Severly dissappointed in the stock clutch
I totally disagree.
57k and nearly 4 years on my stock 03 clutch and it holds just fine. Did i mention its had 300+ whp since 5k miles and 400+ whp since 45k? I drive the car hard, but I drive it right. I do occasionally drag race it.
57k and nearly 4 years on my stock 03 clutch and it holds just fine. Did i mention its had 300+ whp since 5k miles and 400+ whp since 45k? I drive the car hard, but I drive it right. I do occasionally drag race it.
It's common knowledge that the clutch has faults. This is apparently one of them. So sorry bud--that's not all there is to it. It's easy to talk tough behind a keyboard, isn't it? Feel like a big man now?
Oh but I do have to say thanks for the information on your launching technique and about the restrictor. That was actually good stuff. The rest of it, you can kiss my ****!
Last edited by belizelittle39439; Jan 5, 2007 at 09:10 AM.
This thought process makes sense. A question though, can you change to a SS line and keep the restrictor? I would assume that the line would give you more predictable release, but the restrictor would still keep the drivetrain safe. that sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
Back on topic, I agree that the Evo clutch stinks WAY more than any other clutch I've experienced. I don't have much experience with AWD cars, but no RWD or FWD cars I've driven have smelled that badly on any launch.
I've only launched my Evo hard 2 times. The first time I slipped a bit much and was using the 5k stationary limiter. The clutch was not happy and smelled horrible. The second time was again using the 5k limiter, but I released the clutch much faster and got much more grip from the clutch (I got a few chirps from the tires). I slipped it for maybe .5 sec at the longest, but still got the horrible smell. Actually, the next day I could still smell the clutch.
Any other car would smell, but not that badly for that long. Maybe it is the restrictor making the clutch actually slip much more than your foot tells you that it is.
Back on topic, I agree that the Evo clutch stinks WAY more than any other clutch I've experienced. I don't have much experience with AWD cars, but no RWD or FWD cars I've driven have smelled that badly on any launch.
I've only launched my Evo hard 2 times. The first time I slipped a bit much and was using the 5k stationary limiter. The clutch was not happy and smelled horrible. The second time was again using the 5k limiter, but I released the clutch much faster and got much more grip from the clutch (I got a few chirps from the tires). I slipped it for maybe .5 sec at the longest, but still got the horrible smell. Actually, the next day I could still smell the clutch.
Any other car would smell, but not that badly for that long. Maybe it is the restrictor making the clutch actually slip much more than your foot tells you that it is.
So a couple people have given great information about their experiences with the clutch, about the restrictor, the clutch line, and so forth--and I thank them for that. A couple people are idiots--I thank them for that as well because I now I know who know who the a-holes and internet tough guys are.
The longevity of the clutch (although inherently connected with the act of launching the car) was never brought into question. It was merely in how easy it was to actually burn the clutch plates in comparison to any other sports car I've driven in my life.
Long story short, it seems apparent that I'll need to make sure to not slip THIS clutch even for a half a second or else I'm going to have a not so pleasant aroma in my cabin.
It seems that I need to let the already integrated parts do their job (such as the restrictor) and basically do a quick release on the clutch. I just didn't want to bang the gear and cause damage to the driveline parts outside of the clutch. I've done this same slipping technique for years on my launches--but never had a clutch react this way. That's the catalyst for the question.
Thanks again to those that understood to original intent of the post and answered accordingly. I always appreciate any information the EVO-vets have.
The longevity of the clutch (although inherently connected with the act of launching the car) was never brought into question. It was merely in how easy it was to actually burn the clutch plates in comparison to any other sports car I've driven in my life.
Long story short, it seems apparent that I'll need to make sure to not slip THIS clutch even for a half a second or else I'm going to have a not so pleasant aroma in my cabin.
It seems that I need to let the already integrated parts do their job (such as the restrictor) and basically do a quick release on the clutch. I just didn't want to bang the gear and cause damage to the driveline parts outside of the clutch. I've done this same slipping technique for years on my launches--but never had a clutch react this way. That's the catalyst for the question.
Thanks again to those that understood to original intent of the post and answered accordingly. I always appreciate any information the EVO-vets have.
If you guys don't want to remove the restrictor entirely, there is a way to compromise. You can pull the restrictor out and drill the hole larger. This should allow your clutch to engage faster, but not too fast. This was recommended by Dirk@ACT, so you should ask him what size to drill to. Experimentally, I would enlarge the hole in small increments, but removing and reinstalling the restrictor each time is a PITA.
i came from europe and i never drived automatic. i used many cars ,trust me nothing wrong with the factory clutch. if you lunch hard ANY awd car with high whp you will get the same smell . If you lunch hard choices are :
A, clutch smell
B, tire smell
C, strong craking noise with high repair bill
Your choice...
A, clutch smell
B, tire smell
C, strong craking noise with high repair bill
Your choice...
Last edited by Robevo RS; Jan 5, 2007 at 09:50 AM.
It's common knowledge amongst the veteran owners that the clutch in this car leaves much to be desired.
From what I understand the clutch was intended in the car's design to be the weak point in the drivetrain so as to minimize damage to the other parts of the drivetrain. I can understand this but....
::beginning of rant::
Does the clutch have to stink like **** EVERYTIME I slip the clutch with rpms higher than 3k?! The first time I "burnt" the clutch plates a couple weeks ago when I slipped it while taking off going around a corner to avoid a car hauling but towards me. This was not intended but hey it happens.
Today on the way to work I had to merge into traffic from a standstill within a short amount of space. So I rev up a bit and slip the clutch. Again I smell the wonderful smell of rotten eggs. I have NEVER owned a car in all my years of driving standard that burnt up this easily (or at all for that matter.) I have never killed a clutch ever in my life nor have I ever scrubbed a clutch to the point it stunk. Is there EVER a time that I'll spin the wheels a bit and NOT get that ****-*** smell?!
::End of rant::
Looks like I'll be getting a stage 2 clutch here soon. Anyone have any brand suggestions? Exedy? Competition Clutch? Whats the concensus on the best performing (with the least amount of complications) clutch?
From what I understand the clutch was intended in the car's design to be the weak point in the drivetrain so as to minimize damage to the other parts of the drivetrain. I can understand this but....
::beginning of rant::
Does the clutch have to stink like **** EVERYTIME I slip the clutch with rpms higher than 3k?! The first time I "burnt" the clutch plates a couple weeks ago when I slipped it while taking off going around a corner to avoid a car hauling but towards me. This was not intended but hey it happens.
Today on the way to work I had to merge into traffic from a standstill within a short amount of space. So I rev up a bit and slip the clutch. Again I smell the wonderful smell of rotten eggs. I have NEVER owned a car in all my years of driving standard that burnt up this easily (or at all for that matter.) I have never killed a clutch ever in my life nor have I ever scrubbed a clutch to the point it stunk. Is there EVER a time that I'll spin the wheels a bit and NOT get that ****-*** smell?!
::End of rant::
Looks like I'll be getting a stage 2 clutch here soon. Anyone have any brand suggestions? Exedy? Competition Clutch? Whats the concensus on the best performing (with the least amount of complications) clutch?
Based on what I'm reading, your obviously not driving the car right. You don't need to slip the damn clutch to get a head start to slip into traffic just roll into it and floor it. The only time I've smelled the clutch is when I slip it to launch it and that's at 6k rpms and expecting. If you try to do the same thing on a stage 2 clutch or whatever you decide to go with its still going to stink...learn how to drive the car and eliminate the "egg" smell.
Word of advice, If you're going to insult someone's driving technique, don't admit to having the same issue yourself within the same paragraph. It's not good for your argument.
i came from europe and i never drived automatic. i used many cars ,trust me nothing wrong with the factory clutch. if you lunch hard ANY awd car with high whp you will get the same smell . If you lunch hard choices are :
A, clutch smell
B, tire smell
C, strong craking noise with high repair bill
Your choice...
A, clutch smell
B, tire smell
C, strong craking noise with high repair bill
Your choice...
Hey Mr Perfect--when you tell me that after years of auto-xing and racing in general doesn't give me an idea on how to launch then you can talk your internet crap.
It's common knowledge that the clutch has faults. This is apparently one of them. So sorry bud--that's not all there is to it. It's easy to talk tough behind a keyboard, isn't it? Feel like a big man now?
Oh but I do have to say thanks for the information on your launching technique and about the restrictor. That was actually good stuff. The rest of it, you can kiss my ****!
It's common knowledge that the clutch has faults. This is apparently one of them. So sorry bud--that's not all there is to it. It's easy to talk tough behind a keyboard, isn't it? Feel like a big man now?
Oh but I do have to say thanks for the information on your launching technique and about the restrictor. That was actually good stuff. The rest of it, you can kiss my ****!
Its NOT common knowledge that the clutch has faults. Its common knowledge that a lot of ex-FWD and RWD guys buy EVOs, dont know how to launch an AWD car, burn up the clutch, makes thread trying to say it has problems when it doesnt.
If you havent learned yet, an AWD car is VERY DIFFERANT then a FWD/RWD when it comes to launching.
Also, with other people posting they have more then stock power and lots of launches and miles on the stock clutches, doesnt that show you the ones with problems can't drive.?
Another thing. I'm not trying to "talk tough" or anything behind a keyboard. You should stop thinkin I'm some kid with no knowledge, cause thats far from the truth. Im just trying to help you with your questions.
This thought process makes sense. A question though, can you change to a SS line and keep the restrictor? I would assume that the line would give you more predictable release, but the restrictor would still keep the drivetrain safe. that sounds like the best of both worlds to me.
Back on topic, I agree that the Evo clutch stinks WAY more than any other clutch I've experienced. I don't have much experience with AWD cars, but no RWD or FWD cars I've driven have smelled that badly on any launch.
I've only launched my Evo hard 2 times. The first time I slipped a bit much and was using the 5k stationary limiter. The clutch was not happy and smelled horrible. The second time was again using the 5k limiter, but I released the clutch much faster and got much more grip from the clutch (I got a few chirps from the tires). I slipped it for maybe .5 sec at the longest, but still got the horrible smell. Actually, the next day I could still smell the clutch.
Any other car would smell, but not that badly for that long. Maybe it is the restrictor making the clutch actually slip much more than your foot tells you that it is.
Back on topic, I agree that the Evo clutch stinks WAY more than any other clutch I've experienced. I don't have much experience with AWD cars, but no RWD or FWD cars I've driven have smelled that badly on any launch.
I've only launched my Evo hard 2 times. The first time I slipped a bit much and was using the 5k stationary limiter. The clutch was not happy and smelled horrible. The second time was again using the 5k limiter, but I released the clutch much faster and got much more grip from the clutch (I got a few chirps from the tires). I slipped it for maybe .5 sec at the longest, but still got the horrible smell. Actually, the next day I could still smell the clutch.
Any other car would smell, but not that badly for that long. Maybe it is the restrictor making the clutch actually slip much more than your foot tells you that it is.
I initially did not want to take my restrictor out and installed just the SS clutch line to see if it would improve shifting. It made a minimal difference at best.
I like your idea about drillin the restrictor. And the fact that the idea came strait from ACT, I would love to hear/see someone try it.
So Mark, you ready for the '07 season? I need to get out to TH a lot more, expeccialy since I live only 25 mins away. It would be nice to get out there and meet all you NorCalEvo.net guys.