Okay so here's the story; my clutch started slipping so I had it replaced, before it was perfect but I needed a new transmission so I got both. I got a transmission with 70k from a junk yard. I got a aftermarket stage 2 clutch. Once I got it installed from a local mechanic it felt really jerky I could release the clutch as slow as possible and it was still jerky and would almost stall. The transmission shifted perfect but as of more recently when releasing it slowly I get a slight grind while it takes off and I believe it's messing with my synchros because 2nd gear is starting to grind when shifting at 8-9k. Could someone explain what is going on? I have a few ideas of what it is but I need some input whether I need to get a new high quality clutch or if its something else. Thanks!

 

Its jerky because you have a clutch that is designed to be used for track/strip circumstances and has no business being on a daily driving N/A 8, its is leagues less forgiving and thus you get the jerky/stalling symptom. Couple that with driver error/lack of skill and you have probably damaged your transmission by now.

Moral of this story, should have stuck with stock.

Since you will have the transmission out to rebuild for the syncro's might at well get a stock/Exedy stage 1 clutch (basically the exact same thing).

 

Try changing gear oil, this seems to make a big difference with these transm.

 

I'd recommend against the stage 1. It's supposed to be exactly like stock, but I've been through lots of problems with them and the vendor reports that I'm not the only one. Problems with the actual stack height of the pressure plate. I went back to stock and the problems disappeared.

 

^+1 Stage 1 is not stock, but it is drivable. Once you get used to it, it's not bad but if you let anyone borrow the car they will complain.

 

Driveability wasn't the problem. The first stage 1 clutch exploded prematurely, presumably because it never fully engaged due to the stack height. The 2nd stage 1 clutch I had came with with several different odd noises from the clutch itself, a complete inability to obtain complete disengagement of the clutch even with the clutch pedal removed from the car, replaced hydraulics, every adjustment possible, etc... I finally pulled it after less than 100 miles and it was already shredding and packing the pressure plate full of clutch material. I installed an OEM disc and PP, set the clutch free play and had zero noises, zero problems, and 2 days later I started a 2,700mile trip, completing it 4 days after that with still no problems.

There is a manufacturing problem at Exedy with the stage 1 clutch. It defies believability since they make the OEM clutch too, and I'd happily point the finger at myself and chalk it up to mistakes... except BHR is about ready to drop the clutch from their offering completely due to how many people are having problems with it, including Ray himself.

There is a bigger problem going on with those clutches than simple driveability.