Ric Herber

I installed a F1 1.6 Stage 2 clutch (rated to 250 hp) in my 93 and carefully broke it in for 1000 miles. It now has a couple of thousand miles on it. The engine is a JDM 1.6 w/ a T3 .48 turbo and MSPNP, a 6 speed, and a 1.8 diff w/ LSD. It's making about 180 whp. I find that I can easily break the the tires loose in a straight line in 1st and 2nd without the clutch slipping. But if I'm on the freeway in 4th, 5th, or 6th and floor it, the clutch will slip between 4-5K rpm (max boost is achieved by 3500 rpm).

Right now I'm of the opinion that the clutch just isn't up to snuff. What I don't understand is why it doesn't slip with a hard start, just on the freeway. The rear main seal was replaced on the engine when it was installed and everything was torqued to spec during assembly.

Any ideas? Did I miss something?

wittyworks

iTrader: (6)

dude the same thing happens with my stage 2 f1 clutch when i was at 10 psi, it just seems that it cant handle it, only possibility is the front trans seal is leaking and it got oily. I'm just going for another new clutch now, like a month later, and i didnt even break mine in.

rider384

iTrader: (3)

Unfortunately, you can include me in the group... I'm running it, and I noticed it slips at peak torque.

Oni

iTrader: (1)

In for info, im looking at repalcements for a stock clutch and dont want this same issue. how does the below look? and insight would be great, i was gonna get the FM Stage 1 but this looks like a cheaper suitable replacement.

http://949racing.com/F1-clutch-miata-stage-1-1.aspx

webby459

iTrader: (8)

Man, I've just installed an F1 Stage 2 clutch and matching 1.6L flywheel. I'm guessing n/a it shouldn't have any problems...

magnamx-5

iTrader: (7)

um guys the stage 3 is good for about 250 whp i doubt the stage 2 would live very long at 200 whp it is a good value but the pressure plate is to damn light for more power. stop half assing when it comes to a clutch buy a clutch that can hold more than you plan to run. In the case of you 2 guys a stage 3 would have been just fine. And if you want to make more than 250 whp than get a high $ twin disc setup from 949 or a act Xtreme and learn to drive the clutches they sell are cost effective and work but you cant puss out on them. Knowing what i know about them now i dont care if i have just a stock miata its geting a stage 3 atleast.

dustinb

Just buy an ACT clutch. They're awesome.

cardriverx

iTrader: (12)

Thats why I got the stage 3, seems to hold ok at 210 ish hp.

Braineack

iTrader: (62)

phil is running the f1 stage 3 at 298rwhp (dyno dynamics)

the stage 2 probably can only handle 200TQ. A 6-puck will probably add another 50 tq to that.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

298 rwhp/296 rwtq on a Mustang dyno with the F1 stage 3 clutch
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rider384

iTrader: (3)

How's the engagement?

turotufas

iTrader: (7)

I don't know what to believe anymore. Ordered the stage 3 the other day, see how it do. Crossing my fingers and hope it works.

Ric Herber

When I bought my stage 2, it was rated up to 250 hp. That's why I bought it. I even talked with their product support and they assured me it would handle 200 whp.

If I'm going to go to all the trouble of pulling it out, I'm going to be damn sure the replacement will hold up to anything I might throw at it. I think I'm going to install a FM Stage 1 happy meal. It's rated for far more than I need and it is the larger 1.8 size.

levnubhin

iTrader: (30)

Alot like stock.
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rider384

iTrader: (3)

Tempting. I take it then that you would recommend it? May pull the trigger on it.

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

The stage 2 is a Kevlar clutch. While the Kevlar does have a higher heat capacity before it fries, it completely goes away the minute it is finaly overheated. Organic will usually come back to near full grip once it cools down and ceramic will come back about 100%.

For that reason, we only to offer the stage 1 and stage 3 F1 clutches. Not high tech or light weight by any means, but they're a great choice for the enthusiast on a budget. They get the job done and are as tough as clutches costing 3x as much.

rider384

iTrader: (3)

Hey Emilio; I asked the ebay seller this but I figure I'd ask you aswell - are the stage 2 and stage 3 pressure plates the same? My gay stage 2 started slipping at a little over stock power, so I contacted the seller and he said they were. If they are I figure I'll just replace the stage 2 disk with a 6-puck.

Any input?

emilio700

iTrader: (3)

Same

rider384

iTrader: (3)

You're a god, bro.

alik

iTrader: (3)

Gripforce is POS. Had Stage 2 and, it was horrible.
Get the FM stuff. Hasn't failed me yet.