The S-Series tranny doesn't need to be taken apart, or removed. A Haynes
manual will tell you the engine needs to come out, but that is not the case
either. I've done the clutch myself about 5 times, and here's a great
writeup for the backyard mechanic to do it himself/herself in an afternoon
with basic tools:

http://www.cristhomas.com/cars/Clutch/ClutchHowTo.html

There's a thread on SaturnFans that includes this write-up he
http://saturnfans.com/forums/showthread.php?t=37616

The last time I did it, my goal was an hour but I didn't quite make it.
Sometimes it is time consuming to line up the input shaft on the trans and
get it back into the clutch disc hub blind so that can take some extra time
and swearing. But all-in-all, it's not a difficult job.

You can find clutches on eBay similar to stock with throwout bearing for
around $100 - $125.

Lane [ lane (at) evilplastic.com ]
---
Visit my Saturn Car Audio and Performance Page at http://www.evilplastic.com



> wrote in message
oups.com...
> I just spoke to the shop manager at a Saturn dealer here in town
> (Columbus, OH) and he said that SW1 & 2 clutches are very durable but
> extremely expensive to replace. He said that "you need to take the
> transmission apart" and quoted something like $1,300 for the job!
>
> Is this really a typical price for clutch replacement? How about when
> done by a good independent mechanic?
>
> Had anybody had experience doing the job themself?
>
> Does anybody know if the same applies for a LS1 or LW1?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Mike
>