Higher Performance Clutch Choices

M

Metallic36

Member
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2003 Mazda6 3.0L Speed Yellow
I'm going to be looking for a different clutch soon, currently have the Exedy Stage 1, but the guys at the shop say that the clutch can barely handle the power output that my car has now. Just curious on what clutches are out there, etc. My main concerns:

1. I've heard that the Spec clutches have more chatter to them, not something I want.

2. Going to be used at the drag strip and daily driving.

3. What is the difference in the "stage" of clutch, what does each one feel like while shifting/driving?

4. When my car takes off into boost, it swerves, despite if you're holding the wheel tight.. does this have to do with the clutch or just the power?

Anyone have a clutch from Horsepower Freaks? http://www.horsepowerfreaks.com/performanceparts/Mazda/Protege/Clutch/Clutch_Kits

Thanks! :D
 
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Essencially the higher the stage number the more power it holds but the less streetable it becomes. The major differences in the stages are the material the clutch disk uses and possibly the pressure plate force. the more pressure plate force the heavier the clutch pedal is. its all a trade off. you need the clutch to be able to handle the power you give it but you need to be willing to trade off drivability for that power handling. I myself am still using the stock clutch so im no expert when it comes to msp clutches but i did have a clutchmasters stage 3 on my civic si and it grabs like a b****. had no problem driving it daily and it would twerk em in 4th.
 
The differences lie in the style of disc, driveability and ultimate usage. Stages 1&2 will retain stock like pedal feel but with more clamping power.

I've had a Spec Stage 2 in my Probe now since 2001 and it clamps strong and makes no noise.

How often are you dragging? Its not unusual for a hi-po fwd set up to pull upon launching.

You pretty much are limited to choosing between ACT, Exedy, Spec, CM or going custom. I think stepping up to a stage 2 (your choice) would be beneficial.

Make sure you replace your stock slave cylinder with a new one. Make sure your rear seal is good and replace your axle seals. Might want to replace your fork as well. Put some quality brake fluid in also. Resurface or replace your flywheel and clean and degrease every surface.
 
I run an exedy stage one and have NO complaints, I had an exedy for my last car but never got it running after I bought it... I recommend them. For your application I would go with a stage 2... Stage 3 if you can handle clutching delicately all the time.... its personal preference. If you plan on tracking it a lot and have another car besides, (your MSP has been down for a while so I'm guessing you do), I'd go stage 3...
 
I got my spec stage 2+ today, it will be on next week, ken sugusted for me to get it over the exedy, I was also told that the higher spec cluthes are better then the stage 1, and you can get a spec clutch MUCH Easyer then stage 2 clutches from exedy. For our cars if you don't plan to make mid or big power, exedy would be the choice, but I would suggest on getting a spec stage2+ :) I can't wait to gave it installed

I think the 2+ holds 365hp, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just on my iPhone haha
 
Outlawstar98 said:
I got my spec stage 2+ today, it will be on next week, ken sugusted for me to get it over the exedy, I was also told that the higher spec cluthes are better then the stage 1, and you can get a spec clutch MUCH Easyer then stage 2 clutches from exedy. For our cars if you don't plan to make mid or big power, exedy would be the choice, but I would suggest on getting a spec stage2+ :) I can't wait to gave it installed

I think the 2+ holds 365hp, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just on my iPhone haha
Click to expand...
Based on that I would take his advice over mine..
 
I may get that one, but only if you give me a review first ;) I've just heard bad stuff, and I don't want much of that chatter crap.

Outlawstar98 said:
I got my spec stage 2+ today, it will be on next week, ken sugusted for me to get it over the exedy, I was also told that the higher spec cluthes are better then the stage 1, and you can get a spec clutch MUCH Easyer then stage 2 clutches from exedy. For our cars if you don't plan to make mid or big power, exedy would be the choice, but I would suggest on getting a spec stage2+ :) I can't wait to gave it installed

I think the 2+ holds 365hp, correct me if I'm wrong, I'm just on my iPhone haha
Click to expand...
 
I don't like my spec stage 2+ doesn't feel very good IMO.. I would look at something other than the spec.. I've always liked act kits
 
I drove a civic last night with a exedy stage 2. I really liked it, It had alot of spring, But not a ridiculous amount. It was really balanced out IMO. Any one else running a exedy stg.2 or spec stg.2+?
 
I should have a good review for you next week hopefully, but talk to ken and see what he says, he sugusted the spec stage 2+ over the exedy stage 2. Which I took his advice over me loving exedy :) but ken knows best for me.
 
I'm a Exedy Stage 2 Cerimetalic user and I love this clutch.

Holds down the power i'm putting down with ease; about 14 psi of boost daily and is very drivable. No chatter however because it is a puck style clutch you sometimes get the chipping noise while engaging.

2 thumbs up.
 
I can't get my Exedy Stage 1 to slip and I've far exceeded the rating for it. I think JDM Sam is running 20psi on his gt3071 with the Exedy Stage 1 also!
 
This is my recomendation, ACT Xtreme Pressure Plate and Street Performance Clutch Disk, no shattering, feels awesome and hold power. actually this combo is installed in my car currently i can say it holds power, and is 100000% daily driveable. this combo holded strong the 474.8whp and 390 lbs of torque @ 26 PSI car did on dyno, i've been running this clutch for the past 2 years with 0 issues, no slipping and is basically holding what im trowing at it.. this is just my opinion after using before SPEC and EXEDY, i'll stay with ACT from now on..

this is what you need: (Kit Code: Z66-XTSS)

* MZ-018X - Xtreme Pressure Plate
* 3000203 Street Performance Disk
* RB091 - Release Bearing
* PB1005 - Pilot Bearing
* AT05 - Alignment Tool

This combo Holds: (340 lbs Torque) ACT Clutches holds more than what they advertise they do, mine did 390 lbs on dyno.

or you can have this setup: (Kit Code: Z66-XTG6)

* MZ-018X - Xtreme Pressure Plate
* 6224205 6 puck Sprung Racing Clutch
* RB091 - Release Bearing
* PB1005 - Pilot Bearing
* AT05 - Alignment Tool

This combo Holds: (440 lbs Torque) ACT Clutches holds more than what they advertise they do. I'm going with this setup this time cause i'm shooting for a little more power the above kit can't hanlde.
 
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talk about your Mixxed reviews... dont think that you are going to get anything out of this thread. everyone is all over the place. I drove a Spec stage 2 in a civic. My buddy has one. I liked it, i found it pushed back a little hard, but thats about all.
 
I think the shop is just trying to get you to spend money for them to do it. Exedy Stage 1 is rated for 320tq at the flywheel but it can handle alot more.
 
Also not saying anyone on here is incompetent at all, but sometimes a bad review can 90% of the time be due to a less than professional install.
 
Act clutches usally do not get good reviews. I am using an exedy and have driven the specs. If you get a spec make sure it's not pucked and it will be fine as far as drivability is concerned. I am using a stage 1 with a fidanza and I would never change.
 
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