Hi, I want to purchase a nearly brand new Competition Clutch Stage 2 for my rx8 that I found for a pretty good deal, but it was sitting in a shed for a while and some rust has formed on the clutch components.

My main concern is the Clutch Plate springs, they had surface rust which the guy just sprayed WD40 on and got most of it off, but is it still useable? Is it anything I would need to be super worried about?

I dont know a lot about clutch's themselves and if this is a "yeah you'll be fine" or "its literally worthless now" kinda situation so any input would be greatly appreciated

I included a pic that he sent below

 

The surface rust isn't a problem but I'd be more concerned by someone spraying a clutch with WD40. Even if he didn't overspray on the friction area, soon as it starts spinning the WD40 will migrate to the pads. Give it a nice thorough drying or brake cleaner (only on the metal parts).

 

Yeah it doesn't look like he over sprayed to the friction area but I definetly will need to clean it off a bit, obviously ill inspect all the parts to make sure nothing looks damaged/warped/in this case wet, but as long as the pads look good and i clean off the metal components the clutch should be fine to use correct?

 

Yes, its fine. as stated before get the lubricant off and it should be fine.

 

clean it thoroughly with a can or two of brake cleaner spray and the lightly apply dry lube to the clutch disc and trans input shaft splines

but unless you have a turbo etc. then a stage 2 is likely going to add to transmission wear.

there’s not any reason to use anything stiffer than a factory clutch even with the strongest normally aspirated Renesis engine
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Im planning on having the car turbo’d in the future, I also want something that might be a bit tougher than a normal clutch for things like drifting

Ive heard it has a very similar feel to a stock clutch as well, obviously I don’t want something thats going to ruin the drive ability

the car had 88k miles on it previously so I need to replace the clutch regardless, and it’s either this clutch kit, an exedy or stock one, or an XTD which I’ve heard very mixed opinions on

 

absolutely do not cheap out on an XTD clutch

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-do-...5/#post4975271

https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-maj...2/#post4976578. (page down to end of the post)


I raced on an OE clutch for many years including hundreds of 6500 - 8000 rpm drag drop-clutch launches, but go ahead with the noobish misunderstandings .. because after all these years of those people coming and going, nobody that’s still here from the early times of the RX8 expects any different.

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Yeah I never heard good things about the XTD so that confirms it

I might be "noobish" but I'm getting the whole kit for $275, which is cheaper than the Exedy OEM on ebay/any reliable kit I can find.

The OEM clutch felt fine when my car ran for like, a week? (bought a used and abused Rx8 that could only be started by a pull start, has 88k miles) but I have no idea how beat on the clutch was, and this deal happened to popup, so what's the harm for possible future proofing for higher horsepower and a brand new clutch in the same breath?

I know the OEM clutch can handle supposedly 400 hp? Which I wont be getting at for a bit with a stock Rx8, but other than possible added wear to the transmission and a bit stiffer of a feel I haven't seen any huge downsides y'know?

I am genuinely looking for advice though, and it will be for a bit before I put the clutch into the car so if it really would be better to get an OEM/Exedy ill happily look into them more.

 

I've been more than happy with the Exedy clutch kit in my RX-8's. I've installed the Exedy kit in both of mine and I love the way it feels and I feel confident in its reliability. You may have to slightly adjust the clutch pedal rod after the clutch install. I've had to do this every time in all three that I've put in. They just grab too low and I just needed a smidge of adjustment in the rod and the pedal take-up was perfect.

 

there’s 18 years of RX8 information on here, the response comments indicate a lack of research and understanding is the nicest way it can be stated for overly-sensitive students attempting to learn the way of the RX8. The difference it can make is broke and miserable vs. peaceful and trouble-free.
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