Miata 1.6 or 1.8 clutch

How many horsepower can a 1.6 stock clutch handle, assuming its new? I'm debating going with a 1.6 clutch for the lighter weight flywheel, but I'm not sure if it will hold up to a supercharged 1.8...,

Joey

160-ish at the wheels. Probably a better choice to put in an aftermarket lightweight flywheel with a 1.8 clutch instead.

Keith is being too polite and not suggesting that you get the Flyin Miata happy meal clutch pack. He works there so doesn't want to come across like a shill.

I had a turbo'ed 1.6 and used the 1.8 kit with the lightened flywheel. 13lbs I think. Worked incredibly well. Where the heavy duty 1.6 clutch would slip at 150 hp or so this one held up to possibly 200. I was running 12lbs of boost on a 1.6 if that's any help. Also, I should've gotten the lightest flywheel they offered. I never had a problem with daily driving it with the lighter flywheel.

It's assumed that you should always buy FM stuff where available The Level 1 clutch is basically able to hold more power than stock engine internals can produce but has nearly stock pedal effort, so it's my choice.

With a supercharger the extra mass of the 13 lb flywheel is handy. They're a bit ornery at idle with the 10 lb.

I'm sure I will upgrade to the happy meal eventually, but I think I'll stick with the stock 1.8 stuff for now, as what I already have is cheapest... Motor will most likely come back out this winter anyway.

Thanks guys!

Joey

Any idea on what a stock (or stock replacement) 1.8 clutch can handle power wide?

Joey

180-ish.

Keith wrote: 180-ish.

Thanks!

I want a lighter flywheel bad, but this nearly free engine swap and cheap supercharger is getting expensive...

Joey

See if a local machine shop will just lighten the stock flywheel

Not my favorite method, honestly. Flywheel failures end badly, and they spin at engine speed.