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The Mitsubishi Eclipse is a popular choice among car enthusiasts, known for its performance and tuning potential. One of the most significant upgrades you can make to enhance your driving experience is the installation of a flywheel and clutch upgrade. This article will delve into the costs and benefits of such an upgrade, helping you make a more informed decision.
Understanding Flywheels and Clutches
Before diving into the costs and benefits, it’s essential to understand what flywheels and clutches do in your Mitsubishi Eclipse. The flywheel is a crucial component that helps store energy and smooth out engine power delivery, while the clutch connects and disconnects the engine from the transmission.
What is a Flywheel?
A flywheel is a heavy disc that rotates with the engine. It helps maintain momentum and provides a smoother driving experience. In performance vehicles, lightweight flywheels are often used to reduce rotational mass, allowing for quicker acceleration.
What is a Clutch?
The clutch is a device that engages and disengages the engine from the transmission. A performance clutch can handle more power and torque, providing better engagement and quicker shifts, which is crucial for performance driving.
Cost of Installing a Flywheel and Clutch Upgrade
The cost of upgrading your Mitsubishi Eclipse’s flywheel and clutch can vary significantly based on several factors. These include the type of flywheel and clutch you choose, labor costs, and additional parts that may be needed during installation.
- Lightweight flywheel: $300 – $800
- Performance clutch kit: $400 – $1,200
- Labor costs: $200 – $600
Overall, you can expect to spend between $900 and $2,600 for a complete flywheel and clutch upgrade, depending on your choices and local labor rates.
Benefits of Upgrading Your Flywheel and Clutch
Upgrading the flywheel and clutch in your Mitsubishi Eclipse offers several benefits that can significantly enhance your driving experience.
- Improved Acceleration: A lightweight flywheel reduces rotational mass, allowing for quicker engine response and improved acceleration.
- Better Power Transfer: A performance clutch can handle higher power levels, ensuring that more of your engine’s power is transferred to the wheels.
- Smoother Shifts: Upgraded clutches often provide a more positive engagement, making gear changes smoother and more precise.
- Enhanced Driving Experience: The overall performance improvements lead to a more engaging and enjoyable driving experience.
- Increased Durability: Performance components are often built to last longer under stress, reducing the likelihood of failures.
Considerations Before Upgrading
While the benefits are compelling, there are several considerations to keep in mind before making the upgrade.
- Driving Style: If you primarily drive your Eclipse for daily commuting, a performance upgrade may not provide significant benefits and could lead to a harsher driving experience.
- Budget: Ensure that the upgrade fits within your budget, including potential unforeseen costs during installation.
- Compatibility: Make sure the components you choose are compatible with your specific model year and engine configuration.
Assessing these factors will help ensure that you make the best decision for your Mitsubishi Eclipse.
Conclusion
Upgrading the flywheel and clutch on your Mitsubishi Eclipse can provide substantial performance benefits, including improved acceleration and a more engaging driving experience. However, it is essential to weigh the costs against your driving needs and budget. With the right components and proper installation, this upgrade can significantly enhance your vehicle’s performance and enjoyment.