What Clutch?

[MX-Drew]

I'm looking to replace my clutch as part of the preparation of the car before the installation of the FFS coldside kit. My car is a 1.8 2004 MX-5

My question is what clutch to you guys recommend?

Also what are your opinions on this?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/EXEDY-CLUTCH-FIDANZA-FLYWHEEL-94-05-MAZDA-MIATA-1-8L_W0QQitemZ150211638694QQcmdZViewItem?hash=item15 0211638694

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

If you do any stop and go traffic driving, skip the Fidanza flywheel. I have one in my 99. Runs great, idles perfect, PITA to get started from a dead stop as there is no inertia. I am used to mine now and have no problem but everybody that drives it for the first time, can't get started without stalling it. When I run up to Phoenix and get stuck in that move 5 feet and stop traffic, I get real tired of it.

Not familiar with that particular clutch.

[MX-Drew]

That's a good point re the flywheel, I had a lightened flywheel on a car before and that could be a PITA in heavy traffic. I got used to it to the point I had forgotten about it :biggrin:

It is tricky for me as I will have the gearbox out (changing to a 6 speed box). Would you say that apart from the stalling problems, is there much difference, throttle response wise over a standard flywheel?

[MX-Drew]

I am used to mine now and have no problem but everybody that drives it for the first time, can't get started without stalling it.
Sounds like a challenge :biggrin:

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

I had the stock flywheel on the 05 and could not tell the difference. I think the light flywheel would be an advantage on a stock Miata but, with 140-150 ft-lbs of torque available at 1000 RPM with the Coldside, spinning up the stock flywheel is no longer a challenge.

You probably have time to make that decision after you fly over here. You can see for yourself on my 99 about the flywheel and the ACT XT.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

BTW, let's all welcome Drew to the family. He is our first customer in the UK.

[ScottA]

Welcome to the family Drew !!!!!
On the clutch choice I would stay away from the ACT HD with the organic plate. I put one in my 2001 and have had a squaking noise at the point of ingagement ever since. This problem has been a common problem for this clutch as reported on MNet. Clutch works fine- just an annoying noise. If you are going to change it anyway, look for something with a larger clamping force than the stock setup.

[Steve in VC]

Are you going to replace the differential along with the transmission? The 5 speed uses a 4.3:1 rear end, the 6 speed a 3.909:1.

I replaced my 4.3 with a 3.909 (torsen), and other than a softer launch (which will will be fixed when I buy a cold side from Tom shortly), I am very happy, especially with the lower RPM on the freeway.

Let me know what clutch you get, and how it works.

Steve

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

I did the 3.9 to 3.6 swap and have no regrets. 5th is like a 5 speed and 6th cruises at 80 MPH at ~3600 RPM.

[Steve in VC]

I am jealous.

I spend a lot of time on the Highway 15 autobahn, I would like an even taller 5th gear. But too many things to do before to put the RX7 5th gear in.

Have you redlined it in 6th yet? Zoom zoom....

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

This is the best I ever did in California.

http://www.FastForwardSuperchargers.com/Garmin-99Miata.jpg

That was on stock suspension on I-10. I now have the JIC suspension but don't have the radar courage to try for better. At Firebird on the long straight (5/8 mile) I only make a little over 130 before I feel the need to slow for the left turn :) so it ain't gonna happen there either.

[GO MAN GO]

Not doubting anyone, but just for the record. (2001 miata)
I have the ACT HD clutch with 9.5 # indigo flywheel and experience
no clutch noise or problems with stop and go traffic. Only problem I
had was that the clutch engagement had to be adjusted by the pedal
quite a bit. After install I had to mash pedal to the floor just to disengage it.
Has worn in nicely since then and should really get down there and
re-adjust it back a little.

Right now I like the looks of this deal.
http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=255709

And WELCOME to FFS.
great bunch of guys here.

Jared.

[dazooom]

I've got a Spec II in my 2001. Feels OEM and it can handle all the torque from my MP62/R4 install. Gary at TDR has some of the best prices on Spec clutches. http://www.trackdogracing.com/website/main.

[Dr Evol]

I installed my ACT HD about a 18 months ago and it works great. I also had to adjust the clutch pedal after install. My clutch make no noise what so ever. I have been pretty hard on this clutch and it is holding up great to 210HP. I autocross about 25 times a year and hit the drag strip about two to three times a year. It's a great clutch for day to day city driving as well.

[Mark]

Another +1 for the ACT HD. I also have the lightened flywheel from ACT and if I didn't know any better, I'd say it all feels stock. I've not had too much stop-and-go to deal with since doing the clutch and then the SC install so I can't speak to that. But with autocrossing and a few track days, I've not had any problems or noise.

[lds2002black]

Just to add to the mix ... I have the ACT 600290 flywheel (13.5#) and the ZM2-HDSS (233 ft-lb) clutch. This assembly weighed 3# less than the stock assembly (29# vs 32# IIRC). I have no issues driving it and did not notice a lot of difference. Pedal feel is good and no issue for me with stop & go driving (don't do a lot of that).