Jah2000

I don't think he meant to imply that you are lying... Rather that maybe there is a possibility to mis-understood, mis-remembered, or something was "lost in translation" so to speak. Nothing against you specifically I'm sure, but these things happen occasionally. Much of what the shop is saying/recommending seems very suspect based on what you have said, so it is reasonable to consider this possibility (just as it's reasonable to consider the shop is not being 100% accurate in their recommendations, to bordering on poor ethics of suggesting parts that aren't necessary - such as to your opinion & description the clutch is fine, but the tech said it needs to be replaced and is slipping, based on 10 seconds driving it. Or suggesting their timing correction gear to fix a compression issue (which as Billman accurately described is impossible nonsense). Or not bothering to do a valve adjustment when already 90% of the way there.

If I were in your shoes, and I fully believed I was recounting things correctly, I would seriously consider using a different shop in the future.
[/quote]

Ah yeah..I understand and no prob at all! ..I knew what he meant - possibility of misunderstanding, misremembering and being lost in translation upon&after communication. It happens all the time and I totally understand that.

But, just to be clear - whatever I said is very Very accurate (especially since its' been suggested to me multiple times, very clearly, etc. (Alex is great at communicating and explaining things)). And, I am usually very sharp and accurate when remembering conversations and situations with people. Especially when it comes to something big or related to being costly (such as car expenses).

I highly appreciate everyone's suggestions and help in here. I will def go to a different shop. I already know of 2 other shops close-by/locally, I can go to. One is highly recommended within the S2k community and the other is highly recommended within the NSX community (with S2k experience as well). Both have 25+ years of experience and are certified Honda and ASE techs. I'm pretty sure I can't go wrong with either of them. I will have them adjust my valves, re-do compression and/or leak-down tests and also have them check out my clutch.

Thanks again guys.

Jah2000

I could easily believe that ...after all, nothing beats oem Honda quality. And, I am a strong advocate of using ALL oem Honda parts (heck, I even ordered a few oem Honda tapping-screws missing from my rear bumper-to-fender grommets). But, it's what I have now and it's from the previous owner. I'm just making due with what I have now and making the best out of it. If it was up to me when the clutch-job was needed/done prior, I'd def have an oem clutch installed.

But, idrk how "garbage" it really is; or, if it is truly garbage. But, I am sure there are worse 3rd party clutches out there - like pep boys brands, generic brands, ebay brands, etc., etc. Since afterall, I've never done research on Exedy clutches (because, again, I would've just gotten oem).

I'm pretty sure it'd "fail prematurely" compared to oem Honda. Any brand would fail before oem Honda parts (or at least, 99% of oem parts). The question is..how fast? I'm guessing it'd at least last 1/2-3/4 the life of a Honda oem clutch (which would still be a very long time..no?)

I guess links would help - specifically long-term reviews and experiences of the Excedy oem clutch.

Habitforming

There are numerous Exedy failures to be found on here with a simple search. I wouldn't spend the money to replace it prematurely now that it's in, but don't expect more than 10-30k miles on it (though several have gone longer).

Jah2000

Interesting (and unfortunate for me). So it sounds like his advice/recommendation to change the clutch soon, or within the next year or couple months, is within reason and makes sense, if the Exedy is really that bad. Maybe he just wants the best parts for his customers (though, maybe not the best for strategic or tight budgets).

Well that sucks to hear about my Exedy clutch lol.

I hope others can chime in about the Exedy clutch's longevity and durability.

mongomery1234

My exedy clutch wasn't bad.. Kinda wish I would have just upgraded while I was replacing though so if more power is needed down the road I don't have to pull again to redo things. Always good to look ahead and plan for possible future mods.

Jah2000

Just read several threads on the matter...and everyone says Exedy clutches are actually really good and very similar to oe Honda clutches ( Honda oem actually uses discs made by Exedy/FCC). I only read bad things about their higher-performance stage-3 clutches. Now I'm more confused.

Jah2000

That's exactly what I asked and told him, "Wouldn't it affect all cylinders equally and raise all equally." He told me, "No, there's only so much a cylinder can hold and it wont go any higher than a certain point. The low-compression cylinder (cyl1) would catch up to the rest of the normal/higher compression cylinders."

Billman250

That is either a lie, or complete incompetence about the mechanical workings of an engine.

Ill say it again...it is IMPOSSIBLE, beyond mechanical certainty, for a timing gear to raise compression.

In addition, a compression test is done at cranking speed. At this low speed, a 3 degree change in cam timing would affect all cylinders less that 1 psi.

windhund116

"He then proceeded to do a leak-down test to see if it was coming from the block or head. The block turned out to be fine and determined the low compression from cylinder 1 was coming from somewhere in the head/valve-train."

Wouldn't this suggest bad valves? EG: if the air leak noise is exhaust side ---> prolly burnt exhaust valves. Or way too tight adjustments.

Habitforming

From one of our resident experts, who has 100's of clutch jobs under his belt by now:

https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/113...#entry23737204
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/113...#entry23704222
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/805...#entry23688877
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/111...#entry23548156
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/111...#entry23526994
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/110...#entry23436861
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/110...#entry23385632
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/107...#entry23376224
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/108...#entry23222712
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/109...#entry23222709
https://www.s2ki.com/s2000/topic/108...#entry23118066

But again, I'm not saying you should change it proactively. Many people have had theirs last a good long time. Just set aside some rainy day money for when it inevitably happens.