Need new clutch. Recommend a clutch kit please.

[Rdrcr]

I knew my 55K stock clutch was not going to last very long with the FFS setup and now it is time to replace it (I smoked it playing with a SL55...I know, I shouldn't have, but, you should have seen the look on the poor guys face....:)).

Which clutch kit has worked best for you guys for a DD Miata?

I'm considering an ACT or FM clutch kit....or should I expand my search?

Mike

[socal pat]

I'm going on 4 years with an ACT stage one. The new FM clutch is also supposed to be well setup for easy clutch footing and hold.

[Tom @ Fast Forward]

+2 for the ACT. Close to 100,000 miles in my 99 and what I have in the 90 also. Bill also has the ACT S1 in his 2000.

[FormerDatsun510Man]

Actually, I have the FM happy meal on my car. At the time that I bought it from them, it comprised of the ACT HD clutch + 8lb steel flywheel (there was also a 12lb flywheel option). I had an ACT XT before on my car that was the first clutch I put in it back in 2002. That clutch was unbearably heavy and turned out to be overkill. It was what prompted me to get the stainless braided line and also adjust the clutch pedal so that it would almost immediately start putting hydraulic pressure on the pressure plate as soon as you started to press the pedal. Even so, it still engaged near the floor.

The ACT HD is much, much better. It is not light, actually still quite a bit heavier than stock, but it is reasonable. It also required me to adjust the clutch pedal, like the ACT XT, so that it would engage as far off the floor as possible. In other words, even with the maximum adjustment, it still engages pretty close to the floor. I'm used to it now, so that when I drive any stock Miata I find myself revving up in place when I release the clutch pedal and try to take off as I expect LOL. Tom commented on similar behavior when he first drove the '90 after the clutch got changed from stock to the ACT HD.

That all said, the ACT does hold the torque and works very well once you adapt to it. The only thing I would change now on my setup is to go back to the stock flywheel.

However, it does look like FM has redone the clutch and it sounds interesting. It is something I would probably try if I had to do it again.

http://www.flyinmiata.com/index.php?deptid=4531&parentid=0&stocknumber=08-19010

Bill

[oldtimer02]

Best clutch bar none-Centerforce! I abuse mine regularly, I have used them on drag cars, solo cars, jeeps.
Stock like petal pressure & clamps like a vise. Any one who drives my car has said that they wished they had the Centerforce over their set up including the other brands mentioned here. Not expensive compared to ACT or FM! About $350 for clutch, PP & throwout bearing. I am also using a FUJI 8# flywheel.

[zendik]

CENTERFORCE anything else is a mistake, unless you want to develop a strong left leg. I have an ACT and it is the worse thing that I ever put on my Miata.
Zendik

[FormerDatsun510Man]

Interesting, maybe I'll try a Centerforce next time around.

[jportwood]

Research shows the Mazdaspeed clutch holds the hp/tq. typical for what you would see running 115 pulley plus it's got less pedal pressure than the act hd or fm 1.

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
How much power is the Mazdaspeed clutch rated for, what does it cost, and where can you purchase it?

I know the ACT clutch works, I had one in my '03. I'm interested in the FM setup but, I really never considered the Centerforce....I'm going to research them further.

Thanks for all the information regarding the clutches.....it might make my decision tougher....LOL!

Mike

[jportwood]

A search on Mnet will bring much info on the Mazdaspeed clutch.It's common to hear of this clutch holding 190+TQ at the rear wheels

[Rdrcr]

^^^^
I'll check Mnet for more info, thanks.

Mike

[99mx5]

I have an ACT HD with a ACT street disc. It has held up to abuse and I've never had a problem. After installation, clutch pedal engagement height adjustment was pretty much required. The feel is noticeably harder than stock, but not an issue.

[tann3r]

I guess I'm the odd ball on the clutches. I went w/ a Fidanza 1.6L (7.3 lb.) flywheel and 1.6L Clutchnet Red 2x pressureplate. Total combined weight was around 15-16lb. All that with a smaller diameter, thus less rotating inertia.

Holds the power fine and the throttle response is outstanding. Only down side is it chatters a little if you dont drive it propperly. I only notice it in reverse, never in the forward gears.

I've beat on it at the track for the last year or so and I only want to go lighter :D .

[beatle]

I think you've already heard me talk about the FM level 1 on Miata.net. Though I'm still having install issues (isn't that always the case?) it has a very smooth engagement and stock-like pedal pressure.

[99mx5]

After about 8K miles on the ACT clutch I swapped out the stock flywheel and installed a ACT 10lb flywheel and reinstalled the clutch. Engagement is smooth without chatter and I have not noticed any any transmission buzz or any other adverse effects.

[Rdrcr]

^^^^^
The ACT is reliable and you know what you are getting....that is why I like them.

I think you've already heard me talk about the FM level 1 on Miata.net. Though I'm still having install issues (isn't that always the case?) it has a very smooth engagement and stock-like pedal pressure.

Yes, I've read and responded in your thread. My only hesitation on the FM is the few "adjustment" issues I've heard from fellow owners. I want something that has the least amount of potential issues that will hold the power.

Mike