[Aerotest]

Hey guys,
Going single turbo very soon, so I need to get my clutch upgraded. I will be running 500-600 wtq and would like the best driving characteristics possible. motiv twin disc is not an option because of all the issues it has had and no clear response from the vendor or manufacturer on resolution details. So that leaves me with Spec stage 2+, 3, or 3+. Would love to go 3+ and be done but am concerned about drivability as I do drive the car in stop and go traffic several times a week. Any advice or experience would be appreciated.

[HouseN54]

335is clutch

[idspeedskater]

My 2+ has held up well over the 30K miles with the ST and once you get used to the stiffness it isn't an issue for daily driving. Stop and go on the freeway during commute gets old, but it is definitely manageable (20 mile commute on SF Bay Area freeways to and from work each day).

[Aerotest]

Thanks guys. What power levels are you running?

[MDORPHN]

When I went single turbo, I replaced my Spec Stg. 2+ with steel smfw with the Spec twin disc.

I liked the former a lot -- and found it perfectly acceptable for stop-and-go commute. I just wasn't sure how it would hold up once I started running higher boost (22-24 psi with 93 pump) on the single.

Having recently replaced the early version twin disc with the revised, I'll withhold judgement until it's fully broken-in.

Neil

[Aerotest]

Thanks Neil. Good feedback.

[3000GT MR]

I had a 3+ and steel smfw for over 20k miles and it held out great. Never slipped once. Now no aftermarket clutch will ever feel "stock" I didn't find the 3+ to require and fancy foot work it was just heavy on the pedal side. My girlfriend drove it with no problem and she drove a new jetta 5-speed. The pedal gets pretty heavy on traffic after a while but that's expected. I've never used a single disk capable of holding that much power that was any easier to drive on any car. That being said I'll let you know if I have a good or bad twin disk sitting in the garage next weekend

[Aerotest]

Originally Posted by 3000GT MR

I had a 3+ and steel smfw for over 20k miles and it held out great. Never slipped once. Now no aftermarket clutch will ever feel "stock" I didn't find the 3+ to require and fancy foot work it was just heavy on the pedal side. My girlfriend drove it with no problem and she drove a new jetta 5-speed. The pedal gets pretty heavy on traffic after a while but that's expected. I've never used a single disk capable of holding that much power that was any easier to drive on any car. That being said I'll let you know if I have a good or bad twin disk sitting in the garage next weekend

Good copy. I spend quite a bit of time sitting in school traffic, which is what concerns me about the 3+. I am sure I can handle it but I want to keep this car as drivable and enjoyable as possible.....I am not into the " because racecar" point of view.

[MR2 Josh]

I'm using the Clutchmasters FX850 twin disc and it works great but for your tq goals I would say isn't needed. I recommend using the Clutchmasters fx400 which is what I had before I switched to the twin disc.

In fact I have it for sale along with the Clutchmasters single mass aluminum flywheel. Has at most 1500 miles. Pedal feel was stock, engagement was really nice, no chattering etc. let me know if you're interested. The only reason I swapped it out was because I didn't think it would hold the tq I'm making now (close to 800wtq). I'd sell it for $750. Paid $1215 for it in July.

I've used Spec before and I just do not like them. I've had issues and just doesn't feel as nice as a Clutchmasters. Spec's have a heavy clutch pedal feel and engagement isn't as smooth. Ive had 2 that the discs came apart (the center of the disc fractured and rivets and springs flew out) I've used them on all my cars ever since which includs singles and twins.

[Aerotest]

MR2 Josh,
I think you made the right call on upgrading the clutch lol. I agree that Spec traditionally has poor QC and a bad track record in the LS platforms as week, but they seem to be fairly reliable on this car. I appreciate the offer on the CM but will pass at this time because I want to avoid an aluminum FW.

I am going to talk with SB this week and get their opinion on clutch options as I have had very good experience with them in the past.

[3000GT MR]

Originally Posted by Aerotest

MR2 Josh,
I think you made the right call on upgrading the clutch lol. I agree that Spec traditionally has poor QC and a bad track record in the LS platforms as week, but they seem to be fairly reliable on this car. I appreciate the offer on the CM but will pass at this time because I want to avoid an aluminum FW.

I am going to talk with SB this week and get their opinion on clutch options as I have had very good experience with them in the past.

I Absolutely love SB. The best single disk clutch i've ever owned was a 6 puck (believe it or not) carbon/ceramic each puck alternated. For anyone that knows 3KGT's knows how quick its 4klbs ass and AWD burns thru clutches and how chattery it can get with a trans mounted engine. It was so easy to drive and outlast any other single disk i owned. I eventually had to go with a twin RPS carbon/carbon which seems to be a million times better than some of the spec twins for this car. I really wish SB had a clutch in the 600-800ftlbs range.

[Aerotest]

SB claims they are underrated.....I hope to try and find out what that means. I realistically need 540-550 wtq capacity for what I am doing. Their stage three DD is advertised as 500 tq.

[jayzF30]

Just go with the stage 2+ from spec