How to tell the condition of a clutch

[eldiabloz13]

Just like the title states. Im looking to purchase a clutch set up for my car. Its going to be running around 400hp. So im looking for a heavy duty clutch set up. Iv seen a lot of FS ads but i dont know what to look for in the pics. Also i have a couple set ups for sale around my house but if i go check them out what do i look for. I have a brand new flywheel already but im not going to pay 300 for a new clutch set up.

 

[snowborder714]

If you're looking for more info on different types of clutches, I'd watch the first video at this link (the StreetFire interview):

http://www.fidanza.com/videos.aspx

It will give you more info on clutches, flywheels, and pressure plates. Very informative!

 

[Thomas91169]

used clutch?

why the hell would you want a used clutch? someone can abuse the hell out of it and you want to use it on a brand new flywheel?

just spend 100 more and get a good act2900 or whatever.

IMO buying used "wear" parts are dumb. would you buy used brake pads? probably not.

 

[MoparTurbo]

wOw! Definitaly agree with Thomas. Do not buy used "wear" parts. There is a Spec Stage 3 clutch and pp for 175. Ive heard some good things about Spec and this stage three might hold what you want to throw at it.

 

[MoparTurbo]

That guy in the video talks about the eclipse crankwalking. HAHAH

 

[luvmygst]

used clutch?

why the hell would you want a used clutch? someone can abuse the hell out of it and you want to use it on a brand new flywheel?

just spend 100 more and get a good act2900 or whatever.

IMO buying used "wear" parts are dumb. would you buy used brake pads? probably not.

I dont think I would recommend a ACT 2900 for a 7 bolt, Thats just asking the crank to take a walk. I would go centerforce D/F, or a act 2100 mabey even one of the Fidanza units. Just my .02

 

[eldiabloz13]

I dont think I would recommend a ACT 2900 for a 7 bolt, Thats just asking the crank to take a walk. I would go centerforce D/F, or a act 2100 mabey even one of the Fidanza units. Just my .02

Im a 6 bolt. Plus i really dont have the money for it right now. I found some cheap set ups and would like to know simply how to check if a PP and clutch is in good shape. Beleive me if i had the money id buy the ACT 2600 with street disk right now but i dont.

 

[dsmdizzle]

I was in the same boat you were about 6 months ago. To tell you the truth, buying a used clutch is not a bad idea. I looked and looked til someone near me had one for sale. He wanted 125 with a disc and pp. i was all over it. The clutch has been great and hasnt given me any problems at all. The only advise i would give you is to buy one that you can go pick up, I have had problems on the internet and dont trust someone that I cant go and talk to. But, if you are looking at condition, look for heat spots on the pp, cracks, and on the springs where the throw out bearing presses. If it looks worn down then it probably is.

my .02 cents.

 

[dsm_racing]

Also, check the pp with a straight edge to be sure it's not warped. If it's an organic disc, you can get an idea of wear by looking at how far the surface of the disc sticks out past the rivets.

 

[eldiabloz13]

DAMN IT!!!why did we get rid of the rep points system. THATS GOOD F KING INFO. Simple and straight to the point. thank you. Do you know anyways to tell if its a after market disk.

On another note. That damn video says that a street disk and a 4 puck kevlar are FINE for street use on a DD. Why would he say this. Cause i can get a 4 puck kevlar disk for 50 bucks. Brand new b/c the kid dosent know anyone who will buy it and i told him no because of what i have read on here.

 

[allgripnoslip]

Did anyone else find the kid from the video annoying?

I bought a used clutch last year actually. It had 1500 miles on it and came with a fidanza flywheel for 175. Its a sprung 6 puck with approx. a 2300lb pp. I've heard good testimonials about it and I cant wait to finally put it in. moral of the story is just like buyng any other used part, just make sure its not over worn and that the face isnt glazed over.

 

[Eclipse98_RS]

Did anyone else find the kid from the video annoying?

I bought a used clutch last year actually. It had 1500 miles on it and came with a fidanza flywheel for 175. Its a sprung 6 puck with approx. a 2300lb pp. I've heard good testimonials about it and I cant wait to finally put it in. moral of the story is just like buyng any other used part, just make sure its not over worn and that the face isnt glazed over.

On your profile it says your at stock HP for a N/T, If you are in fact N/T why would you need a 6 puck, thats a racing clutch dude, I had a stock clutch on my RS and it worked GREAT. That was an RS though.

Wait a little while longer and buy a new clutch, IMO thats like wiping your ass with toilet paper you've already used once. I can definitly attest to not having enough money, but if you wait im sure you will be happier.

 

[allgripnoslip]

On your profile it says your at stock HP for a N/T, If you are in fact N/T why would you need a 6 puck, thats a racing clutch dude, I had a stock clutch on my RS and it worked GREAT. That was an RS though.

Wait a little while longer and buy a new clutch, IMO thats like wiping your ass with toilet paper you've already used once. I can definitly attest to not having enough money, but if you wait im sure you will be happier.

you must not be able to read very well as my profile clearly states that I have a 97 tsi awd.

and Yea that dyno run was terrible, that was when I was bone stock with just a 14b and thats it, plus it was on a mustang dyno where Another guy with a b16g, fmic, fuel pump, injectors and safc only made 175hp and another guy with dsmlink, all the supporting mods and an evo 3 16g made like 225hp. I have a shit load of mods going on in 2 weeks including a small 16g and injectors. The reason for the 6puck is it gives me the extra grabbing power while still running a moderate pressure plate(2300lb) rather than a 2600lb which would put unwanted axial stress on the crank which is a no-no in a 7bolt. The clutch is very streetable because of its moderate clamp load and the fact that its has a SPRUNG hub will make it more streetable. I've heard good testimonials about this clutch and they were from daily driven cars.

 

[Eclipse98_RS]

Whoops! My bad dude, it did say that.

 

[jongreene]

On another note. That damn video says that a street disk and a 4 puck kevlar are FINE for street use on a DD. Why would he say this. Cause i can get a 4 puck kevlar disk for 50 bucks. Brand new b/c the kid dosent know anyone who will buy it and i told him no because of what i have read on here.

Street disc yes, 4 puck.....I have no idea why anyone would try to use one on the street.
I have a 6 puck, yeah its driveable, but it is pretty rough.

 

[whiteawdgsx]

i've got a spec stg.3 and it's a 4 puck. i'm not to sure what the pp load is, you could probably find it on the spec website. it's a great clutch, it's not bad on the street. it' s a little rough though. it's a lot like my act 6 puck unsprung in my hatchback. i'd def. give it a

 

[jongreene]

Thats funny, my SPEC stage 3 is a 6 puck...
It is alot like the ACT 2600 minus the heavy pedal.

 

[fourreGsixty3]

I did a clutch job for a friend who was having problem's cause his ACT 2100 wasn't holding for the 60-1, and 2.4 stroker. In it now is a Spec stage 2 PP, and a 4-puck disc. I took it out for a drive to fine tune the pedal adjustment's, and make sure it would hold. I have to say that IMO the 4-puck is a very streetable disc (personal opinion of streetable can vary), but that thing didnt slip one bitwith launching, or shiftng hard, and I loved it...so did he...till his motor died due to the engine builder messing it up( he was a hack, and used silicon on the front case, and it fell off inside, and wound up starving the motor of oil).
And to the OP, If you buy a clutch off someone make sure you can drive to see it in person cause photo's can hide thing's, or just buy a new disc, and used PP.

PS: That was a VERY infprmative video, and I enjoyed it.

 

[eldiabloz13]

First hand use is very good. Do you think his clutch will last long.

 

[94talon_es]

i have hade some bad experiances with used parts but i never got a used clutch, so ya, dont get cheap and spend a litle more to get alot more!!....will im on the subject, can one of you guys tell me how to tell when i need a new clutch, i have a hard time shifting but i dont know if its my tranny or if its just my clutch.... anyways, you guys can e-mail me if you want or respond buy messaging me....thx in advance, oh i drive a 94 talon es, everything stock so far.

[email protected]

 

[eldiabloz13]

A lot of the times its like this. Slipping and not holding power is the clutch. Not going into gears is usualy the tranny.