Does anyone have any experience with Spec clutches on their Evo X?

If so, which one do you have? How do you like it? Did you have to change out your master cylinder?

I'm considering a SM103H or SM103F.

Possibly considering going Exedy as well.

I can tell you that Hollywood will chime in and tell you not to go with Exedy...

From Hollywood_X:
Here is the thing about Exedy and why their clutches blow the CMC's out for no reason. The little fingers on the pressure plates of clutches hold the disk against the clutch to push it into the flywheel so power makes it to the ground right?

So lets say the Exedy and Spec / CM both have around 3000#'s of clamping force but the pedal effort on the Spec / CM is better due to the fulcrum point they use. On their design Spec and ClutchMaster have superior design than Exedy.

Just think of using a crowbar to spread something apart thats what your doing when you engage your clutch your using 20 tiny crowbars to spread the clutch pressure plate apart. Now the Exedy bars are shorter than the others and thicker so picture using a short bar its harder to get the leverage you want right? Why would Exedy do this? For the same reason women buy vanity sized pants a stiffer pedal makes people think the clutch is stronger.

The problem is the added pedal pressure does nothing for the clamp pressure or performance but adds pressure feedback to your CMC and why so many are getting blown.

Does anyone have any experience with Spec clutches on their Evo X?

If so, which one do you have? How do you like it? Did you have to change out your master cylinder?

I'm considering a SM103H or SM103F.

Possibly considering going Exedy as well.


The Spec units for ME have not been that good over the years , its been a hit or miss . The Exedy on the X's are also something I myself do not like , but thats just me . I've had 100% success with the ACT 6 pucks , the first lasted me 21,000 miles and the 2nd 45,000 miles( ALL my customers have had theirs on for well over 20K miles also with ZERO issues ) - keep in mind on that first unit my car had well over 250 hard track lunches , and over 200 dyno passes .

Just my two cents , I speak ONLY from my own experience and I do not speak on behalf of any other shop out there .

I have spec stage2+ and i really like the full face of the carbon kevelar makeig it easy to drive but stil has a lota bite. but tb spring is poorly made . My mc is going out now but it still hold slightly but will leak if held.

The Spec units for ME have not been that good over the years , its been a hit or miss . The Exedy on the X's are also something I myself do not like , but thats just me . I've had 100% success with the ACT 6 pucks , the first lasted me 21,000 miles and the 2nd 45,000 miles( ALL my customers have had theirs on for well over 20K miles also with ZERO issues ) - keep in mind on that first unit my car had well over 250 hard track lunches , and over 200 dyno passes .

Just my two cents , I speak ONLY from my own experience and I do not speak on behalf of any other shop out there .
:priceless: :clap:

i have the spec stage 3+, the pedal pressure is lighter then stock and its been going good for about 8k miles so far.

My shop recommend the Spec Stage 3+; good to hear it's working out well.

Not sure what I'm going to go with yet, though. Already have the CMC ordered, so not too concerned on that front.

Didn't someone on here, was it Meat_evo or something, buy an Ebay clutch and run it for awhile?

It's funny that you ask this...

I have a Spec Twin in mine and am in the process of pulling the transmission to find out if the clutch is the culprit on why I cannot put my car in gear. This is something that happened all of a sudden. I talked to Shep today and they told me it is most likely an issue with the clutch. Other then this issue I haven;t had any problems with the clutch.

I have spec stage2+ and i really like the full face of the carbon kevelar makeig it easy to drive but stil has a lota bite. but tb spring is poorly made . My mc is going out now but it still hold slightly but will leak if held.

How long/how many miles have you been running the clutch?

What kind of power/tq do you make?

i have the spec stage 3+, the pedal pressure is lighter then stock and its been going good for about 8k miles so far.

How's the drivability? Any chatter?

It's funny that you ask this...

I have a Spec Twin in mine and am in the process of pulling the transmission to find out if the clutch is the culprit on why I cannot put my car in gear. This is something that happened all of a sudden. I talked to Shep today and they told me it is most likely an issue with the clutch. Other then this issue I haven;t had any problems with the clutch.

If you are experiencing "lockout"... then yeah, its probably clutch drag and in multi disk clutches, the seperator plate warps. Apparently the exedy twins are notorious with this also. Jack's transmissions only like the carbonetics twin and actually dislikes the CM clutches.

I had the SPEC stage 2 on my GSX and the clutch felt like stock. Good clutch.

If you are experiencing "lockout"... then yeah, its probably clutch drag and in multi disk clutches, the seperator plate warps. Apparently the exedy twins are notorious with this also. Jack's transmissions only like the carbonetics twin and actually dislikes the CM clutches.

A complete lockout? I knew of them happening at certain rpms.. in this situation, nothing is happening

A complete lockout? I knew of them happening at certain rpms.. in this situation, nothing is happening

Thats what I am gathering from what Jack's Transmission is warning me about. Seems mine is pretty locked out if I let it sit for a while (like overnight)... which I am not sure is just from the fluid, stock CMC or the clutch. I have to give them a call tomorrow about it since they are tues-sat.

To clarify... when mine feels locked out, I had let it warm up for only about a minute. I cant cycle through any gears but for some reason after a couple attempts, it opens up enough that I can get it into a gear and cycle into reverse. From that point on I have notchiness as usual but it shifts fine.

I had the SPEC stage 2 on my GSX and the clutch felt like stock. Good clutch.

What kind of power and torque did you have?

now interested in Spec stage 3+ clutch based upon peoples recommendations. Why is the spec only $638.09 and the Exedy twin is like $1,700? is it even any better? probably end up with around 450-550 whp, now at 400.

Twins are inherently more expensive.

Twin discs are always more expensive. Spec 3+ is still a single disc, and is thus less expensive.

Twin discs are always more expensive. Spec 3+ is still a single disc, and is thus less expensive.

ok makes sense. Is the twin disc worth it? im gather from this thread that it may not be necessary. i have no clue, never replaced a clutch.

My 3+ was fantastic and I had no issues with the stock MC since the fulcrum on the actuation was set up good. Also on mine I made my 430whp dyno runs on the Spec 3+ and no slip just held great. I took mine out after several thousand miles and sold it to another member here but it looked just like the day I put it in.

The great part about the Spec 3+ is that its good for 500+ WTQ with stock like pedal actuation. No chatter since its a metallic full face clutch as well. For anyone running a 400-500whp car the Spec 3+ and ClutchMaster FX400 are the 2 best to use.

@Hollywood - so even from a dead stop, the clutch is smooth and slippable?

It's funny that you ask this...

I have a Spec Twin in mine and am in the process of pulling the transmission to find out if the clutch is the culprit on why I cannot put my car in gear. This is something that happened all of a sudden. I talked to Shep today and they told me it is most likely an issue with the clutch. Other then this issue I haven;t had any problems with the clutch.
I was gona buy one instead exedy...so what are my options I rather do twin because next year I want to stroke my motor to 2.3 with fp black turbo

How long/how many miles have you been running the clutch?

What kind of power/tq do you make?

i have had it in the car for about 4k miles and running at 320 hp/ 290 tq

@Hollywood - so even from a dead stop, the clutch is smooth and slippable?

Oh yeah much more than others I have drivin in. It can be a little chattery for the first few hundred miles but after its smooth as butter.

And with the spec 3+ you don't necessarily need a new CMC from what I gather here?

My 3+ was fantastic and I had no issues with the stock MC since the fulcrum on the actuation was set up good. Also on mine I made my 430whp dyno runs on the Spec 3+ and no slip just held great. I took mine out after several thousand miles and sold it to another member here but it looked just like the day I put it in.

The great part about the Spec 3+ is that its good for 500+ WTQ with stock like pedal actuation. No chatter since its a metallic full face clutch as well. For anyone running a 400-500whp car the Spec 3+ and ClutchMaster FX400 are the 2 best to use.

what's different between the spec stage 3+ and the stage 4 clutch?

Just using this link as an example, the stage 4 costs less than the stage 3+
(actually it's the cheapest one on the page). Can't find any real info on differences between the two clutches. Any thoughts?

what about carbonetic twin? how long it will last? it kinda expensive

I have a Spec Twin with no issues.

what's different between the spec stage 3+ and the stage 4 clutch?

Just using this link as an example, the stage 4 costs less than the stage 3+
(actually it's the cheapest one on the page). Can't find any real info on differences between the two clutches. Any thoughts?

"STAGE 4 (Unsprung Semi-Metallic Kit)

For heavily modified engines or engines of any modification level being used for drag racing ONLY where an instantaneous engagement and light weight are beneficial. Spec's Stage 4 is unsprung, making it extremely difficult to use on the street and very noise.

OFFROAD USE ONLY, NOT RECCOMENDED AT ALL (Special Order w/ NO Returns)

PART# SM104"

Not recommended at all, says the manufacturer. An unsprung 6 puck clutch is very uncomfortable to drive.

Dino, I know I am late on this, but I was not a fan of my Exedy clutch from the stop. It was a chattering machine. Once rolling I loved it, but just getting through the drive through was very annoying or sitting in traffic.

@sandman - which one did you have?

@sandman - which one did you have?
I just had the regular Stage 2. It held the power I made. It was just a pain in the ass driving around town. It was good up to the 400whp I made with no issue.

What kind of power and torque did you have?


382/351. I do feel it was better as a DD clutch than a racing clutch. For racing I like the ACT much better.

I have the Stage 2+ on cobb's ots stage 2 so I am gessing ~270wtq. So far it has about 100+ launches and it is starting to slip a bit... Chatters a bit but is nothing compared to others... I am happy with it. Installed at 10.5k miles and is at 27.5k mles now...
Ran 12.5@110mph with it btw :)

How's the drivability? Any chatter?


Drivability is good, my GF drives it and doesn't stall. No chatter at all.. just grabs hard.. and the pedal pressure really is stock or less..

and i was making 343whp and 350whtq before the AMS downpipe and testpipe, to give a power figure to go with the mileage.

Decided to go with the Spec Stage 3+

http://www.speedcircuit.net/product_info.php?products_id=387

Hopefully you have better luck then I did, and some others that I have spoken with about these clutches... I will say that their customer service is pretty good if something goes wrong though

Spec Stage 2 here, 4000km so far. Clutch outlived the motor at this point.

Decided to go with the Spec Stage 3+

http://www.speedcircuit.net/product_info.php?products_id=387

Good choice! It and the FX400 are the 2 best single disk choices out there. What made you pick this one ultimately? Disk material? Because its full face?

I went with the clutch master fx200 because I was worried the added stress from a spec3+ or a fx400 would take a toll on the master cylinder. I also liked the fact it would last a long time. Looking at all the people having their aftermarket cm fail on them. I am not too sure on the reliability of aftermarket mc's currently out there.

Hopefully you have better luck then I did, and some others that I have spoken with about these clutches... I will say that their customer service is pretty good if something goes wrong though

I've been running Spec clutches in my Mazda for years without issue, so I trust the company.

Good choice! It and the FX400 are the 2 best single disk choices out there. What made you pick this one ultimately? Disk material? Because its full face?

Basically people's testimonials about good drivability, good pedal feel, and the fact that I can delay installing an aftermarket MC.

I've been running Spec clutches in my Mazda for years without issue, so I trust the company.

the mazdas also produce less power

Im waiting for my SM103F to arrive.. aswell...

Can anybody explain to me:
1. Spec 3+ it is better if it is a full face? Anybody have it?
2. What to do with the flywheel? Is it mandatory or recommended to chage it if you go with spec 3+?

From everyhting I've seen it looks like the best choice price/performance/easy to drive in traffic... Am I right or missing something?

Sub!
I'm in need of a new clutch ,my 4.3 fidanza is slipping in first w/ 22,000 mls on it
I'm also looking into the stage3 ,I'm @301hp at the wheels
Is that clutch to strong for my X ,this will b the third one installed @33,000 so far .

Another note on their customer service...

They checked my clutch out, gave me updated discs, cleaned everything up, rebuilt the slave cylinder, and balanced everything again completely free no questions asked. So if (hopefully no one will) someone were to ever have an issue, you will be in good hands.:thumbup:

Joel i know you launch the fuck out of ur car... just go for a twin... i am getting a spec twin when the time comes...

This is kind of an extension of the original thread but as mentioned earlier, what about a flywheel for the Stage 3+. From the reviews it looks like that will be the clutch for me but should I just turn the stock flywheel or replace it? If replace, any recommendations, with DD driveability in mind.

This is kind of an extension of the original thread but as mentioned earlier, what about a flywheel for the Stage 3+. From the reviews it looks like that will be the clutch for me but should I just turn the stock flywheel or replace it? If replace, any recommendations, with DD driveability in mind.

I was thinking the same thing. I'd assume you should match the spec 3 with the spec flywheel and it'll be fine. Only difference (that i can see) is weight when it comes to flywheels.. lighter = better

I was thinking the same thing. I'd assume you should match the spec 3 with the spec flywheel and it'll be fine. Only difference (that i can see) is weight when it comes to flywheels.. lighter = better

Not unless you want to launch it. It's much easier to launch with the momentum of the stock flywheel. That said, if you can launch without the extra weight, more power to you.

^+1
I dont want a super light flywheel, its for my DD car, and unfortunately the only flywheel Spec lists for the X is an alum one. I want to have the flywheel on hand when I have the clutch done so I dont have the down time of having the stocker resurfaced. I've noticed several people with the ACT streetlite which is supposed to be about stock weight, which should have teh characteristics I want for a DD, just need to find some more reviews/info.

Decided to go with the Spec Stage 3+

http://www.speedcircuit.net/product_info.php?products_id=387

Is it installed yet? How do you like it? And how much power are you making that you need a clutch that holds 595 tq?

how long did it take to come in after you placed the order?

^+1
I dont want a super light flywheel, its for my DD car, and unfortunately the only flywheel Spec lists for the X is an alum one. I want to have the flywheel on hand when I have the clutch done so I dont have the down time of having the stocker resurfaced. I've noticed several people with the ACT streetlite which is supposed to be about stock weight, which should have teh characteristics I want for a DD, just need to find some more reviews/info.


I have the streetlite with a clutchmaster fx200 (stage 2). The streetlite is significantly different than the stock flywheel and requires a little bit more gas to get it rolling. When I first had it installed, I stalled 3 times until I got the hang of it. After a couple of tries, I got the hang of it. The weight is significantly less than the stock one.

I am using the Exedy Stage 2 HD and I hate it. It is too heavy. My wife refuses to drive the car. I am thinking about replacing it again. What is the difference between Spec Stage 3 and Spec Stage 3+. I thought a full race would be harder to use in d.d. traffic, inclines and so. Is it true the Spec 3+ pedal is lighter than stock? Does anyone could says how different is the Stage 3+ (or ClutchMaster FX400) compared to a stock. I really liked the stock clutch and anything similar to it would be very desirable.

I am planning to be at 400-500whp in a near future.

Thank you,
Ziki

subscribed

I have whatever exedy package includes an oem disc but an uprated pressure plate. I also have a streetlight flywheel and ams 70a durometer mounts. I have some pretty severe chatter to be honest, and I'm not entirely convinced someone else would be able to drive my car. The clutch is harder to modulate than my open wheel formula car which has a pedal thats so still you literally can not move it with your arms, only your leg while strapped in.

I have the spec stage 3 6 puck sprung clutch kit. It was installed to compliment my 9lb fidanza ultra light flywheel. The pedal feel is about the same. Dont really notice a difference in pedal pressure. Engagement of the clutch is a bit tricky. The stock clutch has a bit of play for feathering on take off. You know like when you leave from a stop light driving normal. With this new clutch you have to be a bit more aggressive on your take off. the clutch wants to grab that flywheel and go. it does give a little for feathering the clutch. But not much. You can drive around in traffic and not look like a new stick driver. My girlfriend drove me home one day and she didnt stall it once. The sprung clutch is the way to go for that reason. It gives a little.It weights a bit more but for daily driving you need it. The stage 3 6 puck is good for around 500wtq, so it will hold up to all your needs. I have had mine in the car for a year now and is holding up great. There is no chatter or vibrations either. Now keep in mind that My flywheel weights about 5lbs less than stock so the rotating mass plays a little part of all this. I clutch will last a long time if it broke in properly. I drove 2,000 miles gently before hammering on it for the first time. God that was hard to to:duh:. I have over 25 track launches on this clutch as well. Im fixing to do some engine work next week so im looking to pull the motor and separate the tranny. I let you know what it looks like and how its holding up when I pull it if you want

^^This!

I have the same clutch with the MAP flywheel. It was exactly what I was looking for. Good writeup!

I have a SPEC stage 2+ I'm happy with mine.

Spec 3+ ...+MAP FW OTW to my dungeon.

So for me, i DD my car, I have put 25000 miles in a year and 1 month (got her with 5 miles), i launch my car...a lot, im making about 330hp and 310tq to the wheels sooner then later hoping for 400ish mark in both hp and tq, will the spec 3+ serve well?

btw: im still on stock clutch and its holding perfectly fine.

So for me, i DD my car, I have put 25000 miles in a year and 1 month (got her with 5 miles), i launch my car...a lot, im making about 330hp and 310tq to the wheels sooner then later hoping for 400ish mark in both hp and tq, will the spec 3+ serve well?

btw: im still on stock clutch and its holding perfectly fine.

It will handle the power if thats what your asking.

Good Info in this thread........

Thanks everyone.


GF got all mad and slipped the clutch pretty good the other day. Now in 5th on the highway you get on the gas a lil bit to pass someone and it feels like its slipping :(

Spec 3+ seems to be the one to replace the stocker with.

Good Info in this thread........

Thanks everyone.


GF got all mad and slipped the clutch pretty good the other day. Now in 5th on the highway you get on the gas a lil bit to pass someone and it feels like its slipping :(

Spec 3+ seems to be the one to replace the stocker with.

Lesson Here:
Dont let GF drive car (in your case)lol

spec stage 2 here.
Smooth and slippable. Holds on with a built stroker while driving, just cant launch too hard.

I should have gone with spec stage 2+ or 3/3+

So for me, i DD my car, I have put 25000 miles in a year and 1 month (got her with 5 miles), i launch my car...a lot, im making about 330hp and 310tq to the wheels sooner then later hoping for 400ish mark in both hp and tq, will the spec 3+ serve well?

btw: im still on stock clutch and its holding perfectly fine.

It will handle the power if thats what your asking.


now what about the launching aspect? ive hard launched my car well over 35 times, 3 times at the track with the stock clutch. im hopeing this clutch will last a long time, if anyone can chime in on how long they have had this clutch for for those that actually beat on their car. i just dont want to buy this clutch and launch a few times and it start to slip which is the reason why im asking so many questions.

thank you.

Spec 3+ ...+MAP FW OTW to my dungeon.

Im gonna be running the same combo. Curious to see how it works out.

He just needs a proper tune and he could tell you. But he does complain about the feel sometimes. Only thing my clutch does other than be awesome is chatter during idle.