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Debating Clutch Kits

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Bolo'sTalonTsi

10+ Year Contributor
74
0
Mar 26, 2012
San Antonio, Texas
OK, I'm debating between 3 different clutch kits that are a lil more on the budget side of the price board. Was wondering if I can get some reviews from anybody that has heard about or more so if you've had some experience with any the products mentioned.

-Ralco RZ Xtreme DF(haven't really heard of these guys) $217.58
-Competition Clutch SCC Stage 2 $370
-Southbend SS series w/ TZ Kevlar $440.00

All help and info appreciated :thumb:.
 
Only one I have had experience with out of those is the Southbend/TZ. Good clutch right there.:thumb: I would rather spend a little more and go with that one out of what you have listed for possible choices than try to get away with one of the others.:)
 
Only one I have had experience with out of those is the Southbend/TZ. Good clutch right there.:thumb: I would rather spend a little more and go with that one out of what you have listed for possible choices than try to get away with one of the others.:)


Agreed, South bend user here also, I love these clutches.
 
OK, I'm debating between 3 different clutch kits that are a lil more on the budget side of the price board. Was wondering if I can get some reviews from anybody that has heard about or more so if you've had some experience with any the products mentioned.

-Ralco RZ Xtreme DF(haven't really heard of these guys) $217.58
-Competition Clutch SCC Stage 2 $370
-Southbend SS series w/ TZ Kevlar $440.00

All help and info appreciated :thumb:.

I preach about the TMZ Southbend setup - Absolutely love that clutch. I could sit for an hour and explain all of the advantages, but if it's on your list then you should already know. Hands down - go for it.
 
If you want to know just about everything there possible is to know about Dsm clutches give Tim a call at TMZ Performance. He will fill you with knowledge and get you the perfect clutch for your particular car.
 
Mkay, so far it looks like the tallied points are geared for the TMZ Southbend set-up. Is gear engagement and transition at all RPM ranges with various traffic situations crisp and smooth or rather harsh with Southbend clutches? Good for clutch-sliping or dumping and still good enough for a daily? Description states it has a fairly smooth 2200lb pp that is good to handle up to 500tq?

Has anybody else experienced Ralco RZ clutches, or used CC Stage 2?

If you want to know just about everything there possible is to know about Dsm clutches give Tim a call at TMZ Performance. He will fill you with knowledge and get you the perfect clutch for your particular car.

Good to know
 
+1 Southbend! Mine lasted 12000 miles of DD, and about 60 launches or so id est.!! and its still working to this day just starting to not be able to handle the kick of the 30r @ high gear/hightorque pulls... Im running an excedy PP and ACT lwf paired with the southbend TZ disc...it was an amazing smoothest engaging clutch ive ever had.
 
southbend for the win Tim Zimmer has definitly done some homework with the South Bend Clutch Heavy Duty TZ/B SS series its one amazing setup i have run multiple south bend clutches and never had a issue yet
 
Go ahead, explain :)

Alright -

The Southbend setup, specifically the $440 one that you quoted, is a very solid setup. It is a full face Kevlar clutch which makes engaging/disengaging very smooth and comfortable. This is furthered by the fact that this is a sprung-dkisk setup. This means that the clutch is VERY lenient as far as being smooth with clutch release and depression.

The plate pressure is also very moderate - Once installed it feels only a slight bit more, if you can even tell, heavier than stock. It is nice, smooth, and doesn't lift your butt out of the seat like the heavier ACT's are prone to do. This clutch setup doesn't rely on clamp force increase as a primary function as most other clutches do. It relies on superior friction material composition + 2200lbs* of pressure - and in the end you get a very stockish feeling clutch that can handle upwards of 650lbs of torque as reported by the TMZ website.

I have driven 2 other cars, as well as my own, with the base $440 kit and they all performed exceptionally well. Very smooth, light, and responsive. One additional factor to this is that they are Kevlar - so they are glaze resistant. If you heat up the disk by slipping it too much on take off, a little bit of normal driving will remedy any sort of minor glazing you have encountered. Furthermore, these disks have a very successful spring setup - so it's highly unlikely that you'll encounter springs popping out and damaging anything like other brands such as ACT.

For Reference :

SS-Series Pressure Plate = 2200# Clamping Force
SS-X Series Custom Pressure Plate = 2700# Clamping Force

TMZ Website

No one spends the money on Clutchmasters, ACT, Spec, et al anymore? :idontknow:

I'd rather pay a nicer price for a highly successful clutch that doesn't rely primarily on clamp force and outdated technology than I would for name-brand. ;)
 
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I have heard a lot of good things about southbend clutches. Everyone Ijust knkw thatright has ranthe one lovedto it. I am currently running a Clutch masters FX300 in my 90 talon with a lightweight flywheel....love it! Also have had 2a ACT 2600's not the biggest fan. If that helps
 
Im personnally going with a ACT 6 puck unsprung disck and ACT PP wehn i upgrade my 90 gst, Ive had too many disc blow out springs on me. My friend is currently running the 6 puck unsprung he said its a little harsh at first but after the first couple hundred miles it gets much smoother and he DD's it. Just a thought though but like what was stated earlier get what you can afford but keep longevity in mind as well.
 
Im personnally going with a ACT 6 puck unsprung disck and ACT PP wehn i upgrade my 90 gst, Ive had too many disc blow out springs on me. My friend is currently running the 6 puck unsprung he said its a little harsh at first but after the first couple hundred miles it gets much smoother and he DD's it. Just a thought though but like what was stated earlier get what you can afford but keep longevity in mind as well.

Keep in mind that ACT sprung disks usually have the issue as people get their hands on these half-captured sprung disks that come flying out and dig into the flywheel. That's why people are more prone on unsprung disks - Which promote a quick and harsh engagement. They are not slip friendly. However companies such as Southbend and Fidanza have address that with their springs. Though it's still a chance (Like a 6 bolt crankwalking), it's few and far between as far as I have personally seen.
 
Well, I guess I have some answers and the verdict may be that I have to break open a couple more piggy-banks to see if I can get that Southben clutch. Thanks everybody! Any advice after having it installed? Break-in period and what not before I start a few hard launches and high RPM gear changes?
 
running act 2600 with performance sprung street disc and love it will slip great for launches and drive almost like stock clutch but very grabby if you drop it. My buddy has a CC stage 2 2100 kit in his gst and he loves it too very close to stock .
 
I am also in the market for a clutch. I didnt mean to hijack the thread but I was also thinking about ordering a clutch master fx200 with a clutch master flywheel from stm. How does that compare with the south bend clutch you all are talking about.
 
Not going on first hand experience here but I've heard nothing but good things about the Southbend option.
 
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