Hey, so my clutch is going out on my 1992 accord, and I was thinking about just picking up an after-market one but wouldn't know where to start. If i wanted to go that route what would be some you guys recommend? maybe staying below the 300$-400$ mark if possible. and once It's slipping what's the worst that can happen by still driving it?

 

Its best to replace a clutch sooner rather later.
If you wait too long you will end up stranded, however, flywheel damage due to a worn clutch is rare.
I have a fidanza 8 lb. flywheel and Exedy stage one racing clutch and love the combination.

The flywheel helps the engine spool much quicker than the stock unit and the Exedy clutch has roughly 40% greater holding capacity.
Pedal effort is slightly increases but nothing drastic.

You should be able to get the clutch set and flywheel for right around your 400 dollar mark as well.

 

what do you mean by holding capacity? and is it something you find that should be done by someone trained or even a novice could do it?

 

Well the function of any clutch is to "hold", the surface of the flywheel, thereby transferring engine torque through the drive train.
A factory clutch is only rated to transfer so much power without slipping.
An aftermarket unit, like the one I mentioned has additional holding capacity so it is capable of handling greater power than stock without failing.
This is beneficial if you have any plans of making your car more powerful down the road as your new clutch will be capable of supporting the additional power being made.

The most difficult aspect of a clutch change in our cars isn't the actual job of replacing the clutch itself, but rather the amount of labor involved in getting to it.
Obviously it requires the transmission be removed and depending on your level of proficiency that could prove to be quite difficult.

I have done the job several times and have damn near turned it into a one day affair but the first time around it was a full weekends worth of work.
If you decide to take it to a shop be prepared to pay 450+ in labor alone.

It isn't hard to do with the right tools, a good manual (Helms), some patience and a buddy to lend a hand though.
Raising the transmission back up, aligning the input shaft and getting the transmission case to fit properly against the block can be the most frustrating part of the job IMO.

 

I know the Exedy OEM is pretty darn good. I have the Exedy Stage 1 clutch kit.