at ACS Mitsu Pros since '98 and they've always felt consistent and their installs have held up to over 200 strip launches till each clutch was toast.
I would love to be able to install my own clutches but I don't have proper tools and it does look intimidating to do myself so I don't mind that I have found a good mechanic to do it and back it up with a warranty.

Just my $.02 for the mechanically challenged.