AFSil80
09-23-2009, 12:58 AM
Since I feel that I should only write tech reviews on parts that I have bough brand new, I realized that I was long overdue on writing this one.
I bought a SPEC Stage 2+ directly from the manufacturer for my first CA18 in Jan. 08. I chose SPEC because of it's reasonable price, and I prefer dealing with products that are manufactured in the US, mainly for when it comes to dealing warranty work (if the subject were to arise) in a timely fashion.
Initial impressions were that the clutch pedal feel was very supportive without being overbearing, and stiff enough to remove any soft feel. I was running a factory flywheel (still am) because SPEC does not offer one for my application.
I had zero issues during the break-in period of 500 miles, and this was all done on a stock CA, mind you. Shortly after the break-in, motor popped. Oh well.
Rebuilt motor, reused the clutch. I started beating on the engine more than before, and it took everything I threw at it without faltering.
After 1200 miles were on the clutch, my second motor popped (cracked valve guide). Got an entirely new swap from RIP Garage, and once again, I put this clutch back in.
This was when the clutch met it's true test. I autocrossed the car, drag raced it, and drove it every day and it has withstood everything I have thrown at it over the last 4000 miles that I've had this current motor, and it's only getting started. I'd say that it's by far the best aftermarket clutch for a mid-low hp range vehicle that sees daily use. I've driven a multitude of cars with similar stage clutches, ranging from a stock Integra Type-R to a Supra TT, and for someone that hates a stiff pedal during traffic, this clutch was a godsend. But while most people equate a stiff pedal to superior grabbing quality, that may be true, but after multiple water box burnouts, spirited driving sessions, and quarter mile passes, it has taken it all like a champ.
If you are in the market for a clutch, I STRONGLY SUGGEST you check into SPEC.
Cliffnotes for Stage 2+:
Daily driveability - 10/10, stronger than stock, but too strong
Track abuse - 10/10, never slipped
Cost - 8/10, some 240 owners may scoff at the pricing and cheap out with an XTD
Hope this helps anyone looking for a new clutch.
I bought a SPEC Stage 2+ directly from the manufacturer for my first CA18 in Jan. 08. I chose SPEC because of it's reasonable price, and I prefer dealing with products that are manufactured in the US, mainly for when it comes to dealing warranty work (if the subject were to arise) in a timely fashion.
Initial impressions were that the clutch pedal feel was very supportive without being overbearing, and stiff enough to remove any soft feel. I was running a factory flywheel (still am) because SPEC does not offer one for my application.
I had zero issues during the break-in period of 500 miles, and this was all done on a stock CA, mind you. Shortly after the break-in, motor popped. Oh well.
Rebuilt motor, reused the clutch. I started beating on the engine more than before, and it took everything I threw at it without faltering.
After 1200 miles were on the clutch, my second motor popped (cracked valve guide). Got an entirely new swap from RIP Garage, and once again, I put this clutch back in.
This was when the clutch met it's true test. I autocrossed the car, drag raced it, and drove it every day and it has withstood everything I have thrown at it over the last 4000 miles that I've had this current motor, and it's only getting started. I'd say that it's by far the best aftermarket clutch for a mid-low hp range vehicle that sees daily use. I've driven a multitude of cars with similar stage clutches, ranging from a stock Integra Type-R to a Supra TT, and for someone that hates a stiff pedal during traffic, this clutch was a godsend. But while most people equate a stiff pedal to superior grabbing quality, that may be true, but after multiple water box burnouts, spirited driving sessions, and quarter mile passes, it has taken it all like a champ.
If you are in the market for a clutch, I STRONGLY SUGGEST you check into SPEC.
Cliffnotes for Stage 2+:
Daily driveability - 10/10, stronger than stock, but too strong
Track abuse - 10/10, never slipped
Cost - 8/10, some 240 owners may scoff at the pricing and cheap out with an XTD
Hope this helps anyone looking for a new clutch.