Spec Clutch Problems

bulldog_yyc · 09-18-2009, 02:25 PM

UPDATE: JAN 2010, SPEC clutch was removed as it would not disengage. Back to OEM clutch..... installed Sept, Removed Jan (<3 months of use, ZERO track time, perhaps several thousand miles ONLY)

mwahlert · 09-18-2009, 03:38 PM

i hope for your sake that the stage 3+ for our car is nothing like it is for the 03-04 cobra...

my friend has a 04 mustang cobra w/ a spec stage 3+ and it is the biggest peice of junk i've ever driven....

its not even close to what i would consider a street clutch... its noisy, chatters like crazy, and is either on or off...

Mr. 5 · 09-18-2009, 06:46 PM

So did you get the aluminum flywheel or is it steel?
I'm reading that the kits are either for the original flywheel or for the billet flywheel 14lb, but isn't the aluminum flywheel lighter?

If you are going with the aluminum flywheel, the chatter is going to be so loud IMO, but let's hope not.
The reason why I say this is because I can hear the chatter sometimes even with the stock 28 lb DMF!

GeorgiaTech335coupe · 09-18-2009, 07:52 PM

Good luck with spec. From my brothers experience (05 Mustang GT w/whipple SC), Spec is a terrible company. Their clutch was a POS and they did absolutely nothing to fix the problems he was having (his clutch expolded at the dragstrip).

lamia2super · 09-18-2009, 08:56 PM

I have this and for awhile now and haven't experienced any problems

Asclepius · 09-18-2009, 10:21 PM

Hmmm...Im curious to see how this review is gonna go. I hope this sytem works without issues for ya.

asr engineering · 09-25-2009, 11:49 AM

We worked with Spec to develop this clutch quite sometime ago since we've had great success using their clutch kits for our Porsche applications. The one that is in lamia2super's car is a Stage III with aluminum flywheel we installed several months ago. Although, I would've recommended a Stage II+ since that is more than enough clutch for a stock turbo car with full bolt on's. I believe he chose the Stage III because he plans on upgrading his turbo in the future. We've installed several of the Stage II+ kits and they feel and engage just like stock. I would only recommend Stage III for our turbo upgrades if you plan on going all the way up to Stage III (650hp to the flywheel).

Also, Spec offers two options of clutches. The first option is for a stock style self-adjusting clutch kit that will only work with a stock flywheel. The second option is a non-self adjusting clutch kit that is designed to work with the aluminum flywheel option. Our personal shop car with turbo upgrades uses the Stage III with aluminum flywheel option.

cisc0tek · 09-25-2009, 05:53 PM

Maybe it was just the mustang being a pos....

I had a Z28 with a spec clutch and wouldn't recommend anything else. I just replaced the disk and kept the stock and lighter pressure plate. The result was a lot of grip without the on/off feel and chatter. And this was a 550hp heads/cam , 150 shot LS1 doing 1.6-7 sixty foots. If you can just replace the disk..

Panoz · 09-26-2009, 08:30 AM

Why go Spec and not Sachs ???

http://www.sachsperformance.com/EU/s...oupe/index.htm

stealth-twntrbo · 09-26-2009, 01:14 PM

I had a SPEC stage 3 on my 92 stealth tt 405 awhp 407 awtq and the pressure plate was junk after 5500 miles it fell apart. Spec wouldnt cover it under warranty. Spec is junk my friends stage 3 on his 240sx rb20 was junk after 6000 miles

NonStopTuning · 09-26-2009, 02:24 PM

Good luck with your new toy! We have used SPEC clutches and flywheels on a lot of our drift cars, as well as street cars, here in our area. Our cars have competed in Formula Drift, FD Pro Am, and the D1GP USA. Never had any issues with their product or service.

GeorgiaTech335coupe · 09-27-2009, 01:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cisc0tek

Maybe it was just the mustang being a pos....

I had a Z28 with a spec clutch and wouldn't recommend anything else. I just replaced the disk and kept the stock and lighter pressure plate. The result was a lot of grip without the on/off feel and chatter. And this was a 550hp heads/cam , 150 shot LS1 doing 1.6-7 sixty foots. If you can just replace the disk..

Haha, I don't think that was the problem. He's doing 1.5 60' and 11.3 now with only a whipple SC, tune, one piece drive shaft, MT bias-plies and some suspension work on 93 octane. The spec clutch wasn't the right length. It was a little shorter than stock, so it couldn't disengage completely. The biggest problem was Spec told his mechanic that that wasn't the problem, but he had installed it wrong. Then they completely blew him off and stopped answering calls. Completely unprofessional. I'm not saying they don't have good products for other vehicles, but in this application their design was off and they handled it as their customer didn't mean shit to them.

ultimateracing335 · 09-27-2009, 12:38 PM

ive had the spec installed alll summer and so far its taking a beating. Love it!!!! All the vette guys at my performance shop are using the same setup as i am with 850 plus hp motors.

Ferre86 · 09-27-2009, 03:07 PM

enjoy it!

Ironring Racing · 09-28-2009, 06:59 PM

My stock clutch went at 35k kms (20k miles), and just a couple of weeks ago replaced with the SPEC Stage 3+ (OEM flywheel). It was a hard decision whether to order the LW flywheel or not, and really wish I could have driven or even heard one, but after talking to several people (mostly on this forum) who went with the LW flywheel, most regret it.

So far (200miles and first track session yesterday), it seems good. Pedal pressure is almost identical to stock (was actually hoping for a little harder), take-up is noticably more abrupt at the transition point, making it a little hard not to spill your drink on take-off, but I'll just have to hone my left foot skills. Getting a little vibration sometimes at take-up, but I'm sure it will break in.

Overall, assuming the vibration goes away, and it can take the abuse, I'll be happy.

ultimateracing335 · 09-28-2009, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironring Racing

My stock clutch went at 35k kms (20k miles), and just a couple of weeks ago replaced with the SPEC Stage 3+ (OEM flywheel). It was a hard decision whether to order the LW flywheel or not, and really wish I could have driven or even heard one, but after talking to several people (mostly on this forum) who went with the LW flywheel, most regret it.

So far (200miles and first track session yesterday), it seems good. Pedal pressure is almost identical to stock (was actually hoping for a little harder), take-up is noticably more abrupt at the transition point, making it a little hard not to spill your drink on take-off, but I'll just have to hone my left foot skills. Getting a little vibration sometimes at take-up, but I'm sure it will break in.

Overall, assuming the vibration goes away, and it can take the abuse, I'll be happy.

It will smoothen out. It makes my last uuc clutch feel like shit. I t was shit!!!

Mr. 5 · 09-28-2009, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ironring Racing

My stock clutch went at 35k kms (20k miles), and just a couple of weeks ago replaced with the SPEC Stage 3+ (OEM flywheel). It was a hard decision whether to order the LW flywheel or not, and really wish I could have driven or even heard one, but after talking to several people (mostly on this forum) who went with the LW flywheel, most regret it.

So far (200miles and first track session yesterday), it seems good. Pedal pressure is almost identical to stock (was actually hoping for a little harder), take-up is noticably more abrupt at the transition point, making it a little hard not to spill your drink on take-off, but I'll just have to hone my left foot skills. Getting a little vibration sometimes at take-up, but I'm sure it will break in.

Overall, assuming the vibration goes away, and it can take the abuse, I'll be happy.

How's the chatter with the lightweight flywheel?

Ironring Racing · 09-30-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. 5

How's the chatter with the lightweight flywheel?

Went with the Stage 3+ which uses the stock flywheel. Never got the opportunity to see/hear/drive a car with the LW flywheel, so had to go from the feedback of others on the forum who had done it. All I talked to regreted it. I'm not too proud to learn from others.

bulldog_yyc · 01-06-2010, 09:15 AM

UPDATE: SPEC clutch is out. it would not disangage properly. Back to OEM and car feels fine... I am dealing with SPEC to see if it was a problem with their kit

Alpina_B3_Lux · 01-06-2010, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turkish335

UPDATE: SPEC clutch is out. it would not disangage properly. Back to OEM and car feels fine... I am dealing with SPEC to see if it was a problem with their kit

Please keep us updated - I'm interested in a clutch upgrade on a long term basis, i.e. when I'll go down the turbo upgrade route.

Alpina_B3_Lux

TurboSid · 01-06-2010, 10:31 AM

sucks to hear, good luck. I may be needing a clutch soon

bulldog_yyc · 01-13-2010, 12:40 PM

Update:

SPEC is blaming the installer, however, installer is a very well known and skilled and has an excellent reputation. He operates one of the best shops here in the Toronto area. He re-installed my OEM clutch and car feels fine, if not perfect. His opinion is that there is something wrong with the clutch itself. I am considering getting the SPEC clutch "tested" by a third party for tolerances.

Mechanical issues aside, here is a word of advice. When buying an upgraded clutch (or any other part for that matter), carefully read what the return policy is. SPEC is saying if there is something wrong, they will repair the clutch and send it back to me, rather than issue a full refund. I have been completely dissatisfied with the way SPEC is handling this as they blamed me (for damaging the clutch??? even though my installer says he can tell I baby the car from looking at the clutch and the flywheel) and then my installer for being negligent? So that's where it stands today... I know I will never buy a SPEC product again. A simple google search reveals that I am not the only one having this issue.....

any ideas would be greatly appreciated

09-18-2009, 02:25 PM	#1
bulldog_yyc Major General 130 Rep 5,040 Posts Drives: GT3RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: probably work iTrader: (28)	UPDATE: JAN 2010, SPEC clutch was removed as it would not disengage. Back to OEM clutch..... installed Sept, Removed Jan (<3 months of use, ZERO track time, perhaps several thousand miles ONLY) Last edited by bulldog_yyc; 03-16-2010 at 03:28 PM..
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09-18-2009, 03:38 PM	#2
mwahlert Lieutenant Colonel 95 Rep 1,659 Posts Drives: 2009 335i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: NC iTrader: (8)	i hope for your sake that the stage 3+ for our car is nothing like it is for the 03-04 cobra... my friend has a 04 mustang cobra w/ a spec stage 3+ and it is the biggest peice of junk i've ever driven.... its not even close to what i would consider a street clutch... its noisy, chatters like crazy, and is either on or off...
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09-18-2009, 06:46 PM	#3
Mr. 5 Modder Raider 758 Rep 8,633 Posts Drives: M3 Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Surf City, HB iTrader: (31) Garage List 2007 e90 335i [8.00]	So did you get the aluminum flywheel or is it steel? I'm reading that the kits are either for the original flywheel or for the billet flywheel 14lb, but isn't the aluminum flywheel lighter? If you are going with the aluminum flywheel, the chatter is going to be so loud IMO, but let's hope not. The reason why I say this is because I can hear the chatter sometimes even with the stock 28 lb DMF! __________________ e36 M3 Coupe, e36 325i Sedan e90 335i--SOLD Best 60-130-------------9.15 Seconds------------------WWW.MR5RACING.COM
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09-18-2009, 07:52 PM	#4
GeorgiaTech335coupe Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: Black BMW 335i coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Good luck with spec. From my brothers experience (05 Mustang GT w/whipple SC), Spec is a terrible company. Their clutch was a POS and they did absolutely nothing to fix the problems he was having (his clutch expolded at the dragstrip). __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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09-18-2009, 08:56 PM	#5
lamia2super Colonel 142 Rep 2,661 Posts Drives: 335i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Miami Beach, FL iTrader: (4) Garage List 2007 335i [10.00]	I have this and for awhile now and haven't experienced any problems __________________ FOR SALE https://www.e90post.com/forums/showt...0#post25342440
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09-18-2009, 10:21 PM	#6
Asclepius Lieutenant Colonel 83 Rep 1,861 Posts Drives: 2008 E92 335i Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Toronto iTrader: (5) Garage List 2008 E92 335i [10.00]	Hmmm...Im curious to see how this review is gonna go. I hope this sytem works without issues for ya.
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09-25-2009, 11:49 AM	#7
asr engineering Second Lieutenant 21 Rep 261 Posts Drives: BMW M5 Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Miami, FL iTrader: (0)	We worked with Spec to develop this clutch quite sometime ago since we've had great success using their clutch kits for our Porsche applications. The one that is in lamia2super's car is a Stage III with aluminum flywheel we installed several months ago. Although, I would've recommended a Stage II+ since that is more than enough clutch for a stock turbo car with full bolt on's. I believe he chose the Stage III because he plans on upgrading his turbo in the future. We've installed several of the Stage II+ kits and they feel and engage just like stock. I would only recommend Stage III for our turbo upgrades if you plan on going all the way up to Stage III (650hp to the flywheel). Also, Spec offers two options of clutches. The first option is for a stock style self-adjusting clutch kit that will only work with a stock flywheel. The second option is a non-self adjusting clutch kit that is designed to work with the aluminum flywheel option. Our personal shop car with turbo upgrades uses the Stage III with aluminum flywheel option.
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09-25-2009, 05:53 PM	#8
cisc0tek Private 3 Rep 84 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Coupe Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (2)	Maybe it was just the mustang being a pos.... I had a Z28 with a spec clutch and wouldn't recommend anything else. I just replaced the disk and kept the stock and lighter pressure plate. The result was a lot of grip without the on/off feel and chatter. And this was a 550hp heads/cam , 150 shot LS1 doing 1.6-7 sixty foots. If you can just replace the disk..
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09-26-2009, 08:30 AM	#9
Panoz Lieutenant Colonel 84 Rep 1,575 Posts Drives: E92 Space Grey 335i ,Aero Kit Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: EU iTrader: (0)	Why go Spec and not Sachs ??? http://www.sachsperformance.com/EU/s...oupe/index.htm __________________ Procede V4 , Catless DPs, Forge FMIC, Injen Intake, VK Oilcooler, Hartge Quads Exhaust, Modded CDV, Synapse BOV Kit, BMW Performance 335i SSK Kit, P3 vent boost gauge Space Grey 335i -> See more pics HERE
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09-26-2009, 01:14 PM	#10
stealth-twntrbo Captain 139 Rep 717 Posts Drives: 2020 740xi Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: NA iTrader: (3)	I had a SPEC stage 3 on my 92 stealth tt 405 awhp 407 awtq and the pressure plate was junk after 5500 miles it fell apart. Spec wouldnt cover it under warranty. Spec is junk my friends stage 3 on his 240sx rb20 was junk after 6000 miles
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09-26-2009, 02:24 PM	#11
NonStopTuning Enlisted Member 2 Rep 31 Posts Drives: BMW Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	Good luck with your new toy! We have used SPEC clutches and flywheels on a lot of our drift cars, as well as street cars, here in our area. Our cars have competed in Formula Drift, FD Pro Am, and the D1GP USA. Never had any issues with their product or service. __________________ www.NonStopTuning.com
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09-27-2009, 12:38 PM	#13
ultimateracing335 Second Lieutenant 35 Rep 220 Posts Drives: blk 335i sedan with mods Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: toronto canada iTrader: (0)	ive had the spec installed alll summer and so far its taking a beating. Love it!!!! All the vette guys at my performance shop are using the same setup as i am with 850 plus hp motors. Attached Images
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09-27-2009, 03:07 PM	#14
Ferre86 Captain 38 Rep 944 Posts Drives: E93 M3/H2/SL350/Panamera 4/ Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Turkey iTrader: (0)	enjoy it! __________________ http://www.youtube.com/user/Ferre86 \| e93 M-DCT ESS VT2-625 \| Akra Slip-on \| Challenge Race Catless x-pipe \| Challenge front lip \| Challenge Diffuser \| Carbon front grilles \| defi gauges control unit \| Macht Schnell gauge panel \| E93 M3 trunk Spoiler \| IND Carbon Fiber Side Markers \|
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09-28-2009, 06:59 PM	#15
Ironring Racing N54 FTW! 25 Rep 389 Posts Drives: BMW 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Calgary, Canada iTrader: (3)	My stock clutch went at 35k kms (20k miles), and just a couple of weeks ago replaced with the SPEC Stage 3+ (OEM flywheel). It was a hard decision whether to order the LW flywheel or not, and really wish I could have driven or even heard one, but after talking to several people (mostly on this forum) who went with the LW flywheel, most regret it. So far (200miles and first track session yesterday), it seems good. Pedal pressure is almost identical to stock (was actually hoping for a little harder), take-up is noticably more abrupt at the transition point, making it a little hard not to spill your drink on take-off, but I'll just have to hone my left foot skills. Getting a little vibration sometimes at take-up, but I'm sure it will break in. Overall, assuming the vibration goes away, and it can take the abuse, I'll be happy.
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01-06-2010, 09:15 AM	#19
bulldog_yyc Major General 130 Rep 5,040 Posts Drives: GT3RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: probably work iTrader: (28)	UPDATE: SPEC clutch is out. it would not disangage properly. Back to OEM and car feels fine... I am dealing with SPEC to see if it was a problem with their kit
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01-06-2010, 10:31 AM	#21
TurboSid Brigadier General 1114 Rep 3,261 Posts Drives: 2022 M4Cx BSM/FR Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Florida iTrader: (4) Garage List 2008 335i [0.00]	sucks to hear, good luck. I may be needing a clutch soon __________________ 2022 BSM/FR M4 Competition X-Drive 2017 MW/SO M4 ZCP [SOLD] • 2015 MW/SO M4 M-DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2011 AW/CR 335is DCT FBO [SOLD] • 2008 AW/CR 335i 6MT FBO [SOLD]
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01-13-2010, 12:40 PM	#22
bulldog_yyc Major General 130 Rep 5,040 Posts Drives: GT3RS Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: probably work iTrader: (28)	Update: SPEC is blaming the installer, however, installer is a very well known and skilled and has an excellent reputation. He operates one of the best shops here in the Toronto area. He re-installed my OEM clutch and car feels fine, if not perfect. His opinion is that there is something wrong with the clutch itself. I am considering getting the SPEC clutch "tested" by a third party for tolerances. Mechanical issues aside, here is a word of advice. When buying an upgraded clutch (or any other part for that matter), carefully read what the return policy is. SPEC is saying if there is something wrong, they will repair the clutch and send it back to me, rather than issue a full refund. I have been completely dissatisfied with the way SPEC is handling this as they blamed me (for damaging the clutch??? even though my installer says he can tell I baby the car from looking at the clutch and the flywheel) and then my installer for being negligent? So that's where it stands today... I know I will never buy a SPEC product again. A simple google search reveals that I am not the only one having this issue..... any ideas would be greatly appreciated
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