upgrading clutch, considering flywheel upgrade as well. looking for input
 

i searched around and read some other threads before starting my own (i know how much you people here hate when folks start a thread with out searching and reading first) but i didnt really come across the information i was looking for and feel others would benefit from this.

my last rx8 got ruined in hurricane sandy, i had a friend buy one and ship it to me from out of state (i thought this person was knowledgeable, turns out i was wrong) and they got me one with a few issues, one being a throwout bearing that is going to fail soon and a failing clutch.

so i feel an upgrade is in the works here, im considering going for the exedy stage 1 hd, i heard some good reviews for the standard exedy stage 1 and wanted to hear what anyone has to say about the stage 1 hd, if its worth the extra $30, i cant imagine it isnt.

the next topic is, i wanted to know if anyone feels upgrading the flywheel would be a worthwhile endeavor (since the tranny will already be dropped and access to it would be readily available in the instance of clutch assembly replacement) .

lastly, id like to hear some recommendations for flywheels for those of you who feel it is worthwhile.


-cheers

IMHO,

Got with an OEM level clutch, get a light flywheel. I have a stage 1, and the extra pressure is annoying. The light flywheel is the best performance mod I have added. Feels like the car is 300 pounds lighter, especially in the lower gears when the engine is spinning up faster.

If you do the Stage 1, you could well end up having to space the pressure plate. The distance is about .060 in, or how much thicker that clutch is than the oem style one. You will find out when the pressure plate fingers do not crown as much with the new clutch (even if the pressure plate came with that clutch, when you install it.

Good luck.

lol, 04Green and I just had that conversation in person this afternoon

unless you are FI or on drag slicks at a 1/4 mile track then upgrading the clutch is one of the biggest mistakes RX8 owners make

a higher pressure plate is not needed and only results in broken clutch pedals (probably why my 2005MY still has it's original pedal even after 7+ years of racing)

worst case maybe upgrade the clutch disc material if you are racing (I never have felt any need myself, but I'm in a street tire class and spin the tires good shifting into 2nd), but the OE pressure plate is more than adequate for any NA Renesis engine. The very best NA Renesis racing engines only output 200 ft-lbs at the flywheel, by and large most street RX8s are well below this


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Subscribing! I wanna do the same thing. I was hoping to upgrade to stage 2 clutch (this being when i'm done upgrading my header, midpipe, and exhaust), and a lightweight flywheel. But what are some things i should be worried about by upgrading the clutch?

What I said above

You give people a perfectly good answer and thet are totally oblivious to anything except what they want to hear

::rocks back in chair::
::feet on porch rail::

Yep

It just blows my mind.

I was referring to anything other than the spacing, so I guess the answer is nothing. Thanks

we both told you to use an OE or OE replacement clutch and the reasons why, maybe you should explain how you came to believe that a Stage 2 is necessary?

the simple answer is you asked the question we already responded to, which likely means you didn't read them before posting


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I would like to jump onto this thread as well. Is exedy the only company that makes a quality oem replacement clutch kit? And we never touched base on a good, street flywheel. I think my slave bearing is going out like the fellow who started this thread and would gladly replace the clutch and flywheel while I am down there. (Hehe) and if I do take down all the clutch components, how can you check a clutch to see if it even needs replaced? I hate to buy an oem replacement clutch if mine is fine.

Fyi my car had its engine replaced 30k miles ago, and the car/ tranny itself has a good 97k on it.

Well maybe not necessary, just because. My main question wasn't concerning an OE clutch, but a stage two clutch, but if you answer is good for both, then cool. don't trip homie.

I'm not tripping, it's no skin off my back that you waste money needlessly and cause yourself problems because you don't know any better or don't care to know any better

Good luck changing your clutch to a stage 2 "just because".
You're going to replace the transmission "because you have to" with that line of thought.

I bought competition clutch stage 2 and flywheel, It does its job. Very slight increase in rev speed.

Even if you are FI, only upgrade the clutch disk, but also make sure the pressure plate springs are still as strong as spec, an overheated clutch can damage the pressure plate springs.

Well bse50, now I know because this other guy decided to be a dick and answering my question that way.

Ah,

I understand the question now.. You will know you need to space if you do not get a decent "crown" on the fingers for the pressure plate. Pay particular attention to how much they stick up BEFORE you take it off. You want them to stick up that much with the new system. Too little, and the clutch will be very very soft, and will get softer as the revs climb (to the disengage point).

Oh, okay. Thank you very much! I'll keep that in mind

i am running an FI engine/s2 trans and 4:44 diff. The oem clutch and pressure plate work find--and have for years.
One little hint---once you remove the flywheel --it will be a good thing to recheck the engine bolts torque.
Personally I would not use the mazda flywheel lock to loosen or to torque the flywheel nut.

I've recently put on a BHR flywheel with an exedy stage 1. It's one of my favorite mods so far (I'm NA). I believe the BHR flywheel is the lightest one available and the quality is excellent, I'd recommend it for anyone looking to get a flywheel. You can definitely feel the difference in acceleration in 1st-3rd.

Ok, I'll be replacing my clutch so I'll stick OEM (or direct aftermarket replacement, which would be the one recommended here if I don't' want to play Mazda prices?)... however the flywheel, not sure what I'm looking for here, you got a link and will any fit UK RX8? I'm assuming it's this one?

It's like moths to a flame.

i have a stage 3 ceramic clutch plate and and pressure plate. And LOVE it, the engage speed is fucking awesome. Ive done this on my own 2005 Shinka and 2 other RX8's. (not my own) They requested for me to do it because they drove my car and loved it too.
So i think its a personal preference, the guy saying its hard on the pedal is right. You need to reinforce it or you will be be in for a very shocking situation, probably at the very wrong time... Like when you are stopping at a very bizzy intersection.

What do you mean when you say you have to reinforce it?