Need opinions on Clutch

Brad Mackey · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 8:35 am

OK, so I'm stickin' in a new light-weight flywheel (Fidanza) and need some opinions on clutch options.

Stock OEM @ about $200
CenterForce Carbon-Fibre @ about $325
ACT @ about $300.

A 1.6L Miata does not have gobs of torque, so my concerns perhaps should involve weight, durability, engagemant characteristics, etc.

How about some input?

Ryan Holton · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 9:07 am

I'll say it once again, you cant go wrong with a ACT clutch in ANYTHING.

My first one held up to 3 years of HARD launches in my Talon, never glazed, never overheated, never smoked. Just consistant launches time after time. AWD cars with well over 200 hp to the wheels kill most ordinary clutches, not the ACT.

Tom put an ACT in my Miata and I love it too. Has a similar feel to the Talon clutch.

There is one downfall for some with an ACT clutch. They generally have a stiffer engaugement than other clutches. The Miata clutch isnt that bad IMHO. The Talon put a hurt on your left leg in stop and go traffic.

Wes Eargle · **Joined:** Mon Oct 27, 2003 9:47 am **Posts:** 3683

Go with stock.

Ashraf Farrag · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:21 am

I picked up an Exedy stock replacement for my 1.8L Miata, $120 shipped off e-bay (I got a bit of a deal, I think they run maybe $20 more "buy-it-now"). It has the same parts as the Mazda OEM I removed - a Daikin organic stock disc and stock pressure plate (along with NTN throw-out and pilot bearings and plastic alignment tool).

I poked around and asked the Miatapower folks and deliberated putting in an ACT setup but for stock power level and casual use, I don't think that you need much more (then again, I don't do hard launches in my car, exiting the pits on track is a gentle clutch experience, so YMMV).

The entry-level ACT usually uses a stock disc and an upgraded pressure plate (to hold more power, ala forced-induction Miata). I definitely wouldn't put anything that mentions "puck" in a street driver (it can be done but, man, what a pain it is to drive).

--AF

Diane Hall · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 11:23 am

Both my Miatas have ACT clutches in them and I never had any issues, despite lots of track time. ACT gets my vote.

Les Davis · **Joined:** Fri Aug 29, 2003 2:04 pm **Posts:** 2059

Wes Eargle wrote:

Go with stock.

I second that. If your not planning to put a "power adder" on your car, don't bother with the expense and hassle of a stronger clutch. Since your car is a 1.6, I believe you can upgrade to the larger 1.8 clutch for a bit more strength. But just get a Mazda OEM unit. Without lots of extra power, all an ACT clutch will buy you is a bigger calf, and all the Centerforce will buy you is a grabbier engagement that makes it harder to take off and shift smoothly, oh, and maybe a little chatter as well.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:36 pm

Brad Mackey wrote:

OK, so I'm stickin' in a new light-weight flywheel (Fidanza) and need some opinions on clutch options.

Brad I just wanted to remind you that I'm available to lend you a hand with the install. Just shoot me an e-mail or PM to let me know when and I'll be there.

Diane Hall · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 1:38 pm

I have a OEM 1.6L clutch somewhere (maybe in my POD, which means it's not accessable), but if it's accessable, I'll make you a good deal. It's in good shape, I just wanted to put the ACT in for racing.

Ashraf Farrag · **Posted:** Fri Dec 09, 2005 2:40 pm

Les Davis wrote:

I believe you can upgrade to the larger 1.8 clutch for a bit more strength. But just get a Mazda OEM unit.

You would also need a 1.8L flywheel to do this since the clutches are different.

--Ashraf

Brad Mackey · **Posted:** Mon Dec 12, 2005 10:24 pm

Great input from everyone.

So far... I have ordered the Fidanza 8-lb. flywheel.

Still leaning toward the ACT Stage I clutch system, since the car will be only tracked and autocrossed. I've heard nothing but good things about them.

Nobody mentioned the Centerforce set-up. Anyone know about them? About the same $$ as the ACT.

Todd Breakey · **Posted:** Mon Dec 12, 2005 11:15 pm

Brad,

I believe that I have the Centerforce on my Miata. (Adam, a little help here?!?) If that is infact what I have. It has been on the car for a few years and I have absolutely no problems with it unless 5 people take 2 back to back runs on a 60 second course. Then it gets a little hot and isn't too happy. Ask Scott, he was the last in that succession of drivers after the Viper School.

Kevin Butler · **Posted:** Sun Jan 08, 2006 2:56 pm

I'm looking for a Miata application that can handle up to 300 hp, is cost effective and reliable.

Currently, I'm leaning towards a Spec Stage 2+. The features that get my attention are Carbon/Kevlar pads and stock feel. I haven't found any negative comments regarding the product either. Best price so far, $385 delivered.

Does anyone have an opinion of a better clutch configuration/$?

Regards,

Adam Ligon · **Posted:** Sun Jan 08, 2006 6:59 pm

Spec is about the only clutches we use on cars with upgraded power in our shop. They have great reputation both for power holding and durability.

Now granted this is for VW/Audi, but I would be willing to bet theirs are qualitu across the board

Brad Mackey · **Posted:** Mon Jan 09, 2006 9:48 pm

Used a stock clutch. Pro'lem solved.
Thanks for all the input.

Vincent Keene · **Posted:** Tue Jan 10, 2006 9:35 am

Adam Ligon wrote:

Spec is about the only clutches we use on cars with upgraded power in our shop. They have great reputation both for power holding and durability.

I have a Spec Stage 2 Clutch in the Z-24 now. It definitely doesn't glaze like the stock clutch on track, but it's more off/on in nature. Takes a bit of getting used to, but it does grab!

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