Spec Stage 2 or Fidanza 2.1?

[MrBoxx]

I've been meaning to replace and upgrade my clutch for a while now and I thought I was all set to get a Spec Stage 2, since I've seen so many members here have nothing but good experiences with them. However, I've since seen the Fidanza clutches and am wondering which would be the right one for me. I know a few people on here have bought the Fidanza 4.3 clutch, which they say is the ultimate street/strip clutch. My car rarely sees the track, though I'd like to get it on the track more often, however, I drive my car to work every day, so I'm looking for something that will last a long time and have plenty of good driveability.

So, my first question would be, if I went with the Fidanza, would I be better off going with their 2.1 or 3.2 for a daily driver that would see the track maybe 5 or more times a year? For those who have bought and used any of the Fidanza clutches, what are your experiences with them?

Second question: Between the Fidanza and Spec, which would probably be more appropriate for my needs/goals? Let's assume that the difference in price is between $15 and $30, which isn't enough for me to worry about. I'd like to get this right the first time, though.

Third question comes from the accompanying purchase to my clutch: I'm going to be mating whatever clutch I get to a Fidanza flywheel. This flywheel has a replaceable friction surface, but I haven't read anything about machining a step into it. Does this have to be done on this clutch, or is it ready to install out of the box?

Sorry if these questions seem a little simple, but I've been avoiding this little project for a long time. I think this job needs to be done soon, though, so I'm trying to get everything ready well before it's time to do it. Thanks in advance.

 

[andymoraitis]

Eric,

While I have no firsthand information about Fidanza clutches or flywheels the one thing I can recommend is that you should always buy something that's a bit more than you need right now. If the 2.1 would be adequate, as an example, then I would recommend the 3.2 so that you have room to grow into it. The absolute bashing my 2100 takes from the stroker/50 trim combo (especially with the cam adjustment) has me scratching my head as to how it's still alive.

Go bigger now and you won't regret it. I'm sure Dan can chime in with info on Fidanza flywheels when he has a chance since he's used one with a 2100 and also his new 2900.

You can kick me later if that didn't make any sense.

A.

 

[MrBoxx]

No, it makes total sense, Andy. It's very much along the lines of what I'm thinking. My main reservation comes from the pictures of the Fidanza 3.2 and 4.3 clutch discs, which appear to be non-full face clutches. I guess I'm used to seeing "street" clutches be full-faced and the more "track only" be the puck-style clutches, but I could be wrong on that. I'm not ashamed to admit that I know very very little about drivetrain stuff. If the 3.2 or 4.3 can kick ass on a drag strip and still get me to work every day, I'll most likely go with either one of those.

 

[andymoraitis]

Depending on how much power you'll be making, the good old ACT 2100 has held plenty of torque. I know I'm making more than the max rating (320 lb/ft) and it's still in one piece so maybe a simpe solution is the best one. I know many people have used paddle type discs on their street cars, but I'm not a proponent of them. I prefer full face for easy engagement, especially if you'll only be visiting the strip 5 times per year.

It all depends on how much power you want to make.

 

[selmerguy]

Clutches are all about the power you want to put down. I would go 1 size bigger then what you think is perfect now. I dont know anything about the FIdanza clutches but I am sure they would make a good product. My buddie bought a xtd clutch stage 3. It is a 6 puck and the driveability was great. Then one day he wanted to install a light weight flywheel. After the install the car was not as fun to drive. I dont know why but the sweet spot in the clutch just got alot smaller. You know there is that spot where the engagement happens and you can hold the car still with no gas and no brake. Well when we installed the flywheel it just went away. It is something to get used to I guess. He drives his car everyday and has no problems with it. But for the price the xtd clutches seem to be a great deal.