clutch going bad?, time for an upgrade? Options

[BBoYRuGGeD]

aright fellas need some advice from my trusted fellow 6gcers

ok so i've got a 3SGTE under the hood and im using the GT tranny with an oem replacement clutch from exedy. for a month or so now the clutch doesnt feel the same as it did 8 months ago. the pedal feels softer (not a limp noodle, just softer), it takes longer revving now to get into 1st gear, and sunday after the GSP meet after some hard driving it starting to make some kinda squeaking noise right when im letting go of the clutch, tho it goes away after the gear engages. aright the last part only happens sometimes but a gut feeling tells me it's gunna get worse over time anyone have any suggestions and/or advice about the squeaking? think it might go away if i replace the tranny fluid? i'm trying to get the most out of this clutch until its time to purchase a new one.

second...i wunna get a clutch that'll hold the power and last very long ('til the tranny blows or when i convert to the e153). speaking for the GT tranny, i've read from spec's site that the stage 2 and 2+ will last longer but is for light-moderately modded vehicles. the stage 3 and 3+ (with better wear characteristic) is for heavy modded vehicles and "offers good wear characteristic" <-- meaning wont last as long? anyway what stage do u guys recommend? since i think my oem clutch may just crap out on me within a few months

also i jsut wunna add the GT tranny is holding damn good now for almost 8 months. goes into gear with no problem and i have no grinding problem. i got the tranny with 75k miles on it and feels as strong as it did 8 months ago right after my swap was completed im confident this tranny will last me 'til its time when i HAVE to upgrade to a stronger one

bboy

[lagos]

you hear this tweak? this is why ive been saying not to use an OEM clutch in a swap. i had pretty much the same problem as bboy after installing a new OEM PP with a act street disk after about 6 months of driving.

bboy, call spec and get them to make you the custom disk. they pretty much know exactly what you need by now since i ordered mine, and got other people turned onto doing the same thing. do NOT go any higher then a stage 3, 6 puck disk.

a stage 2 disk is probably perfect for normal street driving, while still being able to hold the power of the 3sgte.

a stage 3 disk is less forgiving and wants to grab right away. its less streetable, but after you get used to it, youll really like it. if i had to give an honest opinion of mine, id say i love it, but i can see how its a little over kill for the power im making.

clutch masters is another good brand, but for some reason they want about 600$ for a clutch kit for us... it seems very over priced.

ACT is alright. one thing that i dont like about their higher end puck clutches is that the presure plate is very heavy giving you serious work out on your foot and their clutches are not spring loaded so they will not engage as smoothly .

as for the chirping you hear when u let the clutch out at idle, i have had the same thing. the problem happens from lack of lubrication to the fork, or throwout bearing. an easy fix is to adjust your clutch pedal freeplay untill the noise goes away .