coldy13

My stock clutch is starting to slip more and more. It started as just slipping after 1hr or more of stop and go driving. But now it just feels very weak(can't grip) and starts slipping at high rpm after 30mins. I really need to get a new clutch. Now, I don't want another stock clutch. What is the best performance clutch I can get for under $300 total(links are good). I will be installing it myself. The car is mostly stock(for now, more upgrades coming when more $ does) It is driven mostly on the street, but I drive very hard from time to time. I am just starting to get into auto-x and want a clutch that will be able to last. An increase in pedal pressure or being harder to engage without being jerky at the start will not bother me at all. Also, should I get braided stainless clutch lines or not? I've heard to NOT get a puck type clutch as they are very hard on the drivetrain, any truth to that?

Thanks,
Matt

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

I don't know what prices are like right now, but I'd recommend ClutchMasters Stage II or CenterForce Stage I - they are pretty grippy, but they are quite forgiving in terms of your rear.

coldy13

Well, I got bored and I'm still not tired, so I decided to do some looking around on a few sites to see what they have to say about their clutches. I think I'm going to get my clutch from mazdatrix. Street/Strip Pressure Plate(part 12608), 4puck disk w/sprung center(part 99006), new pilot and t/o bearings, and a stainless clutch line. It puts is slightly over my $300, but to me it looks like a nice combo.

One more question - Do I need to replace the pilot bearing? Everything is smooth now, no odd noises, just runs smooth and silent. I'm only asking this since there's no way in hell I'm gonna pay for that tool, and I've heard it's a pain to get out without it.

hybridracer

A 4 puck man? Your not considering driving that on the street are you?........... Also it is general practice to replace the bearings, also your tranny seals. I really wouldnt go with a 4 puck unless your making some extreme power and its just a race car. I would go with a street/strip combo. Thats what i have on my daily driver and it grips really good. Just my 2 cents



Regards
Matt

aooa100

I had a new clutch installed but the guys that did it did a second rate job. The pressure is just too low. Does anyone know how I I can remedy this? Thanx in advance.

hybridracer

I do believe I read something about being able to fix that in my Haynes Manual, but it was for a second gen. Lemmie take a look and ill get back to you later today.

diabolical1

iTrader: (3)

coldy13 ~
i'd have to agree with hybridracer on this one. a 4-puck is a serious piece of hardware, and unless you're making the power to warrant it's use, it might prove to be a slight pain to drive daily.

aooa100~
what kind of clutch did you get? particularly what kind of pressure plate? do you know what's the condition of your hydraulics?

Wankelguy

It's a good idea to replace the pilot bearing while you have access to it. Some auto parts stores will have a pilot bearing removal tool available for rent fairly cheap.
The pilot bearing can be a bitch to get out even WITH the proper tool, but at least you'll know it's good. -WG

coldy13

My car is my daily driver, will be driven on the street all the time. The 4 puck still has a sprung center to give a little smoother engagement than a normal 4 puck. I'm also just getting started in autocross and am starting to mod the car. I want to be competitive, and not worry about my clutch ever slipping, it's getting VERY annoying even just driving it on the street now. An increase in pedal pressure won't bother me, either will having it be harder to engage. As long as it has some slip, and not more of an on/off switch, it will be fine with me. I was really just wondering if it will hurt the drivetrain using this type of clutch. A little more wear than normal is fine, I just dont want to be tearing the other parts up all the time.

genrex

Coldy, I think you are mistaken.. the sprung disc will not make the engagement noticeably smoother.. the engagement will be very harsh, very much on/off. It will be a headache driving your car around town. I had a 4-puck for only ONE DAY in my streeter.. that's all I could take.

I made a mistake, but it could have been worse - I probably saved my expensive 16# steel flywheel by removing the 4-puck so quickly - I've since heard that the puck-style discs cause extreme wear to flywheels.. and l/w flywheels ain't cheap.

Denny

I see you live in Cols., Coldy....
Go to Mid-State Auto Supply, between Morse and 161, just off Sinclair. They're in the phone book. Talk with Bob or Bill, both have been around a long time and are well respected. Auto-X isn't dragging, and 98% of the time you'll be on the street....Get yourself a Sachs Clutch from Mid-State. It's stronger and better than stock, but not a toggle switch (On/Off) It's easy to put on, and does a wonderful job going up and down thru the gears.....

Otherwise, buy my '84 SE....It's already set up for auto-X, and corners like a shifter kart...

Denny,
From the 'ol corncrib...

851stgen12a

I have the Boenz clutch from WWW.Rx7.com. have used it almost every day for the last year on the street, and also regureally auto-x. I am extremely impressed with this clutch.
It has a pretty smooth engagement for the street, but just plain kicks *** at the auto-x.

coldy13

Hey 851stgen12a, which one do you have? Are you using the standard street clutch or the performance? I really don't want to spend over $300 on it.

MIKE-P-28

iTrader: (1)

Ive been street driving with my 4 puck, whats wrong with that. Takes some getting used to, it bites kinda hard, but yuo will become used to it pretty quick..

www.horsepowerinabox.com Email tim and tell him what you want, I guarantee you , you will not find a better clutch cheaper anywhere.... He doesnt list 12A parts but can get you virtually anything.. You probally can get a better flywheel and a clutch combo for a little more than a clutch would cost you here

adam c

iTrader: (2)

I ran a stock Mazda clutch on my street port 13b (225hp). It ran fine. Sold the car after 40k. Still running fine. Definitely replace the pilot bearing & throw-out bearing. Good time to consider a light flywheel too.