More clutch questions...

[chance91]

So, as always, I'm here to see if anyone wants to help me play the "which brand game"

And today, I was curious of who likes what between Bully ACT and Spec,
If you were to consider the Bully "Stage II," Spec "Stage II+," and ACT Performance street disc with "Xtreme" pressure plate, which would you choose, or which do you  prefer, or what did you ascertain from their useage?

For a quick overview, the Bully Stage II only tells me 60% increase in torque capacity, so about 285ft/lbs of tq if they are talking about the MSM.  And that's at the fly.  As well, they claim 100% increase in clamping force, while retaining a near stock pedal feel by using a special needle bearing in the PP.

For the Spec "Stage II+" the torque capacity is stated to be 300ft/lbs for the normal Miata, and no number is given on the MSM unit, but its likely the same, or slightly more?  Kevlar on one side, carbon-metallic on the other.

The ACT performance street disc with x pressure plate is rated at 307ft/lbs, with between 50-120% more clamping force, and a moderate-stiff pedal feel.  As well, this clutch is all organic compounds.

of all of these, it would be Fidanza flywheel at 8lbs on all but the spec.  With the spec I'd consider using the spec flywheel.  Of note as well, the billet pp on the spec would be a nice addition nobody else offers.  Of all these guys, I've heard bad things about the act units, a local friend ruined his PP on a DSM using an act hd street unit, the pp came apart on him under load.   Spec I typically hear great reviews on.

And, there's always the FM happy meal, but I enjoy being different, and seeking out the slightly better than possibilites. 

[QQQQ]

I like my ACT stage 3 plate and 6 puck disc. Fidanza flywheel. (Fidanza is also making plates and discs to go with their flywheels.)

[chance91]

I like my ACT stage 3 plate and 6 puck disc. Fidanza flywheel. (Fidanza is also making plates and discs to go with their flywheels.)

How's the pedal feel?  Engagement off of idle?  Any chatter to speak of?  Cold vs warm variations?  Cold operation is so-so important up here, I'll be using the car until its about 30-40degrees air temp. 

[kujitsu]

ill do a write up on my spec 3. im scared to know what its like, esp with the 7lb. but I've heard that it has quite good  modulation and that coming from my act  "05 spec miata" plate this new plate will feel like nothing

[QQQQ]

Pedal feel is normal.Engagement is more agressive than a street disc,but not at all offensive.If you do stop and go traffic every day,I would say buy another. The only time I really notice the difference between stock and the ACT is if you are trying to sneak off the line,especially with the light flywheel.You will get shudder. Add a few revs,and all is fine.Small price to pay for a clutch that should last forever doing heavy track duty,in my book.

[kujitsu]

i was told 2.5-3krpm  was needed from a stop, not much a difference from my 2-2.5krpm when I think I usually was actually at 2.5k anyway. y'all may think its much but light flywheel makes that in a small throttle blip

[chance91]

Seriously, I'm starting to hate cars.  So much technical crap, I want to tear my eyes out.

So, you guys are saying go with the FM kit, right?   

(baaaaaaaaaa)

[kujitsu]

being different never hurt

[chance91]

I do really want to stay with a full face clutch, so it looks like either spec or act and thats about it.
But, If I ever exceed 250hp, its going to be tough with either of them, I'd say.  And I might just think of doing that in the near, or not so near future.  Hard to say. 

Bully clutch *may* be good to about 250whp, but they recommend thier 6 puck stg 3 for our app.

There is also mention of issues with the Fidanza fly, as it can potentially warp because of its steel/aluminum construction, and thier difference's in expansion.

I'm kind of in the mood to say screw it and run the whole spec setup, or spec+fidanza, though.  Two really great deals on the fly and clutc/fly around.

Missed out on a nice spec with aluminum pressure plate, that should have been mine.  Weak sauce..

[mprhead5]

my stock clutch held 240whp like a champ for a good while.

i just ordered the FM stage 2 happy meal because i plan on doing a 3071R and built motor at some point in the future possibly

[chance91]

my stock clutch held 240whp like a champ for a good while.

i just ordered the FM stage 2 happy meal because i plan on doing a 3071R and built motor at some point in the future possibly

Sweet action.  I dunno, I like the FM setup, but then again, it always bothers me that FM doesn't disclose their vendors, so I can't 100% cross check their parts and make full comparisons to others, its just the info thats in that little blip.  I know why, but it still bothers me.

I think the winner in my book would be the bully stg 3 6 puck, because of the nice springs they use to keep engagement very stock feeling.

I'm pretty sure I'll go with the full spec setup for simplicity now though.

*** What do you guys think, is the Spec StgII + clutch disc and Flywheel a good deal at $700, including alignment tool,pilot/throwout bearing etc?
These part numbers, New never used, in the original box, yada yada.  I've got a lot of pictures of it.  Looks like just a scratch in the paint on the PP housing.
Spec Clutch: SZ453H
Aluminum flywheel: SZ81A

[mprhead5]

the FM happymeal is only 600 or 650 with the stage 2 one. it comes with the 2 bearings and an alignment tool.

[QQQQ]

I had the FM stage 2 in my hands for 5 minutes and then ordered the ACT stage 3. I know they run them in their own cars with success..but based on my own history with performance stuff, I opted for more severe race oriented hardware. Not knocking their goods,(God knows I have bought a LOT of it...)just saying every one needs are different.

[mprhead5]

I drove an stage 3 clutched 1.6 with an S3 turbo kit and that clutch was really touchy.  Don't ever expect your wife to drive the car after that stage 3 clutch install. the engagment range was like 2/3" or something. Not saying I couldn't get used to it but damn

[QQQQ]

^That's because you are a wimp.