Yep, A 'Which Clutch' Thread.
 

I apologize in advance for making this thread, but I'm having trouble locking down which clutch I should buy.

Right now I've got a SPEC Stage 2+, as well as the SPEC lightweight flywheel. I read as many good reviews on SPEC clutches as I have bad ones, but I thought I'd take a chance with it.

Unfortunately, it's a hunk of crap. It started slipping after a few thousand kilometers, even though it's supposedly rated for much more torque than I'd ever need. It also feels like crap (hard to describe, feels mushy).

Anyways, I now need to buy something else. I've decided to go with the tried and true ACT, but it's the combination of disk and PP that I'm unsure of.

First of all, goals: The car is used almost exclusively for the street, with light AutoX duty. It has a street port and GT3076R, and I'm hoping to be able to tune for 380-400 whp.

Now, HD or XT pressure plate? Is the XT really necessary? Should I do a SS disk with the XT? SS with HD? 6 puck sprung with the HD?

I would just like to be able to drive the car for a couple of seasons without ripping it apart again. Ya, ya, I know, it's a lot to ask.

ACT is good with thier ratings, so whatever they say it's rated for, it actually pretty close. I personally would stay away from the XT PP. I had one of those in the past and didn't much care for it at all. Grabby is really the only way to descibe it and this is with the SS disc.

If ACT rates the HD/SS combo high enough for your goals, I would go that route.

Have you ever thought about a twin disc? I have the Exedy twin disc on my car, making over 400rwhp, lots of street, auto-x and track days, about 8-10k on a setup that I bought used and their is still plenty of life left in the clutch. Just saw it the other day as a matter of fact, still looks really good.

Exedy claims about the same pedal effort as stock, that's not true, it's definately harder but not unbearable. I have a REALLY BAD left knee, as in 66-75% of the cartilidge was removed a few years ago and I have no problems with it. Just a thought. I believe imstillonjave has one for sale right now actually........

I've heard that the XT PP is also quite hard on the FD's clutch fork, that many people have had problems with them bending/breaking. I plan on buying a newer clutch for anyways, but again, another thing I'd rather not have break. Especially say, driving down to California for Sevenstock.

I have considered it, but I know next to nothing about them. Do they come with their own flywheel, or will the bolt up to any other flywheel? Do I need a push/pull conversion kit? Will I be able to get replacement disks ect.?

Like this?
http://www.rhdjapan.com/exedy-hyper-...gacy-nsx-53299
Or this?
http://www.rhdjapan.com/exedy-compe-...20t-4g63-28916

As shown in those links, it looks to be just over twice as much as a single plate ACT. But it is what it is.

Edit: I just checked the for sale thread you mentioned. Good price, but with 2 new disks the cost would be the same as a brand new unit anyways. Plus, I'd rather buy new.

The Exedy that I have, I should mention is for the FC Turbo/RX8 is a push type, I know there are conversions for the FD but know nothing about them. It's the same with the FC though, the XT likes to bend forks and then you can't shift. To me that's a pretty weak link that can fail under normal driving conditions. As a little aside, I would love to see an upgraded T/O bearing option.... mine exploded pulling out of a DD after a bachelor party 200 miles from home. I was so hungover, I think I was still a little drunk, but I was sooooo easy pulling out and BOOM SQUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEk clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck clinck squeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee that was it. Barely shifted..... point being, any upgraded clutch is going to put more stress on the stock parts.

I really like the Exedy, like you said, it is what it is and it's basically two clutchs. They do come with thier own flywheel though which is pretty nice. A little heavy, but still, exedy knows their shit. I think the clutch f/s has something like 3.6 out of 3.8-4mm's which is barely used. I think I've gone through .2mm's in ~10k of not so easy driving so you can make your own conclusions

Haha, well, this hasn't made my choice any easier, but thank you for the info for sure.

Well, if it were me again, I would go with the exedy twin. The life of them seems fantastic, they hold a TON of torque and they put less stress on the stock parts than an ACT XT. If you can get away with an HD and a SS, go that route. It was marginal for me and the torque I was making, I was NOT going to step up to the XT PP, and there is no way I'm going to run a 6-puck. I've driven them with lightISH PP's and just didn't like them. Driveable yes, enjoyable on hills, no. So for me, Exedy twin disc, while expensive seemed like the logical choice.

I've been through a bunch of clutchs and combo's as well as driven a few others and the Exedy is definately where it's at for me. One is definately going on the FD, infact, it will be the same part number :suspect: If I were going to run the stock FD box, I would pick up java's in a heartbeat.

Although I've yet to have a twinplate in my personal car, I have been through a few clutch setups, and am mostly happy with my ACT. But if I ever had to replace it - and when I rebuild and shoot for 500whp I will - the only option for me is a twin. Expensive? OH yes. But worth it? IMO OH yes. Easier pedal (then you would ever find in a single plate that holds the same torque) plenty of holding power and decent driveability. What more can you ask for? :)

If you build another one of those tranny's I wantz moar info! :)

I need to tests first... Hardest part was finding someone who can do the needed machining work. A housing is in transit to that person as we speak, hopefully I'll be able to put it on the dyno April 3rd and then we'll start offering them.

But you said it right, the pedal effort to torque held is unparrelleled. Can't escape phsyics

and to the OP if your looking for good pedal and hig hold do the exedy no one who uses em didnt like them except for those that like to do a squat every time they push the clutch. if all you do is drag and want cheap do an ACT solid 6 XT but if you actually like driving the car get the twin IMHO thats my plan. reason being i got my car with a solid 6 act not sure which plate but its not too bad so its probably not the XT and a stock flywheel it was UNBEARABLE driving, as in it made you tired to drive the car for more than 15 min snce it was almost new i pulled the solid 6 and installed a SS disk as i am not makeing 450+ yet and i cant be happier. for me the only choice for high HP drivability is going to be a multi disk clutch wether exedy carbonetics or the like.

z

I sat on the idea last night, and I think I'm going to pull the trigger on a twin disk setup. Thanks for the help.

but make sure you get an exedy if you get a twin disk. as they are the only one that drives damn near a stock clutch. all the others have on/off engagement and are very rough.

act is also VERY good and what everyone has said is very true. i have had quite a few of there clutches and the HDSS seems to be the best combo. it held 450Whp with NO issues on an fd i had.

i currently am running an exedy twin disk and it is my favorite! but the cost is a bit much! which ever way you do go, be sure to pm me and ill get you a good price!!