Help me pick a clutch

shelbygt · 01-17-2010, 11:45 AM

I am thinking of replacing my stock clutch and flywheel shortly. The car has 40K miles on it, with almost 7K being boosted. My car put down 450whp/383 ft lbs of torque of the dyno last summer. I have a centrifugal blower on the car, so take that into account because the torque is signifacntly lower than a twin screw. I am looking for an aftermarket clutch that drives close to stock, but will last at the drag strip without slipping. My car is a daily driver and I encounter a lot of traffic on the way to and from work. I don’t want a clutch that is a pain to drive in traffic. So far, by reading up on previous thread the choices seem to be.

* Spec Stage 2
* Sped Stage 2+
* CF Dual Friction. I read that this drives like stock, but have read of failures.

I am also planning on running an aluminum flywheel to decrease rotational weight. Any input and real world experience would be greatly appreciated. If there is a setup out there that I missed, please chime in. Thanks in advance!

06GT89 · 01-17-2010, 11:47 AM

The spec 2 has not been a very good clutch for most people... It think there are a couple threads active right now about the all problems with that clutch. (personally after reading all those threads I'm steering clear.

I've heard the centerforce DFX is a great clutch but probably not good for your daily driver.

I personally am looking at a Fidenza or an RPS (leaning towards the RPS).

adam892 · 01-17-2010, 12:04 PM

I've been running the Centerforce DF for about 10 k miles with a whipple. Everything been perfect so far. The feel is slightly heavier though. Also if you are doing track duty you might consider keeping the steel flywheel.

black05 · 01-19-2010, 10:57 AM

I had CF Dual Friction and it lasted500mi and the pedal was rough. Ive now went with the spec 3+ and i love it..

dan46 · 01-20-2010, 09:54 AM

I have a Centerforce DF in the car along with a Fidanza aluminum flywheel.
After 1 year it started slipping badly.
I have quite a lot of drag strip use on the car with 500rwhp so I can't really blame the clutch for that.
The problem with the Centerforce (revised version with 9 weights) is that it is extremely heavy compared to both stock and the Spec 3+.
I now have Ron's (94tbird) Spec 3+ along with his aluminum flywheel which I will be installing shortly.
If the car is used at the dragstrip frequently be prepared for annual flywheel friction surface replacement if the clutch is going to be slipped.
I would then recommend a single piece steel flywheel which is less prone to warping.

MustangJohn09 · 01-20-2010, 10:03 AM

You'll hear a lot of votes for the Spec 3+ I'm sure...

05roush · 05-19-2010, 07:14 PM

Have you heard of the P51 or Mcleod clutches? I have heard they are pretty good as well.

Nemesis · 05-18-2011, 10:58 PM

From all the research I've done on this subject, all the good and bad, I'd have to say Mcleod RST/RXT with a steel fw. I just recently bought the RST, new throwout bearing and a SPEC steel fw. I decided on this setup from other peoples experience. If you're going to drag race your car on a regular basis, go with the RXT. Downside to the RXT is its longevity , and about $200 more. Definetly replace your tbearing, McLeod says you can reuse your flywheel if its in good condition, but they recommend a 99-04 GT OEM fw since it has a bigger contact area, or any aftermarket fw with a center I.d. of no bigger than 6 1/4 in. And the SPEC unit is exactly that, 6 1/4in. Remember, this is just information I've gathered, but talking to a local speed shop and alot of forums asking the same question, this is what I'm going with, good luck!

david01130 · 05-25-2011, 05:48 PM

Ill be going with the RST. Anyone know how long the stock clutch lasts?

Nemesis · 05-27-2011, 02:04 PM

My S281 has 70k miles, and the clutch is pretty much done. However, the original owner had a twin turbo setup that had 550whp, so I'm sure the turbos didn't help the longevity of the stock clutch. The nitto 555Rs and two trips to the track didn't help either.