Got a worn out six puck, don't remember the manufacturer. Wondering if I can just throw in a friction plate from a different manufacturer or if this would cause problems due to the pilot bearing being the wrong size or the friction area being the wrong shape or something.

 

Pilot bearing should be the same on basically any flywheel. The ones I've seen are stock replacement, in exedy, FM, etc. The pilot bearing is just for the trans input shaft anyways. No part of the clutch should be touching/be supported by it.

Throwout bearing should also be identical regardless, as long as the kit was made for a miata in the first place. I personally have seen no upgraded TB available or advertised. Correct me if I'm wrong.


Friction area should be identical, assuming the clutch disc was designed for a stock flywheel, and thus engagement area.




Your issue, is the pressure plate. Will the fingers be pressing deep enough (or shallow enough), to properly engage the clutch disc? Or will the PP have the correct clamping force for the disc? IMO, everything should mechanically fit. What you are gambling with is proper engagement of the clutch disc itself, along with the correct pressure for the friction material.


I wouldn't entertain trying it, personally. I also dislike down time AND pulling transmissions. Worst case, it will engage all shitty, the car won't be drive-able, and you'll beat up the flywheel. Academically speaking, I would imagine it would work, so long as you bought a similar designed disc as to what was removed (stock for stock, puck for puck, etc).

 

Friction plate looks almost exactly like the kind of six puck/six spring pressure plate that clutchmasters makes. No markings that I could find. The pressure plate is red and has "2F20" and "MADE IN JAPAN" stamped on it. I got it over 10 years ago. Google was unable to find anything.

Anyway, looks like I will be getting an ACT XTSS based on reviews in various threads here.

 

The throwout bearing with my speedsport clutch was billet instead of stamped steel.