Considering performance clutch..., OEM or aftermarket? You decide! Options

[sdragon007]

Howdy,

I'm the proud owner of a 96' Celi GT hatchback. Just passed 80k on the mileage and it needs a new clutch. I'm considering whether to go with the stock OEM clutch kit or to swap to a stage I aftermarket clutch (Exedy, ACT, Clutchmaster).

Currently, I have only a CAI, but will install the following parts soon (next year or so):
Pacesetter Header
Magnaflow Hi-Flow Cat
Custom 2.5" piping
Bomz Teardrop Exhaust

Now, the real question is whether the extra cash for an aftermarket clutch is worth it. I've read from these forums that the OEM clutch should be sufficient.

I'm also thinking that the Stage I clutch may be longer lasting due to its increased strength. Perhaps the extra $100 might be justified by the extra mileage off the clutch?

Let me know what you fellow 6C'ers think.

Sincerely,
Ed

[sdragon007]

Well, I've got the clutch from Pimped with no problems. Install was done at a local shop for a couple hundred bucks. Total cost?

$430 ($230 Parts + $200 Labor)

Not too shabby.

Feel?

Honestly, scared the sh!t out of me the first time I tried to move.

My previous OEM clutch required ~4-5 inches of travel before any engagement was noticed. The Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch engaged within ~1-2 inches of travel. Pretty much jumped my car forward like a n00b. Then stalled.

Tried again. Gave a little more gas and worked the clutch a little softer. Clutch engaged HARD, peeled out without meaning to.

Now I'm thinking, "What the hell?!?!"

Less gas, let the clutch out even softer, managed to move forward slowly without peeling out or stalling. Woo hoo. I can actually drive this thing.

On the drive home (all of 8 miles), managed to stall or peel out on almost every single stop light. Go me!

After driving around for about a half hour, I got to the point where I can go from a full stop to moving without peeling out or stalling. Wow. I'm so skilled.

Overall, this clutch engages HARD. Way more over the OEM clutch. The dual-friction variety from Centerforce is rated for dedicated racing applications and is not recommended for street usage. I can see why. Clutch travel for engagement is around 2 inches and it engages very hard. Not enough gas and it will stall quickly. Too much gas and it will peel your wheels out. Very tough to get a fine balance to drive on street.

Do I like it? Hell yes. While it adds to the difficulty of daily driving, it isn't impossible to drive. Nor is the difficulty insurmountable. I look upon it as a chance to hone my driving skills and be more attentive to detail. The engagement is very solid with no slippage. For the price I paid, I'm very happy with the results. However, I do NOT recommend this for the daily driver. Nor do I recommend this for novice drivers. It requires conscious thought and a period of adjustment to get used to it. And it may scare the sh!t out of you.

That's all for now.

-Ed

P.S. Thanks Pimped! Great deal.

This post has been edited by sdragon007: Feb 13, 2005 - 3:58 PM