Educate me on clutches

[KrayzieFox]

I've been slowly looking for a new clutch for my MP3 so I can take my time and replace it while the car is in storage over the winter. I plan on doing some other tranny work too so I figured I would put something good in there and just get it done and over with right away.

Anyway, I need help.. cuz I don't know what's good or not. The MP3 is my first 5-speed car and I just got it a couple months ago so I'm pretty much still a n00b in the world of manual transmissions.

What should I look for in a clutch? I see some with 4 springs, some with 6.. what's the difference? How do you tell if a clutch is worn or how much "life" it has left? Do brands matter much (i.e. Clutch Masters vs. ACT vs. Exedy vs. Spec, etc.)?

[Super Matty P]

What should I look for in a clutch? I see some with 4 springs, some with 6.. what's the difference? How do you tell if a clutch is worn or how much "life" it has left? Do brands matter much (i.e. Clutch Masters vs. ACT vs. Exedy vs. Spec, etc.)?

Let me help here with a little starter info. A clutch has 3 main parts (ignoring the TOB). The flywheel, pressure plate and clutch disk. The flywheel is the mating surface the pressure plate forces the disk onto to transfer power. Think of a friction disk as 100% grip divided by 360* of friction area. A 4 puck clutch disk would spread 100% grip (our clamping force) by say 180* of friction area. It will grab much harder because you have the same clamping load but less area to spread it out over.

This results in a more "touchy" or "grabby" feel although improved clamping load. I prefer a full disk with an upgraded friction material for ANY vehicle driven on the street.

Don't EVER buy a used clutch. Brands matter plenty. Exedy is ok, CM is my brand of choice, SPEC is local to me and I've done HUGE gb's in the past through them but they have had NUMEROUS failures due to poor craftmansship and I'll never use them again. CM for me please.

[KrayzieFox]

Sweet, thanks for the input.. that helped a lot. What about the springs? What's their purpose?

[Super Matty P]

springs are in the pressure plate. Upgraded pressure plates provide more clamping force. They allow you to use full face discs with higher grabbing power.

[KrayzieFox]

So more springs = more grabby?

[Super Matty P]

not necessarily. Depends on the manufacturer and size of the clutch. A smaller clutch may use fewer, heavier springs. A larger disk may use more, weaker springs!

show me what you're looking at. Also, if you ask a manufacturer about their model number and they can't tell you the clamp load of the pressure plate then DO NOT BUT FROM THEM!

[KrayzieFox]

I would show you.. but there's a couple issues.

1. It's used, and you just made it quite clear to stay away from that.. which makes sense. I wouldn't buy used brake pads, why would I buy a used clutch?
2. It's on 24/7.. lol

[Super Matty P]

it's EXACTLY like buying used brake pads. I'm not worried about the pressure plate holding up,. They NEVER go out. But buying a used friction material is just poor judgment....unless you're dead broke and stranded.

[KrayzieFox]

Meh.. it's not so bad. I just wanna do shit right the first time.

[CulRidr]

it's EXACTLY like buying used brake pads. I'm not worried about the pressure plate holding up,. They NEVER go out. But buying a used friction material is just poor judgment....unless you're dead broke and stranded.

Or you need one to sell a car and don't feel like spending the extra dough.
Speaking of which, I have a clutch with 190,000kms on it for sale