I need a clutch that grips my engine's power like it has a pair

luckily, it isn't alot of power, but the stock clutch is out.

I'm looking for a 1.6 unit, like Exedy's metaliceramic Stage 2 (because somehow, it's actually cheaper than Stage 1) or 949 Racing's F-1 Stage 3 Ceramic (budget FTW).

Some searching on Miata forums led me to suggestions for checking the Honda and Nissan forums for consumer feedback. It seems to be a fair split (with a bit more of the satisfied guys, saying the broken disc guys just didn't break it in).

What about you guys?

 

949 twin disc =$$$$ profit $$$$

 

fm happy meal? act hdss?

 

I'm using the F1 'stage 3' 6 puck ceramic and I like it a lot. I didn't even brake it in, you don't really need to with a 6 puck. Just slip it a few times gently, drive like 25 miles (my trip home) then ball hard. I'm 99.99999999% sure that people who have them fail either

a. used greasy hands to install it and never cleaned off the pressure plate surface before installing.

or
b. Are ******* retarded and didn't install it properly. Either mistorqued the pressure plate bolts or didn't adjust it properly.

Do yourself a favor though, buy a 1.8 pressure plate and have it resurfaced by a good clutch shop and go with the 1.8 pp and disc.

 

6-puck is apperantly win.

Stage 2... IS ******* FAIL AND AIDS WITH *** AND DONKEY **** INSIDE OF HUSTLER'S ANUS. The pressure plate is... Alright. VERY unlinear in feel, but it grips well with a different disk. Don't get me started on the stage 2 disk. The whole "stage 2" kit was actually WORSE than my stock clutch at handling power. Slipped at like 4,000rpms with a 2554 at 7psi. And yes, it was installed correctly, and adjusted correctly. It just sucked ***.

But like I said, the pressure plate isn't bad, I'm running a stage 2 pressure plate with an ACT unsprung 6-puck ceramic, and let me tell you, it is WONDERFUL. If you want a discount clutch use that combo. There's very little judder once it's broken in (There will always be judder with a 6-puck) and the engagement is actually surprisingly good and it's held 12psi from a 2560, so it's very strong. The clutch pedal isn't that heavy, but it still feels like **** because of the very nonlinear feel of the pressure plate. But once again, it grips extremely well and engagement isn't that bad, I can get going on my loose gravel and sand driveway without spinning at all.

 

Its all about the 6 puck. I would never trust a cheapie full face disc. The pucks clutches have thus far proved themselves pretty reliable though.

 

I'm not a fan of pucked clutches because they are hard on transmissions. I am a HUGE fan of ACT HD clutches, though. We use one in our rental and I ran an HD pressure plate with a 6-puck in my race car. Ditched it for a 949twin.

Cross-shop the ACT HD and an FM Stage 1.

 

I've seen enough ACT clutches with random engagement problems that I'll never buy one. I'd love to get a 949 twin but I'm poor and doing an FMs2 clutch next time. I'd like to use the F1 flywheel if posible though.

 

I'm using the F-1 Chromolly Flywheel (9 lbs) and it's done pretty nicely for roughly 10K miles.

that price for a 6 puck, torque gripping clutch is pretty eye catching (if it actually holds).

First saw F-1 stuff on eBay, but I felt a bit more confident when I saw 949 was retailing them.

 

I've been told that the only issue with the F1 clutch, aside from bad installation, are the bearings that come with the package. Just in case you decide to take that route.

 

Oh yeah, forgot to rant about the bearings - they've been in my car for about 2 or 3k miles now and they're squeaking pretty bad.

 

^^Lol, nice sig.

 

I'm finally putting my 'stage 3' in this weekend. It better kickass.

 

I've had an Exedy clutch in for just a bit, so I can just reuse the throwout and pilot bearings from Exedy since they're so fresh.

 

Hey, turotufas

how'd the F-1 Stage 3 work out?

 

i have a flyin miata clutch it feels factory and grabs like a mf i love it. Unless your over 350whp.

 

Ugh, I punked out on the install. And I had to work.

I have the week off. Should be in if I don't go with another clutch. I've been second guessing the F1.

 

Me too. I'm save the extra pennies for a FM1

 

What makes you doubt it? The bearings (or something new noones brought up yet)?

The next cheapest complete clutch I can rock is a little over twice as much.

(but the clutch isn't something that you cheap out on if the budget stuff isn't up to par)

 

Guys, Lev (phil) has been abusing his F1/Stage 3 for quite a bit now. I've driven his car and pedal feel is great, engagement not an issue once you get used to it. Just get the t.o and pilot bearing from Mazda and enjoy

FYI mine is in a box waiting to go on

And FYI I have a clutchnet for sale and its like brand new...couple hundred miles on it @ 6psi from a 2560. Red PP, full sprung disc, with 1/2 reg springs and 1/2 upgraded springs