So what's the next best 1.6 flavor for an n/a 1.8?

I value a fast and very positive engagement and light weight over easy to drive. Stock clutches drive me insane with the lack of "feel."

Current front runners:

1) South Bend TZ "Stage 2" Kevlar full face sprung - $330
2) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic sprung - $360
3) ACT HDG4 4 puck sprung - $340
4) Clutchnet "Stage 3" full face organic unsprung - $320
5) Outlawed Spec Miata aluminum billet madness - $400

Much as i want to "be a man," i don't think the Spec Miata setup is the right answer. I DO realize that all of these clutches are more than my motor will ever need, but in my experience, the weaker clutches tend to feel like garbage. I've used the South Bend before in another build, and it was almost too soft feeling, but positive enough i could deal with it.

Called Clutchnet and he suggested a Stage 3 for me based on what sort of pedal feel i want. I DO like their method of spring retention.

ACT is well... ACT. They make quality stuff, and we all know that.

Clutchnet was concerned about my interest in the unsprung disk, said it would almost certainly destroy my transmission. I'm not sure on that, i don't think any N/A BP is killing a 6spd in quick fashion. Unsprung disk weighs 1lb less than sprung.

Guide me. I am NOT interested in 1.8 stuff.

 

<p>@hi_im_sean</p>

 

I'm extremely pleased with the setup I went with for my N/A 1.8l. Super responsive, light, feels great on track and is surprisingly tame enough to still be somewhat streetable.

Fidanza 1.6l Flywheel (7lbs)
Exedy 1.6l Stage 2 (Thick Disk, 3 Puck)

 

I saw that one, but was a little worried about holding capacity. I have a "Taxi-style" motor build in the works, would like to see 150wtq. That seems to be right on the edge of what that's rated for.

What's the pedal feel like? Really positive engagement point? (As in, does it get noticeably stiff right where it starts catching?)

 

Is the Flyin' Miata clutch unsuitable for you?

 

<p>Its 1.8 only.</p>

 

What he said. Otherwise, i like the FM2, do not enjoy the FM1.

 

Pedal feels great. Not too heavy but still stiff, the engagement point is pretty positive but it's not like the pedal gets suddenly stiffer like you're describing. The pedal pressure is pretty even throughout the throw, I guess what I mean is that when it grabs it does so with authority, and it's the same every time. I like it.

Also I think you might be able to get a heavy duty pressure plate for the stage 2 in order to increase torque capacity but you would probably have to call Exedy directly to figure that out. I make 111wtq for what it's worth.

 

Great, thanks for the info.

 

I got the XTG4, im planning to hold 300lb ft in the future, so our needs are a little different. But I havnt driven it yet so I cant give my feedback anyway. plan to today though.

The only other experience I have is with exedy stock replacement and F1 stg 2, they both feel like the mushy stock vagueness, but we already knew that.

 

You know I like the XTSS pressure plate because it is strong and powerful like a man needs, and I like the clutch disc is smooth, yet tight like a man wants.

No wimpy pedals and no lightswitches, but rather a good proper clutch.

 

Any chance in hell you weighed that before installing?

 

Just a quality steel pressure plate with good strong diaphragm springs. And a decent material sprung hub clutch. No trickery. Just quality parts made to take a good pounding.

 

Strong springs mean good clamping.

 

Just bolted mine in yesterday, you missed it by a day. The pressure plate was balanced, which is a good sign.

 

For N/A cars, I was a big fan of the 1.6L ACT HD in Thumper. If you want a "sharper" engagement, the XT pressure plate does that, but the HD is the clutch I'd suggest to most people who want a good N/A clutch. Same with the disc - I like sprung discs, but if you value light weight over ease of operation, unsprung pucked is what you want.

I'm actually pleasantly surprised with the 1.8L XT in my '02SE. I was expecting a leg press machine, and it's not nearly as bad as everyone makes it out to be. 300ft.lbs, slips around the parking lot, and ACT reliability.

1.6L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed

1.8L ACT clutch kits from Trackspeed

 

1.6 ACT HD crew checking in. Love mine.

Pedal is slightly heavier than stock, engagement is slightly sharper than stock. Plays nice with the 949 flywheel.

 

XT because you never know when you are going to wake up with more pressure and sticky rubber.

 

I bought a used ACT XT in 2007ish, have been stuffing all the boost through it ever since. It's never blinked. I wish ACT made turbos, pistons, and transmissions. You can't go wrong with ACT.

 

Am i right in thinking that an n/a BP is unlikely to shred a 6spd in an inordinate amount of time even with a harsh unsprung disk?