Clutch problems

[Chim-Chim]

So after reading through this thread again, I'm at a loss as to which clutch to go with. Here's my story...

Car is a daily driver/weekend road racer. Typical NA bolt on horsepower/torque (~300rwhp). I was perfectly happy with the stock clutches holding power and pedal feel, but the pressure plate failed about 9 months ago. I replaced it with a RAM HDX and new factory throwout. I did the measurements per the RAM sheet and they indicated the included spacer was not needed, so I didn't install it. From the get go, I wasn't happy with the pedal feel of the RAM clutch. Way too heavy compared to stock and it really bugged me, especially on the road course. But, it was solid and worked fine, so I adjusted to it.

Here we are 9 months later and I'm now regretting not installing the spacer. Over the past few weeks I am noticing that as the car warms up, I am no longer getting full disengagement of the clutch. It's fine when it is cold, it shifts like butter with engine off, but once it has been running for 15 minutes or so, shifting gets pretty hard.

I could pull everything apart and install the spacer, which I think will fix the issue. I'm guessing as the spring fingers broke in, they now take a slightly longer throw than before.

But...I really have grown to hate the pedal feel of this thing. If I'm going to tear everything apart again, I figure I might as well just put a clutch in that I'll really be happy with.

What clutches have a stock (or lighter) pedal feel? I've zeroed in on the following:

• the stock clutch
• McLeod RST
• Spec Stage 2

The McLeod is about the same price as the stock. Given that I don't really need more holding power than the stocker, should I just go back to the stock setup? Or is the McLeod going to handle the demands of the road course better and be as trouble free as the stocker? I've heard good things about the Spec (light pedal feel) and it seems like another option to avoid the twin-disc complexity that can lead to problems. Any thoughts?

 

[tbrock]

'RST would be a mistake IMO especially at your power level. I ended up with an Exedy Mach 500 and love it. At first the pedal feel is a little heavier compared to stock but after break in it feels great. I'm 500 at the tires and the clutch is holding very well. Chandler at Brenspeed can give you some info on the Exedy series, I'm sold on my Mach 500.

 

[Chim-Chim]

'RST would be a mistake IMO especially at your power level. I ended up with an Exedy Mach 500 and love it. At first the pedal feel is a little heavier compared to stock but after break in it feels great. I'm 500 at the tires and the clutch is holding very well. Chandler at Brenspeed can give you some info on the Exedy series, I'm sold on my Mach 500.

Thanks for the info. I've been digging around more and it sounds like Exedys are pretty decent. I'm also considering the McLeod StreetPro single disc. What I want to avoid is the hassle of putting in another clutch, only to have the heavy clutch pedal all over again.

It kills me that the stocker ends up being $700, which is what has me considering the RST. Seems like the RST is overkill, though, for my needs. Maybe not a bad thing, though.

 

[S197gt07]

Maybe even the Mach 400 vice 500 since you don't need that much holding power?

Just throwing it out there.

 

[Chim-Chim]

Maybe even the Mach 400 vice 500 since you don't need that much holding power?

Just throwing it out there.

I would probably do the 400 if I go Exedy. I think for now I will suck it up and just install the 3/16" spacer that RAM provided. I hate tossing a clutch that has less than 5,000 miles on it. Although I hate having to yank the tranny again, too!

 

[tbrock]

I would probably do the 400 if I go Exedy. I think for now I will suck it up and just install the 3/16" spacer that RAM provided. I hate tossing a clutch that has less than 5,000 miles on it. Although I hate having to yank the tranny again, too!

probably the cheapest route for sure.