ACT, Spec or something else?

It's almost time for the Bullet to get a new clutch. There's 80K on the OEM clutch, and for the last 40K it's been transmitting 300 hp or so. No slippage yet, but the friction point is getting pretty high on the travel.

So what brand should I replace it with? Spec, ACT and Exedy stage 2 clutches are all about the same price, with about equal availability. I have seen some internet talk about Spec clutch failures that makes me a little nervous, but they're probably not common.

What says the GRM hive mind? I'm leaning toward ACT.

Spec Stage 2 were the ones failing left and right.

ACT makes good clutches. I'd also check with South Bend if they make anything for your application. I've loved every one of their clutches i've ever used.

Clutchnet discs seem to have good reviews (from people who use them in Alfas at least), and I haven't heard anything bad about south bend or ACT.

another South Bend vote.

At the recommendation of a fellow racer (who also sold the other brands) I put a Competition Clutch unit in my ChumpCar and I am extremely pleased with it... I can put you in touch if you're interested.

we use excedy (stock for RX7s) and have had awesome luck with them. No issues whatsoever!

Thanks for all the inputs, guys. Here is my research so far:

South Bend: no Sentra application

ACT Stage 2: $688

Clutch Net: $589

Exedy: OEM only, no stage 2

Competition Clutch: no Sentra application

Never used them, but heard good things about Action Clutch. They have some Sentra applications. http://www.actionclutch.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=39_189

I've used exedys on several cars now. Never been disappointed.

jstein77 wrote: Thanks for all the inputs, guys. Here is my research so far: South Bend: no Sentra application ACT Stage 2: $688 Clutch Net: $589 Exedy: OEM only, no stage 2 Competition Clutch: no Sentra application

What the hell is stage 2?

I could build a clutch any way I want and call it stage 7. As far as I know that is just marketing. There has to be a torque rating to be able to compare different clutches, right?

Sorry for the rambling threadjack!

Rob R.

Agreed on the Stage Whatever nomenclature, but it does seem to be falling into general use.

I have an ACT "Stage 2" in the Manic Miata, and it is tight as a drum, feels good, and handles 240 rwhp and 185-195 tq with no difficulty at all, even after 30k miles.

The turbo is putting out 260 ft-lbs of torque at the wheels, so that's pretty close to the limit for an OEM clutch. The Stage 2 clutches have more spring pressure at the pressure plate, and can therefore handle more torque. Since I autocross frequently, I think I'll get better service life out of a stronger clutch.

OneJay wrote: Never used them, but heard good things about Action Clutch. They have some Sentra applications. http://www.actionclutch.com/index.php?route=product/category&path=39_189

Well, the Action Clutch kit is certainly the least expensive one I've seen so far at $365 for a Stage 2 kit. Has anyone here had firsthand experience with the brand?

Don't forget about Centerforce-- if they have your application.

www.centerforce.com

You can approach this in two ways, clutch material and pressure plate strength. An OEM pressure plate with a more aggressive friction material can often be just what the doctor ordered.

Joe Gearin wrote: Don't forget about Centerforce-- if they have your application. www.centerforce.com

They do, but their price is about the same as the ACT, $678.

I've used a Centerforce Stage 1 before. It held ~300whp on a 1jz for about 70k miles before I sold the car. As far as I know, it's still in there.