Can't Wait for 949 Clutch Anymore
#1
Can't Wait for 949 Clutch Anymore
So what's the next best 1.6 flavor for an n/a 1.8?
I value a fast and very positive engagement and light weight over easy to drive. Stock clutches drive me insane with the lack of "feel."
Current front runners:
1) South Bend TZ "Stage 2" Kevlar full face sprung - $330
2) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic sprung - $360
3) ACT HDG4 4 puck sprung - $340
4) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic unsprung - $320
5) Outlawed Spec Miata aluminum billet madness - $400
Much as i want to "be a man," i don't think the Spec Miata setup is the right answer. I DO realize that all of these clutches are more than my motor will ever need, but in my experience, the weaker clutches tend to feel like garbage. I've used the South Bend before in another build, and it was almost too soft feeling, but positive enough i could deal with it.
Called Clutchnet and he suggested a Stage 3 for me based on what sort of pedal feel i want. I DO like their method of spring retention.
ACT is well... ACT. They make quality stuff, and we all know that.
Clutchnet was concerned about my interest in the unsprung disk, said it would almost certainly destroy my transmission. I'm not sure on that, i don't think any N/A BP is killing a 6spd in quick fashion. Unsprung disk weighs 1lb less than sprung.
Guide me. I am NOT interested in 1.8 stuff.
I value a fast and very positive engagement and light weight over easy to drive. Stock clutches drive me insane with the lack of "feel."
Current front runners:
1) South Bend TZ "Stage 2" Kevlar full face sprung - $330
2) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic sprung - $360
3) ACT HDG4 4 puck sprung - $340
4) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic unsprung - $320
5) Outlawed Spec Miata aluminum billet madness - $400
Much as i want to "be a man," i don't think the Spec Miata setup is the right answer. I DO realize that all of these clutches are more than my motor will ever need, but in my experience, the weaker clutches tend to feel like garbage. I've used the South Bend before in another build, and it was almost too soft feeling, but positive enough i could deal with it.
Called Clutchnet and he suggested a Stage 3 for me based on what sort of pedal feel i want. I DO like their method of spring retention.
ACT is well... ACT. They make quality stuff, and we all know that.
Clutchnet was concerned about my interest in the unsprung disk, said it would almost certainly destroy my transmission. I'm not sure on that, i don't think any N/A BP is killing a 6spd in quick fashion. Unsprung disk weighs 1lb less than sprung.
Guide me. I am NOT interested in 1.8 stuff.
#4
What's the pedal feel like? Really positive engagement point? (As in, does it get noticeably stiff right where it starts catching?)
#8
I saw that one, but was a little worried about holding capacity. I have a "Taxi-style" motor build in the works, would like to see 150wtq. That seems to be right on the edge of what that's rated for.
What's the pedal feel like? Really positive engagement point? (As in, does it get noticeably stiff right where it starts catching?)
What's the pedal feel like? Really positive engagement point? (As in, does it get noticeably stiff right where it starts catching?)
Also I think you might be able to get a heavy duty pressure plate for the stage 2 in order to increase torque capacity but you would probably have to call Exedy directly to figure that out. I make 111wtq for what it's worth.
#10
SadFab CEO
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: your mom's house phoenix, AZ
Posts: 4,560
Total Cats: 1,142
<p>@hi_im_sean</p>
The only other experience I have is with exedy stock replacement and F1 stg 2, they both feel like the mushy stock vagueness, but we already knew that.
#11
Moderator
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 21,026
Total Cats: 3,123
You know I like the XTSS pressure plate because it is strong and powerful like a man needs, and I like the clutch disc is smooth, yet tight like a man wants.
No wimpy pedals and no lightswitches, but rather a good proper clutch.
No wimpy pedals and no lightswitches, but rather a good proper clutch.
#13
Moderator
iTrader: (12)
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Tampa, Florida
Posts: 21,026
Total Cats: 3,123
Can't Wait for 949 Clutch Anymore
Just a quality steel pressure plate with good strong diaphragm springs. And a decent material sprung hub clutch. No trickery. Just quality parts made to take a good pounding.
#16
Former Vendor
iTrader: (31)
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Sunnyvale, CA
Posts: 15,442
Total Cats: 2,104
For N/A cars, I was a big fan of the 1.6L ACT HD in Thumper. If you want a "sharper" engagement, the XT pressure plate does that, but the HD is the clutch I'd suggest to most people who want a good N/A clutch. Same with the disc - I like sprung discs, but if you value light weight over ease of operation, unsprung pucked is what you want.
I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the 1.8L XT in my '02SE. I was expecting a leg press machine, and it's not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be. 300ft.lbs, slips around the parking lot, and ACT reliability.
1.6L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed
1.8L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed
I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the 1.8L XT in my '02SE. I was expecting a leg press machine, and it's not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be. 300ft.lbs, slips around the parking lot, and ACT reliability.
1.6L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed
1.8L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed