I*m guessing the clutch plate is ageing and the clutch is probably wearing (though not slipping) - the car is closing in on 300,000kms which is 180,000+miles.
Which got me thinking, might as well put in a lightweight flywheel if I*m going to change the clutch!
So the question is, has anyone weighed the stock flywheel? Google tells me its 18lbs (~8kg). If that is the case, It would make a huge difference if I go for a 12.7lb (5.8kg) flywheel. There*s a lighter one at 9.5lb (4.3kg) but I think that*ll start to affect driveability.
I*ve had lightened flywheels on quite a few of my cars now and have always enjoyed how lively they feel...especially since changing the final drive won*t a great for fuel economy on these cars.