Understanding clutch components ??
 

With brake systems I understand that you can use different pads, rotors, calipers, and diameters to acheive different results.

I do all my own work but the 1987 VW 16V (last car I owned) I drove from 150,000km to 370,000km never needed a clutch (barely started slipping on hard launches just before sale) So I never really researched it or had a hands on understanding of them.

Soon I'll be installing a S3 kit with a 2560 and may try to get away with the stock clutch for a while. I was also given a used ACT HD friction disk.

Can the same be done with clutches? Can you use an ACT HD disk with a stock PP and FW, can you mix and match parts for pedal feel and engagement feel/grab?

Do you always have to go matched set from a specific manufacturer?

Q. What happens when you take used semi-metallic brake pads off car A and put them on car B whose rotors previously had different pads??
A. Uneven wear sometimes accompanied by vibrations and brake pedal pulsations.

Q. How long does it take to swap brake pads and rotors on a Miata?
A. About 8 hours less than it takes to R&R a Miata clutch.

If the ACT disk is the same size as the stocker, you can physically bolt it in place. You can have the flywheel and stock pressure plate blanchard ground to provide a nice new surface for the ACT disk to ensure smooth engagement and even wear (this is the equivalent of having brake rotors turned). However, the stock pressure plate does not have the clamping pressure of an ACT pressure plate and the torque rating of the stock PP/ACT disk is going to be marginal for your turbo setup. Unless you like dropping transmissions multiple times, put in a new clutch assembly that has a higher torque rating than your motor is going at max boost and add a new pilot bearing and throwout bearing while it's apart.

Short answer: No, you dont need to go with a matched set, you can mix and match.

Longer answer: It gets a little iffy... Some manufacturers use different thicknesses of pad on the clutch, which can lead to a clutch that either wont disengage when you push the pedal in, or will just never engage at all because the disc is too thin (or it might just slip like hell).

FM happy meal ;)

+1.

FM happy meal or ACT HD.

clutch net

I looked at clutchnet, good prices. Does anyone have a review on their products?

Anyone have an ACT HD PP lying around?

I'm guessing that those of you who have gone to mad power levels have had to upgrade to the XT level or equiv. clutch kit and perhaps you have a good pressure plate for sale ?