Hey all,

My clutch just slipped today for the first time. Fifth gear at 3k I wen to pass and it just spiked in rpm and when I let off, power returned. This was only under approximately half throttle. I am pretty sure the clutch is on the way out but I am quite disappointed with it only surviving 16k miles. I am very gentle with the car on the street. It has been run in a number of AutoXs as well as a good amount of track time. It has not been abused in anyway. I did confirm that it is slipping in 3rd as well then I stopped testing it. It drives normally for now so long as I avoid full boost and full throttle. Is 16k normal for a clutch with some racing on it and over stock power? How long do you guys give the clutch given its first signs of slip?

Anyway, I am confident its toast, as such, what clutches would you guys recommend? This is a primarily street car but does see some track/ AutoX work on a regular basis. I need a clutch that will not beat me in the occasional Dan Ryan (cramped Chicago highway) stop up. I currently have a max output of 371whp and 340ftlb (45F) (I am guessing around 420-440hp and 380-400ftlb at the crank?) and would like a clutch that will hold as much torque as possible while maintaining the drivablilty. The street drivability is more important to my choice than the max clamp load. I am planning on continuing to build my car up so I would like a higher than necessary max load assuming I will not throw drivability out the window. I was thinking either the Fidanza 3.2 (511ftlb) or 4.3 (599lbft). I am not interested in a $2k clutch something under $1000 and preferably around the range of those Fidanza clutches (600-700).

Any recommendations on who can do a quality job on this install in the Illinois area? Of course there is AMS but their labor rates are very expensive and I thought they might charge if you do not buy a clutch from them. I would go to AMS as a last resort, funny saying one of the best is a last resort but I would like to avoid paying and arm and a leg, maybe just one or the other

 

You tried to pass a car at 3k in fifth gear? Last time I tried that it took light years before the turbo spooled up to pass them

 

I am not sure why you would list AMS as a last resort - they should be your absolute first choice.
Not only do they have a great reputation and are in your area, but they support many amateur and pro teams...

In terms of hourly rate, I'll bet their price on a clutch job is about the same as anyone elses as they can probably get it in /out extra fast...They'll be able to tell you the best solution given your uses too....

 

I would be inclined to disagree. Their hourly rate is about 15% higher than anyone else I have ever be quoted by. Also, assuming I am correct that they will charge me extra for a clutch I purchase myself, or I buy from them at msrp + state tax, AMS is a considerably more expensive job. I love AMS, they do quality work but the bottom line is they are very expensive.

 

I was not pulling a ricer fly by, it was on a two lane highway and I was passing a truck. No it is not like hitting warp but it usually moves along just fine to do a relaxed pass.

 

Really? In 5th, my IX boosts almost instantly at ~3K. Hell, even in 3rd the turbo starts spooling ~2K.

 

I would agree that the rates at AMS are high, but they have the clout and will back up all that they do.

 

I'm surprised that AMS doesn't just quote a flat price for the job.

One thing I would take into consideration is familiarity with the car. AMS could probably drop the tranny, install the clutch, bleed the ACD, and have that thing back on the road before most would even have it yanked out.

Then you have to worry about non-EVO specific shops doing something wrong or using the wrong fluids.

If AMS charges you hourly it will probably end up cheaper than another shop doing it hourly.

JJ

 

http://www.hopupracing.com/drivetrain25.html

ACT or Exedy or RPS ( i really didn't know they have one for Evo...)

Edit: btw, shoot you pm.

 

Just a couple of comments:

1) Based on my personal experience of having items installed at AMS were bought elsewhere, this did not result in any additional fees. For reference this was around August of 2008, if you are getting the information from a reputable source they might have changed their policy since then.

2) Since driveability seems to be pretty important to you I would recommend an Exedy Stage 1 HD kit (P/N: 05803HD) I have been driving this clutch since August and I couldn't be happier. The pressure plate is slightly heavier than stock, per Exedy it is rated to be good up to 402ft-lbs of trq and can be bought from Shep Racing by less than $500.

If your upgrade path will take you past the 400ft-lbs mark, then I would recommend going with a different setup, perhaps an Exedy Twin Disc HD. I have driven them in heavy traffic in Cincinnati without a problem. The only reasons I didn't go with one was longevity concerns and cost. To give an idea I got my clutch from Shep Racing, his guys also performed the installation job, the flywheel got re-surfaced and I also got installed both of AMS's clutch lines, TC and tranny fluids were changed, all for just over $1,100, including taxes. It is almost impossible to get a Twin Disc setup for that amount of money

Finally, do a bit of research on the Fidanza units, I pondered going with one until I read several reviews on the forum where the unit lasted the users between 3k and 10k miles.

Good luck finding a clutch setup that suits your needs so you can keep enjoying the car.

 

Thanks, what type of Exedy twin did you go with? Do you know the torque rating?

 

Sorry I wasn't very clear. The clutch kit that I got installed was an Exedy single disc Stage 1 HD kit. As stated on my post above, the torque rating for that kit is 402ft-lbs.

 

Haha okay. I was looking for more than 400 ftlb. Is there Fidanza competition at a similar price and clamp level? Maybe ACT? But I remember hearing a number of bad things about those... unless I remember incorrectly.

 

Any actual recommendations for a clutch?

 

Just spend some money and get the twin. I see threads like this all the time. You will love it, it will hold a ton of power and it is very tolerable on the street. Once you break it in the noise is minimal, barely any over the single disc stocker for me. I am at 475 hp / 415ish fptq and it holds it without a problem... Pedal feels very close to stock too, maybe a little stiffer... Search around, there a billion clutch discussion threads...