hello all,
just looking for some advice.

I just ordered the SR Motorsports Aluminum Flywheel (9.75lb) and the rear counterweight... How much do you guys think this be to install?

Also, if i get the lightened flywheel, do you guys think it's efficient ($600) to get the Heavy-duty clutch kit as well? I tried to search, and people have lightened flywheels, but they don't have the heavy-duty clutch... what are you're impressions?

And a friend of mine keeps nudging me to get an aftermarket clutch if i'm going to install a lighter flywheel... do the benefits outweigh the costs?

Lastly : what does the heavy-duty clutch do really? I mean, the flywheel will allow for quicker shifts, but what does the aftermarket clutch do exactly?

Current Mods:
Full Mazdaspeed Suspension (shocks/struts and springs)
4point Mazdaspeed Strut brace (front)
HKS Racing Suction Kit
Rotary Performance SuperCat (very loud - annoying at times)
Borla Exhaust
Euro rear lip spoiler...

Any suggestions?

 

I say stay away from a heavy duty clutch unless you got some serious power(which you don't).....I would consider something like a clutch master stage 1......

 

clutch master stage 1? I was thinking along the lines of SR Motorsport b/c they are a reputable company especially with the rx8.

 

I just checked their site and yes go with that clutch....sorry I thought heavy duty ment 150% more then stock.....50% will be a good upgrade.....price seems a little high tho...

 

So what is the significance of the clutch really? It's stronger... fine, but what's it do really? (Sorry for the dumb q, if it is, but at least i'm learning) One modder to another right? thanks

james.

 

It's good to ask questions... better to learn then not know at all. In simple terms, a heavy duty clutch will increase clamping force. For cars with upgraded hp and torque, it will wear and tear your stock clutch causing it to slip.

 

thanks for the good quick response... but, from my setup, which yields roughly 13hp alltogether, will i need to invest $600 minus install to compensate for the SLIGHTLY extra hp?

 

I would definitely install both the clutch and flywheel together, no point in paying the labor twice.
no point in getting a heavy duty, non streetable puck like clutch. Just get a good ACT stage one clutch with it any you will be good to go, with some room for FI power down the road. Some people did a flywheel install before the clutches were even available, thats why you see people with lightened flywheels and no aftermarket clutch.

 

Labour wise I would recommend you do the upgraded clutch with the flywheel as dropping a tranny is very labour intensive and expensive.

Do you "NEED" a upgraded clutch with those mild horsepower gains...no...the gains are minimal.... But it's always nice to have an upgraded clutch for that extra clamping force... It really just comes into a dollar and cents issue and what you plan doing to your car in the future. If forced induction is the route you will go, it doesn't hurt to do your tranny work all at once.

 

Racing Beat now has clutches for the RX 8

 

that's good advice people.. thank you!

 

As for upgrading the clutch... I see that Racing Beat has the High Performance Pressure Plate along with the Throwout bearing. Both those are about $220. Is that all i need... or that is RECOMMENDED for the lightened flywheel install?

Why is it that the SR Motorsports Clutch kit is $599 then? What's the difference...

Can i just stick with the RB stuff? I mean, RB is pretty reputable with the RX8.