What clutch to get?

CigarJohnny · #1 03-28-2005, 05:13 PM

I am in the market for a new clutch and need to get one fast. I am looking for a clutch set to fit the 95 Impreza as that is the year/model tranny that is in my SVX. My search has yielded 2 main choices. First is an "Exedy" 225 street clutch that has a solid surface and runs about $220 for a complete clutch set. Second choice is an "ACT" Street/Race clutch set available in 300ft/lb or 400ft/lb size in a 4 puck or 6 puck configuration and runs about $300.

The current clutch is a 6 puck kevlar racing clutch that Huck installed a couple years ago. It probably has no more than 10,000 miles on it and was already shot when I bought my SVX from him. In addition to slipping badly, it chatters like a mother f'er when it warms up and is totally irratating to drive. I understand that racing clutches can be expected to chatter when making civilized starts from a dead stop, especialy when cold. In keeping with the civilized nature of the SVX, even with a 5MT, I would like to maintain a civilized ride. I am leaning towards a normal organic full-faced clutch like the Exedy for those reasons but worry that it won't last long under the pressure of the H6 engine. Anything has to last longer than the current clutch though so it couldn't be any worse. Or could it? I need some input from the other 5MT owners as to what to get. I need to replace the clutch before the Reading meet so time is of the essence, especially if I have to have a clutch set shipped. Money is also a concern as I cannot afford to spend more than necessary. Input as to what I should go with would be greatly appreciated.

Also, how much should I expect to pay to have a clutch installed since I most likely will not have the time to do it myself?

Thanks in advance.

Johnny

Earthworm · #2 03-28-2005, 05:41 PM

I've driven a few 5MT SVX's and still like the stock WRX clutch the best. The other 2 I drive were my dad's (Mike's old green 95) with a stage 2 and Astralbody/PatrickB/tomssvx's with a real bad stage 2 (apparantly fixed now).

GreenMarine has experience with a few different clutches as well.

#3 03-28-2005, 05:51 PM

Get an RPS.

Best stock replacement sport clutch I've ever used, by far. Lasts significantly longer under heavy use than Exedy, etc. as well. Their 6-puck cerametallic Turbo Max clutch is the one I'd recommend... excellent power holding characteristics with an extremely smooth engagement. No chatter. Their organic Turbo Max will work great for your application as well.

Their website is http://www.turboclutch.com

If you are interested we are a dealer for RPS, Exedy/Daikin, ACT, Centerforce, Clutchmasters, SPEC, and Tilton.

Jason Porter

TopSpeed
2130 Brandon Trail
Alpharetta, GA 30004
info@topspeedsales.com
tollfree 866-94-SPEED

CigarJohnny · #4 03-28-2005, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porter

Get an RPS.

Best stock replacement sport clutch I've ever used, by far. Lasts significantly longer under heavy use than Exedy, etc. as well.

Their website is http://www.turboclutch.com

If you are interested we are a dealer for RPS, Exedy/Daikin, ACT, Centerforce, Clutchmasters, SPEC, and Tilton.

Jason Porter

TopSpeed
2130 Brandon Trail
Alpharetta, GA 30004
info@topspeedsales.com
tollfree 866-94-SPEED

How much money are we talking about for an RPS Sport clutch set, Porter? The 400lb/ft ACT clutch (model SB011) is about $290 but according to the ACT website they don't even make clutches for Subarus.

I am not looking to drag race my SVX or do crazy launches. I just want something that will stand up to regular and spirited driving while engaging smoothly. Oh yeah, and the less money the better.

Johnny

CigarJohnny · #5 03-28-2005, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthworm

I've driven a few 5MT SVX's and still like the stock WRX clutch the best. The other 2 I drive were my dad's (Mike's old green 95) with a stage 2 and Astralbody/PatrickB/tomssvx's with a real bad stage 2 (apparantly fixed now).

GreenMarine has experience with a few different clutches as well.

David, is "stage2" the brand name? I always thought it meant that it was one step up from stock performance.

Earthworm · #6 03-28-2005, 06:04 PM

Sorry, I don't know the brand names. Ask Mike or Tom. I know Tom's is BLUE

#7 03-28-2005, 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarJohnny

How much money are we talking about for an RPS Sport clutch set, Porter? The 400lb/ft ACT clutch (model SB011) is about $290 but according to the ACT website they don't even make clutches for Subarus.

I am not looking to drag race my SVX or do crazy launches. I just want something that will stand up to regular and spirited driving while engaging smoothly. Oh yeah, and the less money the better.

Johnny

The cheapest RPS clutch that will fit your car is the RPS Sport Organic, it lists for $387, part number SS-20903-ST. It is identical in holding capacity to their WRX sport unit, at 260lb/ft. Their rated torque capacities are a bit under-rated so you should be OK with that unit. I will get a quote for you tomorrow, it should be a bit less than list price.

My personal preference is for the RPS Max organic, with double the torque capacity, but the price is up to $472 so that may be out of your range.

Don't be put off by their website and the misspelling of Impreza, apparently they had a trained monkey coding when they put the site together. They make an excellent product.

ensteele · #8 03-28-2005, 08:40 PM

I have the ACT in my Laguna Blue 5MT and it is great.

CigarJohnny · #9 03-29-2005, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ensteele

I have the ACT in my Laguna Blue 5MT and it is great.

Earl, is it the SB011 or another model?

mbtoloczko · #10 03-29-2005, 11:04 AM

Jason,

Have you driven cars with the Exedy, ACT, and RPS clutch? Just curious if you have any comment as to which is the least prone to chatter.

svxsubaru1 · #11 03-29-2005, 11:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Earthworm

Sorry, I don't know the brand names. Ask Mike or Tom. I know Tom's is BLUE

Sounds like a spec clutch. Iam running a spec stage 3 with the 6puck, ceramic disk. Its not the most streetable clutch, some chatter and very grabey, but it holds the power. I origanley was running a spec stage 2 (like stock for drivability), but that dident hold the power at all, so they upgraded me to a stage 3 for free so thats what iam running right now. Hopefully it holds for a while. Iam running a 1st gen legacy trannie.

CigarJohnny · #12 03-29-2005, 01:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Porter

The cheapest RPS clutch that will fit your car is the RPS Sport Organic, it lists for $387, part number SS-20903-ST. It is identical in holding capacity to their WRX sport unit, at 260lb/ft. Their rated torque capacities are a bit under-rated so you should be OK with that unit. I will get a quote for you tomorrow, it should be a bit less than list price.

My personal preference is for the RPS Max organic, with double the torque capacity, but the price is up to $472 so that may be out of your range.

Don't be put off by their website and the misspelling of Impreza, apparently they had a trained monkey coding when they put the site together. They make an excellent product.

Porter, see what you can work out price-wise on the SS-20903-ST clutch. Does that price include everything (pressure plate, disk, release, pilot bearing and alignment tool)? I can get OEM clutches locally for $150 for the whole set. It really sucks that to just get a heavier spring you have to pay 3 - 4 times as much.

There is always the guy in NC that Greenmarine recommends but he wants the original pieces so he can be sure his new clutches match the original fitment. He wants only $200 for the whole package including a 6-puck kevlar disk and heavy duty pressure plate but I can't send him my old stuff.

Johnny

mbtoloczko · #13 03-29-2005, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarJohnny

...

There is always the guy in NC that Greenmarine recommends but he wants the original pieces so he can be sure his new clutches match the original fitment. He wants only $200 for the whole package including a 6-puck kevlar disk and heavy duty pressure plate but I can't send him my old stuff.

Johnny

That's the clutch disk that's in your car now.

I hate to mention it, but if you are intent on getting rid of the chatter, you might want to starting considering the possibility that you'll need a new flywheel too. Just depends on the condition of the flywheel in your car.

newsvx · #14 03-29-2005, 02:25 PM

Hey Guys,
This thread brings up a question:

Is the manual for the SVX prone to the "chatter" problem and using up clutches quickly?

Harry

ensteele · #15 03-29-2005, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CigarJohnny

Earl, is it the SB011 or another model?

I am not sure which one I have. I will try to find out. It is the one that Smallcar put in when they installed the clutch.