Clutch Decision

[JDMClassic]

Time to replace the stock clutch in my turbo’d 1.6L. Looking at a SPEC Stage 1, SPEC Stage 2 and the ACT Stage 1. Not really interested in the ACT Extreme due to the stiff pedal feel everyone complains about. Also thought about an RPS Max, but those have been disco’d for 1.6s and I’m not changing the flywheel so can’t go with the 1.8L Max kit. Current Torque is 163 at 8 PSI and I’ll probably never go beyond 10 PSI in the future.

Anyway, can anyone here with insight on any of these help me decided?

[Titus]

1.6 ACT Stage 1 here, and love it... not noticeably stiffer than stock, and has yet to show any signs of slipping.

[JDMClassic]

1.6 ACT Stage 1 here, and love it... not noticeably stiffer than stock, and has yet to show any signs of slipping.

Good to hear.. do you know how much torque you are pulling?

[Titus]

Good to hear.. do you know how much torque you are pulling?

Don't remember.

[JDMClassic]

Anyone here with a SPEC Stage 2? I have heard that if the Kevlar clutch plate in this kit gets too hot it can slip allot. Is this true??

[Titus]

Anyone here with a SPEC Stage 2? I have heard that if the Kevlar plate in this kit gets too hot it can slip allot. Is this true??

I have heard that too... It is supposed to be great on the track/auto-x but probably not a good clutch if you are going to be doing drifting or drag launches.

[juxt3r]

I have heard that too... It is supposed to be great on the track/auto-x but probably not a good clutch if you are going to be doing drifting or drag launches.

Definitely don't use a Spec unit for drag! Ugh... I had a Stage 3 go bye bye after one launch.

[Billy Blaze]

I have a SPEC stage 2 and it's been fine, I didn't even notice it being any more stiff than stock.
Got mine installed and the parts through Gary at TrackDogRacing.com
Good luck.

[trackdog]

We sell both ACT and SPEC and recommend the SPEC over the ACT. We sell the SPEC Stage 2 with every FI application. I have the Stage 2 with the aluminum pressure plate and flywheel in my car with 265 HP and absolutely no issues. We have several local guys here with the Stage 2 clutch that might be able to speak up. Advantage of the SPEC is the peddle pressure is much less than the ACT clutch. It also does not require peddle adjustment that every ACT clutch we installed required. The extra peddle pressure takes its toll on your leg on the 1.8 setup, but not as bad on the 1.6 setup.

Information on the Kevlar is hearsay form one person who probably abuses any clutch he has. We have this same Stage 2 Kevlar being used in the new Turbo Spec Miata group that is being started.
As for the Stage 3 problem, yes there was a problem as I as well had, but SPEC replaced it without an issue. According to SPEC there was a hand full of units that went bad immediately, again I was one of them.

The ACT Stage 1 for the 1.6 is a good clutch using an organic disc setup that Todd has, it is rated at 200 ft. lbs. The SPEC Stage 2 for the 1.6 is rated at 239 ft. lbs. and is a little less expensive. We have a great price at TDR on the clutches, flywheels and SS braid clutch lines that should be used with every upgrade for improved peddle feel.

If you have any questions or want to test drive let me know, always glad to help.

Gary

[Tim the Teacher]

Yeah......Gary put his hand in my wallet and pulled out enough for his "DOG PACK" special

[Sharpie]

Yeah......Gary put his hand in my wallet and pulled out enough for his "DOG PACK" special

Way to go!

My 1.6 has an ACT XT00, whatever that is, it's been holding great. Gary you'll have to tell me more about this adjustment stuff, because, I have no clue what you're referring to. My clutch and flywheel had about 5k miles on them when I bought them off Madmerv. Damn, I forget about all the money that has gone into my car since Jan. 05. Ugh.....

[trackdog]

Hey Sharpie,

The harder peddle pressure you get with the ACT clutches makes the setup usually engage almost to the floor, even more with the stock rubber clutch line that expands, which is why we recommend replacing it. When we did a rash of clutch installs about a year ago at Justins we adjusted most of them off the floor. If you are not disengaging the clutch enough it will make for hard shifting and excessive wear and heat.

Every car is a little different and some may not be as bad as others, but with the SPEC's change in the fulcrum position in the pressure plate the peddle effort is less and in turn needs no adjustment. ACT or SPEC will do the job, but there are differences that are noticable, especially on your left leg.

Gary

[JDMClassic]

Well thanks for all the info everyone. Looks like I'm gonna go with the SPEC for the best clutch feel, but staying away from the Kevlar and going Stage 1.