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Let's talk about clutches

Old 04-02-2016, 12:42 PM
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Exclamation Let's talk about clutches

Okay so I've noticed at high RPMs my clutch feels like it's letting out. Also the throwout bearing is making horrible noise.

So my question is this.

What clutch is better Exedy or ACT? I've been reading up on them both, and they both have advantages and downfalls.

Exedy has a great price.

ACT has the experience for making fantastic clutches.

I've been leaning towards ACT but I want a real world opinion (yes I've searched) and couldn't really find much other than "buy this" without reasons of why.

Thank you for your time and have a good day.

- Chris
Old 04-02-2016, 01:04 PM
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If you are not turbocharged or supercharged, then go with the OEM clutch. It has more torque capacity than the engine can produce, it's easy to drive on, it lasts a long time, it fits perfectly, and it's cheap.

Other clutches, even the Exedy Stage 1, lose 1 or more of these points. There isn't any performance or technical reason to pick another clutch. Some people do, because they feel good about having a different clutch and like feeling like it's an upgrade, even though it isn't.
Old 04-02-2016, 02:12 PM
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It all depends on where he goes from here IMO.

If you plan on boosting, nitrous or supercharging i would replace the clutch and flywheel now.
If you have no plans on a different flywheel or any of the above mentioned power adders then yes go with OEM.

If you are going to "upgrade" i would say ACT. I have the ACT prolite and 6 puck clutch and love them but im boosted.

Travis
Old 04-03-2016, 02:53 AM
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well heres the thing, I WANT a stiffer clutch pedal regardless of power. My pedal has been very soft for a long time. I can't stand it. My BMW Z3 has a stiffer clutch pedal.

I'm thinking a Stage 2 will fix that problem, however I'm not sure which brand will give the desired outcome.
Old 04-03-2016, 08:46 AM
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I recently installed an Exedy stage 1 with a RB aluminum flywheel. After the initial break-in, drivability is just fine. The weight of the pedal is good bit stiffer, much more like what you find on older european cars.
Old 04-03-2016, 09:32 AM
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Originally Posted by yapakanichi
well heres the thing, I WANT a stiffer clutch pedal regardless of power. My pedal has been very soft for a long time. I can't stand it. My BMW Z3 has a stiffer clutch pedal.

I'm thinking a Stage 2 will fix that problem, however I'm not sure which brand will give the desired outcome.
When was the last time you changed your brake fluid? I ask because its a shared reservoir with the clutch MC and the fluid does break down over time, as well as the rubber brake lines do break down and cause a spongy feel too.

Something else to look at.
Old 04-03-2016, 10:41 AM
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Just replaced the master cylinder, clutch line (with a stainless steel from Goodridge), and replaced the slave cylinder.

Yea the clutch pedal broke on installation (which I was suspecting a problem) but my throwout bearing is making noise. Hence my reason for looking to replace the clutch. Grinding noise with no pedal down, grinding stops when I push the pedal in. Just looking for a better clutch pedal feel. Before it felt weak and soft.

That is the entire reason behind this.

EDIT:

I've got my eyes on
Amazon.com: EXEDY 10952A Racing Clutch Kit: Automotive Amazon.com: EXEDY 10952A Racing Clutch Kit: Automotive
.
Old 04-04-2016, 08:10 AM
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If u buy a new Relaese Bearing dont use the one with the plastic parton it .. use the Koyo Full Metal one instead.


Greetings
Thomas
Old 04-04-2016, 10:02 AM
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Originally Posted by yapakanichi
Just replaced the master cylinder, clutch line (with a stainless steel from Goodridge), and replaced the slave cylinder.

Yea the clutch pedal broke on installation (which I was suspecting a problem) but my throwout bearing is making noise. Hence my reason for looking to replace the clutch. Grinding noise with no pedal down, grinding stops when I push the pedal in. Just looking for a better clutch pedal feel. Before it felt weak and soft.

That is the entire reason behind this.

EDIT:

I've got my eyes on Amazon.com: EXEDY 10952A Racing Clutch Kit: Automotive.

Keep in mind there is a normal grinding noise sitting in neutral clutch out. Many people have tried to fix it, but it's just the nature of the design, this car makes this noise. Sounds like marbles going slowly going around in a jar?

Actual throw-out bearing failure is usually more of a squeaky metal-on-metal uneven tone.

Depending on your purposes, a 3-puck clutch might be a pain to daily drive and wear quicker. Think about it, you have more clamping force going through a smaller footprint, so the engagement is going to be a lot more abrupt and any slippage will heat the clutch material a lot more.

It's a bit like driving with brake pads that are 1/3 the size of the normal ones
Old 04-04-2016, 10:06 AM
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So what clutch is recommended for a heavier clutch pedal?
Old 04-04-2016, 10:23 AM
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I had to replace my clutch, and though not boosted, I went with the Excedy Stage 1 and it works fine. Obviously it is a Stage 1 so the clutch will be way heavier and it grabs super early, which I like but other people find it so hard to transition from new cars to mine.
Old 04-04-2016, 11:02 AM
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the noise is a scraping noise. not marbles. almost sounds like the output shaft bearing
Old 04-04-2016, 12:28 PM
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no idea, bought the car less than a year ago.
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