I believe a clutch install will be on my agenda for this winter. I'm just not sure what I should get and looking for some recommendations/opinions on a replacement... '07 STi Stock Turbo (for now) 1000cc injectors DW300 FP GS EBCS 38mm EWG TBE (catless) E85 and 91oct tuned by Nuke Future plans possibly include a built bottom end and a 3071/3076/DOM3. I'm undecided on turbo/build options, but that's for another thread. Eventually, my goal is to be around 400whp. The clutch began slipping while Nuke was tuning it with e85. I'm just running pump (92) for now to try to nurse the clutch till winter. I don't regularly drag/track/auto x my car, but would like to enter a few events each year. I am more concerned with keeping it as streetable as possible as far as clutch feel goes. Any recommendations on what to get, taking future build plans into consideration? I'm leaning towards an FX300 or HDSS/XTSS. I had a decent experience with my old hybrid/built WRX and the HDSS, but not sure that's my best route here. I've also heard Southbend makes quality clutches, but cannot find much for reviews/info on them. Thoughts?
RS Motors just installed an Exedy Twin Disc HD clutch in my Evo, and I couldn't be happier. It's good to 500+ ft/lbs of torque to the wheels, which is enough for me. I'm currently at 344 awhp on RS Motors dyno.
I'm afraid that setup would be a bit too spendy for me, although I'm sure it's an amazing setup! Might be a bit overkill for my goals as well.
Now I'm really leaning towards the SB Stage 2 "Daily" or "Endurance" after finding this recent review... http://forums.nasioc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2607302 Anybody have any experience with South Bend clutches??
Yeah, had one in my old WRX too. Great clutch, but pedal was on the stiffer side. I've seen a few positive reviews of the SB clutches and that pedal feel is "near stock". Hoping to get someone else's perspective who's had personal experience with them. I think the SB Stage 2 Daily would be a good fit for my application and they are priced pretty reasonably, really, at under $600. Stage 2 Daily: Torque capacity: 495ft-lbs Stage 2 Endurance: Torque capacity: 565 ft-lbs Stage 2 Drag: Torque Capacity: 595 ft-lbs
Clutchmaster FTW. Very stock feeling pedal feel from their special pressure plates, great prices, and mine is holding up well thus far (FX400).
PS, I don't think the FX300 will be enough for a DOM3. Probably want to step up to the FX400 - sprung 6 puck. Yes, it is very grabby and engagement is quick, but you'll get used to it...nothing too terrible.
I can't seem to find any torque ratings for the CM clutches now. Do you know what the FX400 is rated for? Also, there are 4 different "models" of the FX400...which one do you have? HDC6 - Heavy Duty pressure plate - 6 Puck Ceramic Sprung HDCL - Heavy Duty pressure plate - Lined Ceramic Sprung Disc HRC6 - High Rev pressure plate - 6 Puck Ceramic Sprung HRCL - High Rev pressure plate - Lined Ceramic Sprung Disc
I got the HDC6. They rate their holding power based on a percentage over stock. FX400 is 170% over stock, and you can find their other ratings on their website. http://www.clutchmasters.com/fx400-subaru-wrx-sti-4cyl-2-5l-turbo-6-speed-2004-2015-15017-hdc6/ http://www.clutchmasters.com/2-5l-turbo-6-speed-2004-2015/
Decisions, decisions. I told myself I'd want to stay way from any "puck" designed discs due to the harsh engagement. Just not sure which way to go. SB Stage 2 Daily - $585 - Full face disc - Stock like pedal feel - Rated at 495 ft/lbs CM FX400 - $680 - 6 puck disc - Stock like pedal feel - Rated at ~500 ft/lbs ACT HDSS - $800 - Full face disc - Stiffer pedal feel - Rated at 515 ft/lbs I'm basically thinking out loud here. These all have similarly rated torque specs. The SB is the least expensive option of the three, full face disk for smoother engagement (this is a street car for the most part) and is rated for nearly as much tq as the other two. Also, NF recommended SB, so that has to say something! I'll hem and haw about it a while longer, but I think I'll giving the South Bend a shot...
I'll be ordering the South Bend Stage 2 Daily within the next couple of days. Looking for opinions on resurfacing the OEM flywheel...to do or not to do? I guess Subaru says not to, but wouldn't it safe to do as long as it's never been resurfaced previously? I'd like to stay away from an aftermarket LW flywheel, so only other option is to buy an OEM replacement which is ~$240. Thoughts/past experiences?
How many miles on the flywheel and has it been resurfaced before? It is very common to have the stock flywheel resurfaced and reinstalled. My flywheel had 53k and I had it resurfaced and reinstalled...no issues yet (about 6k miles on it since).
~60k on the stock FW. I can only assume that it hasn't been resurfaced previously, as I am the second owner. I am fairly certain the OEM clutch is what I will be replacing. I've heard mixed results when resurfacing...but it would save me $200+. I'll also be installing a Group N trans mount and TiC trans xmember bushings during the install so that extra $200 would definitely be nice to have!
I got my used flywheel resurfaced and it is perfectly fine. I wasn't aware that subaru says to not reuse the flywheel, as long as its not dual mass you can resurface. I also have a Clutchmasters FX400 clutch and it is great. Pedal feel is very nice and not hard to drive. I don't know a whole lot about Southbend but if NF recommended them I am sure it will be good. Nuke recommended the FX400 to me about a year ago.
NF recommended the Stage 3 Endurance to me about a year ago, but I think that's a bit overkill even for my future power goals. I didn't talk to Nuke or Fuji directly. I've seen a few quite positive reviews of the SB Stage 2 Daily and it should be enough to hold at least 400wtq (rated @ 500 crank tq)...if I ever take the plunge in the future. I'm going give the SB Stg 2 daily a try. And it sounds like the consensus here is to have the FW resurfaced. I'll go that route. Is there a thickness tolerance spec or something that it should be within? Any way to tell whether it's been resurfaced previously? Also, not having an adjustable cable style clutch, I would assume this would move the engagement point out a smidge (higher on the pedal)? Thanks guys.
I am sure there is a minimum thickness spec but the STI flywheel is stepped so they end up resurfacing the two faces equally and your engagement should stay the same.
I have the FX 6 puck and it is nothing like a normal clutch. Your engagement is ALOT higher and the typical shaking is present. It works good but does take time (depending on the person) to learn to drive it all over again. Killing it at red lights/stop signs all the time at the beginning. Just so you know, 375hp-415tq.
I agree, the engagement point is higher, and it does take some adjustment to get used to driving it (I still kill it every once in a while, but I also don't DD it). The engagement is quick...very quick. But it only shudders/shakes when I don't give it enough throttle. YMMV though. Do you have a lightweight flywheel?
I placed the clutch order this morning and also threw in the Group N trans mount and TiC crossmember bushings. Makes sense to replace them while I'm in there. The SB Daily appealed to me mostly because of the full face disc (not puck design) and stock-like pedal feel to keep it as streetable as possible. As for the flywheel, I had issues with my old WRX with a lightweight flywheel (paired with a ACT HDSS clutch) - shuttering, phantom misfire codes...I don't want to go down that road again, so sticking with stock fly. I know it will take some seat time to get used to the new clutch, but that's just a good excuse to go for a drive
You will appreciate the full face a lot more then the 6 puck. Longevity may not be there but I don't know your power numbers.
I don't either lol (street tune by Nuke)...I would estimate 360wtq-ish give or take...honestly not sure. My old hybrid built WRX had similar mods, but not e85 and 750cc injectors and that was 295whp/320wtq so comparing to that. I've never been able to do a clean 3rd gear pull on e85 due to the clutch slippage which started during the tuning session either.
