Anyone on here still using the original OEM clutch?
Reason I ask is I'm 90% certain I'm picking up an VIII in the very near future that is still running around with the original, stock clutch. It is modified, makes ~350whp and does have low mileage (~30K). It's also a single owner car, so it isn't like the seller doesn't know the car's history regarding parts. Seller claims it doesn't slip at all, even WOT or under high load low RPM, but I'll be making my own assessments during pre-sale inspections.

I feel this is a good sign, as I remember complaints dating back to '03 about stock clutches having a very short lifespan, even on factory stock cars. Safe to assume this car hasn't been "put away wet?

Yes, I'm in the process of clutch shopping now, I don't expect it to last long especially in my traffic filled commute.
It seems to be very rare these days that any VIIIs have the stock clutch.
Only other problem I see is I have no "baseline" for how a stock clutch should feel in one of these cars.

What I'm asking is this:
Who here has an VIII on the stock clutch (or recently replaced a stock clutch)?
How long did it last?
Modifications/power output?
Driving conditions: (traffic/track use)

Other signs of failing clutch?
WOT slipping
High load, low RPM slipping
clutch smell
Anything I'm missing here?

Thanks in advance to those who chime in.

 

I have a 2003 original OEM stock clutch with 123k on it DD no slipping. I have no intentions on changing it until it starts to slip. Still holding thanks to keeping my tq numbers down and not beating on the car. She's also only been launched twice in her life.

Mods to car:Stock turbo/block/tranny/clutch/tc, exhaust, intake, cams, springs, retainers, UICP, BOV, MBC. 350whp 320flbs @25psi 93oct



Daily driven, has done New York and Boston Traffic numerous times.

I live by the philosophy of: if it's not broken don't fix it.

 

My oem clutch had 64k on it. I still have it although since Im rebuilding the engine no point in putting it back on. It never slipped and worked fine. When I took it out to inspect it, it had life in it. Im sure I could have got another 20-30k easily. I bought the car used and put 2 seasons of regular hpdes and autox btw.

 

That has to be some sort of record. That's certainly excellent news. Does the car see spirited driving often or regularly?

 

Also very impressive. Especially considering the car's track use. What kind of power are/were you making?

 

Yes, I spirit every few days. Once a week I give her full spirit to make sure she is all sound.

 

This guy on SoCalEvo recently posted about having to finally replace his OEM clutch after 224k miles:

http://www.socalevo.net/index.php?op...topic=124579.0

 

I've got a ix on the original clutch with 103k miles and no slippage, but I've always been at stock power and never launched the car. I will dire spiritedly though and have attended a few hpde's as well as dd in traffic

 

Well goes to show my assumptions were incorrect. This is all excellent news. That 224K original clutch read is unreal. Very impressive.

Looking forward to hearing more.


Posted from Evolutionm.net App for Android

 

Yeah, I was surprised myself when I read that thread last month. Obviously the driver did a lot of highway driving (having racked up that many miles in ten years), so not everyone is going to get that kind of lifespan, but it's a good sign.

 

Nothing crazy, 286/278 @ 24 psi on a mustang dyno on Cali 91 craptane.

 

Ive got 124k on my evo 9 clutch. Just recently put a boost logic kit onthe car (500whp) and no slipping yet haha. Cars also never been launched

 

133k miles on the stock clutch. About 100k at elevated power levels. 324hp (Mustang Dyno) and well over 300tq.

I've adjusted the clutch 3x (IIRC) but that being said, if you don't beat on it the clutch will last. It is nice knowing that I have an Exedy Twin on the garage shelf waiting for the stocker to crap out.

 

This is all really encouraging. I'm never hard on my cars, so hopefully this will defer the necessity of a replacement for a little while at least.


Posted from Evolutionm.net App for Android

 

A good friend of mine has 110k on his stocker. DD with 350hp. They last a long time if they aren't abused.