Hi guys,

My brother has kindly given me his Celica GT4 as a university graduation present however, when he last used it the clutch started slipping. It has since been parked in my garage for approximately 3-4 years.

I've been reading some threads from the past about Celica GT4's and clutch replacements. Some threads suggest it is an expensive job and some the opposite. Since I have been given it as a present I am prepared to spend some money on it to see it back up to a good standard, however, I don't want to spend eyewatering amounts on it.

I just needed some advice. Firstly, how much do you guys reckon it will cost to get the clutch replaced? With it being parked up for such a long time do you think there will be lots of money to be spent because mechanical parts may have seized up? It's a modded Celica and running over 300 bhp (so he says) therefore I would like to repair it but only if it does not cost me an arm and a leg. What do you guys think? Any advice will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Hass

You should be able to get a clutch change for about £350 - £400 not including the clutch itself - add another ~£250+ for that if you just want a standard one. 3-4 years especially since it has been garaged would not concern me overly. Only way to tell is to get it out a have a look / drive of it.

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Thanks for your time and response Sirius. I've popped down to a local Toyota specialist and they've guestimated a price of approximately £200-£300 for the labour to fix the clutch. They are called Toyotech in the Oldham area. They seem like good guys and I hear they have a good reputation.

I'm currently looking at an Exedy 3 piece clutch kit from tcb parts (tcbparts.com) which is reasonably priced. My celica is an ST205 3S-GTE so I'm hoping it is the correct clutch kit

If you are up that way I would recommend that you visit Martin at MK Auto's https://www.mkautorepairsandtuning.uk/

Highly experienced with GT-Fours and you can be certain the job will be done correctly. I personally haven't heard of Toyotech but generally - you want a GT-Four specialist rather than a Toyota specialist as the GT-Four is unlike most other Toyota's.

Good luck with whatever route you choose. TCB are also experts, providing you have given them the correct details they should get you the right part

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GT4DC Events Co-ordinator
1996 ST205 UK

Would reccomend the aisin or solid ace one from tcb over the excedy and use a genuine Toyota release bearing.

Another recommendation for Martin here, especially on a modified car.

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If at first you don't suck seed, try drier grain.

Cheers guys. I may get into contact with Martin tomorrow and have a chat with him about it

Just to add to the above, the standard Toyota clutch is more than capable of handling 300bhp unless you are planning on regular visits to the drag strip or indulge in the traffic light grand prix starts on a regular basis I ran my 330bhp ST205 for several years on a standard clutch with no issues until I tried towing a fir tree out of the back garden (don't ask!).

By the way, looking at the TCB site they don't list the Aisin clutch for the ST205 but they do have the OEM Toyota organic friction plate. An organic clutch is a lot more pleasant to use than a ceramic, puck or paddle type clutch which are much more 'digital' in operation and can thus be a pain to use in stop start traffic.

P.S. Another vote for Martin as a good GT-Four expert in your area

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Don
GT4DC Chairman
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four ST205WRC JDM 269bhp @ 0.9bar
1994 Toyota Celica GT-Four Special GT 590bhp @ 1.8bar
1989 Van Diemen RF88/89 Formula Ford 1600
2008 Nissan Patrol GU 3.0L ZD30DDTi 154bhp

I managed to get an exedy stage 2 kit off the bay for £320 (came from Tegiwa Imports) I'm guessing you are in the Blackburn area. The guy I am using for the replacement is charging £240 Inc vat

I can also vouch for Mr Kingston, even though he has not done any work on my crate, he is very knowledgeable about fours