I'm not sure how many people remember me from my past posts many years ago but I am a long time member who still has my turbo charged 1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse. Maybe my signature picture will help bring back some memories.
Before asking my clutch question, let me list the current specifications of my car.
Specifications -----------------
1996 Mitsubishi Eclipse GS - VT Engines Built Bottom End + 8.8 : 1 Compression Ratio + Forged Internals (JE Pistons and Eagle Rods) - Hahn Stage 2 Turbo Kit (s16g) running at 10 psi - Side Mount Intercooler - Hahn Port Fueler - GReddy Turbo CAT back exhaust (Eclipse GST model) - Clutch Masters Stage IV clutch (6 puck ceramic)
My Eclipse is driven approximately 60 miles daily through stop and go New Jersey / New York highway traffic and recently my clutch has started to slip when placed under load (boost). This is kinda disappointing to me since the clutch only has 30,500 miles on it. It has been babied all its' life - never raced, never dropped at a light, always boosted from a rolling start, etc.
Here's what I'm looking for in a new clutch. I would like a clutch that would hold my current 10 psi power with the ability to hold 15 psi in the future. I would also like a clutch that has more longevity (perhaps 100,000 miles) and not as severe an engagement as the Clutch Masters Stage IV. I believe that the slight chatter from a start at each light in stop and go traffic has caught up to this clutch. I even called Clutch Masters to get an idea of the average life of this clutch and they didn't have an answer but they seemed surprised that I achieved 30,000 miles.
Clutch Options ------------------
- Clutch Masters + Stage II - Modular Clutch - Extra long life street system - FX200 Clutch Disc (Steel backed Carbon Kevlar disc) - 70% Increase in holding capacity over stock
+ Stage III - Modular Clutch - Heavy-duty street & racing system - FX300 Clutch Disc (Steel Backed Segmented Kevlar Disc) - 110% Increase in holding capacity over stock
- ACT + DN2-HDSS - Non-modular clutch (must purchase flywheel) - Heavy Duty Pressure Plate - Performance Street Disc (Organic Friction Material) - Clutch (Pressure Plate and Disc) is recommended for an Eclipse GST - 310 ft/lbs torque capacity - Highest non-race clutch setup + Next clutch with more holding power is a six puck setup which is very similar to my current setup
1) Given my setup and driving characteristics, will these clutches be enough for my 10 to 15 psi power? (I feel that they may be enough since they are also listed for the Eclipse GST which produces 210 HP and 214 ft/lbs)
2) Are there better options for a clutch that has 10 to 15 psi holding power that engages with little to no chatter and has 100,000 mile longevity (don't want to change a clutch every 30,000 miles)?
3) If the clutches listed are sufficient, which one would you choose and why?
4) If you have a Clutch Masters Stage III, how's the engagement?
Please speak your mind as I would like to get the right clutch this time around. Also, it may be helpful to post your car setup and clutch type with current mileage.
#8960, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 0
Ceramic clutch disc have a horrible wear life. You cant expect to see anywhere close to 100k miles on them. Your not running much power so I would definitively go with a kevlar clutch. They have very smooth engagement and last a long time. I have personally ran several Zoom clutches (Advance sells them) and have never had a problem. Best thing about kevlar is even if you burn it down the track, once it cools down its back to normal, wont glaze or burn up. I am currently running stg 4 sintered iron disc.
#8961, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 1 May-14-12 01:06 PM by Gruff511
Im running the Spec stage 2+ and Ive never had a problem with it. Ive done many hard launches and pulls and running 10psi with my evo3 16g turbo and its still holding up. AND the engagement is VERY VERY Smooth. It feels a little stiffer than the stock oem clutch, it has no harsh engagement. its also a Kevlar and Carbon-Graphite material And its rated at 375ft/lbs so it should be enough for running up to 15psi on the 16g.
#8962, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 0
Clutchmasters makes great products as does South Bend. In the future, listing power output as 10-15 psi means absolutely nothing. Selecting a clutch based on boost pressure is irrelevant. Do the math and estimate your BHP levels (or better yet refer to a dyno pull) and subsequently select a clutch for that holding power.
#8969, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 3
Originally posted by CODE4 Clutchmasters makes great products as does South Bend. In the future, listing power output as 10-15 psi means absolutely nothing. Selecting a clutch based on boost pressure is irrelevant. Do the math and estimate your BHP levels (or better yet refer to a dyno pull) and subsequently select a clutch for that holding power.
+1 on the SouthBend, used that for the last 70k miles (DD and track), and it's held up wonderfully. I think it's actually easier to use than the stock, and hasn't slipped on me yet.
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'95 GS w/ t3/t4b FMIC, diy piping & RFL BOV MS2-Extra Fuel&Spark 50 lb/hr Holley injectors w/ 1:1 RRFPR JE 8.8:1 dish w/ Hastings Rings Eagle Rods w/ ARP bolts ARP Head studs Mild port/polish head 3" custom DP/cat section, 3" PIT catback dual MBC - 12 psi / 20psi
#8970, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 4
Originally posted by justins71 +1 on the SouthBend, used that for the last 70k miles (DD and track), and it's held up wonderfully. I think it's actually easier to use than the stock, and hasn't slipped on me yet.
Hey Justin,
Considering the cost of these clutches, 70,000 miles sounds much better than my 30,000 miles. Which model of South Bend Clutch are you using?
#8971, "RE: Clutch Replacement Options - Question / Suggestions / Mileage" In response to Reply # 5
Originally posted by KTECLIPSE Hey Justin, Considering the cost of these clutches, 70,000 miles sounds much better than my 30,000 miles. Which model of South Bend Clutch are you using?
Nevermind. I did a search by your username and found a post where you stated that you are running a South Bend Stage 3 OFE.
Thanks for your response! It's definitely good to hear from someone who has experience with South Bend's clutches. This will give me a good starting point to discuss with South Bend.
