clutch reviews - spec and clutch masters - DSM Forums: Mitsubishi Eclipse, Plymouth Laser, and Eagle Talon Forum: DSMtalk.com

matress · 10-30-2007, 11:19 PM

Hey guys,

I've been looking for a clutch to suit my 226kw atw Galant VR4 and have found so much information through searching that I have become completely confused!

There is a fairly narrow range of products in Australia which usually makes choosing a product fairly easy, but since I've started buying most parts from USA based stores, I've become a bit intimidated by the huge selection of products for my car.

I drive my car daily and occasionally take it for a run through the twisty mountain roads and also the drags. I want something that isn't going to slip when it gets hot, but I also don't want something that is only going to last a year, like my Exedy 3 puk did, even with fairly limited abuse.

I've been looking at the SPEC Stage 3+ clutch... it seems like a good clutch for what I'm after with a good life span but also good bite.

The Clutch Masters FQ400 Ceramic clutches also look good, but I'm a bit hesitant about going with another ceramic puk clutch, mainly due to the life I got out of my current one.

I am very interested to hear people's experiences with these clutches, especially the Spec 3+.

If I have overlooked anything that might be more suitable, please feel free to word me up.

Thanks

Mat

Stoicalpear · 10-31-2007, 02:25 AM

I ran an ACT 2600 for a while and was not happy with it. I soon switched to try out the Spec Stg. 3 and thus far I fairly impressed with it. I have not been able to put that many miles on it at the moment though. The clutch feels fairly close to stock pedal feel and grabs pretty well also. I would have to say overall a great clutch but like I said I dont have many miles on it.

matress · 10-31-2007, 03:49 AM

What were you not happy about with the ACT?

One thing that I can't help wondering about is why the SPEC clutches only have a few coils on their hub springs, whereas other brands have considerably more coils.

DSM Loki · 10-31-2007, 08:07 AM

I for one, have had great experience with my ACT 2600. The pedal is firm, but not too bad. The only thing with the aftermarket clutches is that you have to make sure the pedal is fully disengaging.

Asmodeus · 10-31-2007, 09:09 AM

^
Agreed, an extended slave rod with the ACT can do wonders for the life of it if your hydraulics aren't quite as healthy as they once were.

Proper pedal adjustment is key too.

ACT 2600 is perfect for you.
STREET DISC

Morpheus · 10-31-2007, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmodeus

^
Agreed, an extended slave rod with the ACT can do wonders for the life of it if your hydraulics aren't quite as healthy as they once were.

Proper pedal adjustment is key too.

ACT 2600 is perfect for you.
STREET DISC

If your pedal is adjusted correctly, the extended slave rod will do nothing.

acidadam · 10-31-2007, 09:32 AM

I run the 2600 w/ street disc and the the ACT flywheel as well and love it. Also using the extended slave rod.

Asmodeus · 10-31-2007, 09:34 AM

No range of pedal adjustment fixed my problem. ESR did.

DSM Loki · 10-31-2007, 09:42 AM

I've got a new master, slave, all metal lines, welded pedal assembly, and extended slave rod. Master is near middle of adjustment threads and engagement point is perfect.

ACT 2600 with street disc is perfect for ya.

Morpheus · 10-31-2007, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asmodeus

No range of pedal adjustment fixed my problem. ESR did.

That would be the case with your pedal assembly misadjusted. (which can lead to wear and damage to other components later, TOB/slipping disk)

If you understand how it works, with the pedal in it's free state (ie not actuated), the hydraulics is in a state of equilibrium. At this point, the slave rod can be pushed in. It self adjusts to wear in the clutch, which is the beauty of a hydraulic system.

If you can't push the slave rod in, it's misadjusted.

Chicago_DSM · 10-31-2007, 10:19 AM

Spec's are amazing clutches for the money, and super underrated!

I run a spec stage III, and so do at least 5-10 of my buddie's after I told them about it. They all love it! Holds 415lb ft of torque and retains the stock pedal pressure, despite being a 6 puck!

Don't knock it till you've tried it.

matress · 10-31-2007, 04:02 PM

so has anyone used the clutch masters kits?

FWDEMON · 10-31-2007, 10:47 PM

The first clutch that i had was a Clutch Master stage 4. It was a four puck, sprung clutch, but I forgot the composit material. I loved it, here is my review:

The negative: When I first got the clutch my car was stock...14b set @ 16psi and cat back exhaust. I had some clutch chattering when starting to engage the clutch in first gear.

The positive: By the time my clutch went it was roughly 20,000 miles later. I had a big 16g set @ 16 psi, full turbo back exhaust and built motor. There was NOT ONE day i didn't beat on the car. The clutch felt firmer then stock, almost no chattering ( I think that I got use to it or it was naturally wear and tear) by 2,000 or 3,000 miles into it. When the clutch finally went it was slipping so I had time to change it before the car left me on the side of the road. I don't know if this is true for all ACT clutch packages but when my friengs clutch went, IT WENT FAST, almost 2 days!

The best advice that I will give you is DO THE PROPER BREAK IN PERIOD! 400 to 500 miles break in! This is crutial for the life of the clutch because you basically want to "mate" the clutch material to the flywheel surface.

Also, it depends on what kind of driving you do and here is a quick breakdown to help.
Daily Driving: I would recommend sprung clutch full face disc for daily driving. Longer life closest to stock feeling and should be good for additional slightly modded car
Weekend Warrior: unsprung/ sprung 4 puck. The grabbing power will be awesome with the 4 puck expect some chattering good for "slipping" during launches. This is good for cars that are around doubling their HP
Drag Car: Twin disc/ 3 puck unsprung for drag car. Expect harsh engagement with the 3 puck and hold as much hp that you can through at it

Hope my $0.02 helps you out, good luck.

matress · 11-01-2007, 12:56 AM

Thanks mate

My clutch is starting to slip on about 5 psi now... is it likely to just completely fail on me any day now?

DSM Loki · 11-01-2007, 04:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by matress

Thanks mate

My clutch is starting to slip on about 5 psi now... is it likely to just completely fail on me any day now?

It'll last longer if you stay out of boost, but yeah, yours is stepping out the door.