update: this is the new fidanza 3.2 six puck clutch and i am elated!

Feedback wanted:

I ordered a Fidanza 3.2 clutch and flywheel about a month and a half ago. Since my order fell into a production gap my clutch was not in stock, but rather was pending production. I received it this last weekend but it resembles no clutch within the Fidanza lineup, whether on the Fidanza or any current distributors website. I called my friendly forum sponsor to get some idea of what this thing was that had shown up on my doorstep, and the salesperson mentioned a design change to the product about a month ago and a follow up call is currently pending. Can anyone here wager a guess as to what it is? It included the appropriate kit number for my application (evo 9 6 speed, 361962), but arrived with no documentation of production change nor was I notified at the time of purchase that it was in the throes of production transition. I'm not yet accustomed to paying ~ $1200 for a clutch and flywheel, but am fully willing provided that I have thoroughly researched what i'm getting into. Please let me know your thoughts on how cautious or elated you would be to guinea pig this unexpected (but conceivably awesome) new clutch that you personally finance and replace.

It most closely resembles a sprung hub sintered iron six puck disc with the standard pressure plate and Mitsubishi t o bearing. I'm judging this strictly by comparison to pics I've seen on the web of similar Fidanza clutches. As I said previously, I'm not entirely familiar with these things, but it seems to me that the sintered iron friction material is more aggressive than what I'm looking for (daily driver/ *** hauler/ weekend warrior). The design I thought I was buying has a (more or less daily driver friendly) kevlar 4 puck configuration. I'm trying to keep cool- should I be kept in the loop, or just shut up and rally this thing?!!! It could end up being the latest and greatest bee's knees of clutches for all I know! I'll quit blathering and let the speculation begin....I AM curious after all....


thanks guys

 

It looks like a 4.3 to me. If it is, I'd keep that over the 3.2. I've owned both and like the 4.3 better in all respects. It feels like stock and can handle more power. Also, it uses the standard pressure plate. Here's a picture of mine.

 

it does look similar, but the friction material is a bit different in color.
do you or did you experience much in the way of engagement noise from your 4.3 disc? would you consider it daily driveable?

 

It looks to resemble the 4.3 to me as well but since the pucks do look to be yellow maybe they are Kevlar like the 3.2 4-puck. You should call Fidanza directly and inquire about this to confirm it. What shop told you it has changed?

 

the pucks actually look more off white than yellowish brown like i'd expect kevlar to be. i'm certainly not a friction material expert, but it looks more like the sintered iron or ceramic material to me. good call, i will call fidanza tomorrow to find out for sure. the kit is from maperformance- in your neck of the woods. i'm trying to let them figure it out for me, but i should probably get first hand info as well. i don't mean to be spreading rumor, i just figured someone else out there may have more up to date info than i do. i'll report back when i get it figgered.
thanks all

 

I have the 3.2 version, and it is noisy when cold.

 

My evo is a daily driver, and the 4.3 is an easy clutch to use for that type of driving. The 4.3 is a cerametallic compound, like you suspected.

 

apparently, fidanza has in fact updated their design for the 3.2 platform. they have gone to a kevlar six puck design rather than the four puck. i suppose that i will accept the unofficial nomination of test pilot. maybe i'll be the first of many "perfect for all conditions clutch" stories (blind optimism). what you see above may be the first glimpse you get of the perfect street/ track clutch, you've seen it here first on evom.net!

may god have mercy upon me and mine....

 

I've been on the 3.2 kevlar six puck for some time now... Takes a while to break in, but after that, my first pick in a single disc daily driver


BTW... it's noisy until broken... which is really a few thousand miles.

 

crap, i thought i was the first. its funny that i couldn't find even the slightest hint of its existence until your mention....

zeus, you recommend a few thousand mile break in? for the health of the disc or is that when it begins to perform well and sound normal? its good to hear that you have had a good experience with it, thanks

i'm off to get it balanced in about ten minutes!

 

I've had a couple kevlar clutches.... mostly from clutchmasters and I love them performance wise. The only thing that bugged me was the slight chirp when engaging in 1st gear. That never did go away. No big deal ... a twin disk is much noisier.

What is the best price you've found on this clutch?

 

maperformance at $788, this is for a 6 speed.... spendy. they may be cheaper elsewhere, but please don't tell me-lalalalalala- can't hear you....

 

I'm pretty certain you got the best deal around sir, we are very strong on the Fidanza line Again I apologize for the confusion with the disc situation, however as we discussed over PM Fidanza made this change so that the clutch can withstand more abuse and last longer for you. I think you will be very happy with it!

 

thank you much,
it is the best price I could find. the amount of internet research that i do on a daily basis about these things would lead me to believe that i would have heard that the disc had been updated to a 6 puck from 4 earlier. its true that i don't know how to search THAT well, and i'm not THE enthusiast, but i do take this stuff fairly seriously. anyway, thanks for the clarification and sweet clutch. i'm gald that i was able to get in on the new improved version, thank you!

 

i think they tell you 1-1.5k on the break in. I say its a few k before it really settles in. So the manufacturer wants you to put 1000 or so on it before you start to beat on it. I say you might want to give any Kevlar unit longer. I had a full face CM Kevlar unit before too. It also wanted more time to settle in than suggested.