Spec 2+ vs. ACT 2600 (slipping vs. crankwalk). Input/Suggestions?

[larsrya8]

I'm curious if anyone can chime in about the durability of Spec clutches? Like those that installed them last year? I've heard a lot of reports of Spec clutches slipping on cars that weren't putting down nearly enough torque to over-power them. It seems that these problems occur after the clutches have only a few launches on them. Perhaps this is caused by the pressure plate being too weak. I mean, how can a clutch that holds almost twice as much torque as the stock clutch have almost the same pedal pressure?

I'm trying to decide which clutch to go with, now that my car is starting to make some power. My two current choices are an ACT 2600 or a Spec Stage 2+. ACT has problems with "causing crankwalk" and the spring issue. I'm more worried about the crankwalk; I don't have money for a 6-bolt block (at the moment) if my stock block decides it hates the extra pressure. Of course, there's the chance that I won't get crankwalk. The car has 80,00 miles with the stock clutch and is still running strong. Knock on wood.

Now I see posts by people with Spec clutches that are slipping when they shouldn't be. I haven't seen ACT clutches have as many problems with slipping when broken in properly, and they've sold way more clutches to the DSM community than Spec has. The springs popping out seems to be a problem that a lot of clutches have, regardless of manufacturer, so I'm not as worried about that. ACT 2600 clutches also have a reputation of being almost indestructible; over a hundred launches and they still hold great. That's the reliability I'm looking for.

Does anyone have any more input to help me make a decision? Any other choices to suggest? CFDF perhaps?

 

[PieEyedPiper]

I have a new Spec Stage 2+. At first it chattered a bit, it's a very aggressive design but with low pedal pressure (good for C/W).
I had to fiddle with it to getg ti to engage nicely without chatter but its perfect now. The clutch slips fine (after 1000miles break-in. 500 granny driving never over 3.5krpm, second 500 was normal driving and some spirited) and bites damn hard when you need it too. The pedal pressure is stock, if not less.

My vote goes to the spec. Also I recomend the speed factor as your shop of choice...if they're back at all yet. very unfortunate happenings for them recently.

 

[boostedinaz]

2600 all the way.

Crankwalk is over rated and they fixed the problem with the streetdisk and it was over rated as well.

 

[Dream On]

I like my Spec Stage 3. It doesn't slip and I've launched it a few times since breaking it in. It does chatter, but it doesn't really bother me enough to switch to a different clutch or anything. It grabs hard, and has very light pedal pressure. I like it a lot, and I'm pretty used to it grabbing hard now.

 

[larsrya8]

Those who have the Spec clutches, how many miles do you have on them now? Also, how much power are you making, and how many times have you launched the clutch?

The people who complain about the Spec's slipping notice it only after the break-in period, and after they have just started "abusing" it (launches, going WOT, etc). So I'm not surprised it isn't slipping if you just finished the break-in period. I'm looking for those that have taken a Spec to the track several times, whether it be 1/4 mile or autocross. Those types of events will really test a clutch's durability.

I realize that crankwalk is overrated, but it isn't a risk that I'm willing to take lightly. I have to pay for college, so the cost of a 6-bolt won't fit easily into my budget. I also realize that the spring issue was overrated too. That happens to a lot of brands of clutches, but I am glad to hear ACT resolved the issue. I'll probably end up going with the ACT 2600, but I still want to hear a case for Spec. Those clutches seem to good to be true.

 

[Ultimatedsm]

ACT2600 all the way, I have 30 hard launches on mine, this thing doesn't even die!

 

[boostedinaz]

I realize that crankwalk is overrated, but it isn't a risk that I'm willing to take lightly. I have to pay for college, so the cost of a 6-bolt won't fit easily into my budget.

No one know the exact cause of CW so picking a clutch to try and stay away from it is basically just a shot in the dark. Something to think about.

 

[larsrya8]

No one know the exact cause of CW so picking a clutch to try and stay away from it is basically just a shot in the dark. Something to think about.

True. There have been several reports of getting crankwalk with the stock clutch and pressure plate. Still, it would seem that getting a 2600 would probably aggravate the situation. So here's my plan: run the stock clutch until it starts slipping at WOT. When that happens, I'll be forced to install a stronger clutch. I plan on getting a 6-bolt bottom-end in the future; just not in the next 2000 miles. Probably should look into it though, just to get some pricing. The end plan is 6-bolt block, crank, and rods with my current 2G pistons and head (if my current parts are in good condition) and ARP headstuds. That will help keep it inexpensive, as well as being a good street setup. I don't want to go forged, since this will mainly be a daily driven street car, and I'm not looking to upgrade the turbo anytime soon (if ever). Anway, that's getting a little off topic.

On a related note: Keydriver on the DSMLink forums just got crankwalk at about 88,000 miles. He installed a 2600 clutch 1,500 miles ago. These coincidences occur a lot.

P.S. Are there any Spec clutch users who have put a lot of miles and launches on their clutch? It appears that the ACT 2600 has the reputation of reliability.

 

[90blacktsiawd]

I've been running a 2600 for the past 30k miles or so and have atleast 60-70 hard, slipping the clutch launches. It's just now getting to the point where it'll slip alittle on launch. Other than what i make it do i mean.

As for crankwalk, i can't say anything about the 2600 causing it but my 96 tsi CW'd on a stock clutch.

Definately interested in the results of this question as im looking into getting a new clutch soon and i was leaning towards something with alittle lighter pedal pressure cause my car sucks in traffic.

 

[larsrya8]

I've posted this question in this thread too, at post #103. There's some good information in there as well.

 

[RavenX]

Either go Act all the way or you can do a hybrid. Act 2600 pressure plate with the Spec 6 puck sprung disc thats what i have and its working out great. Spec pressure plates are garbage and after talking to a few tuners(shops in my area) they also agree.