SPEC Ponderings...

[Maxx Mazda]

So I've decided on the Stage 3+, despite my dislike for the 2+ that I have, SPEC is the only company that makes a clutch capable of handling the power of my car.

I phoned them up to see if I could also order a replacement friction surface for my flywheel, and to inquire about the lightweight option. Basically, for $75, on any clutch, they drill out your pressure plate taking off 1.1lbs of weight. Does this seem worth it?

Also, I figured I needed about 400ft lbs of torque capacity, so I went with the Stage 3+ for the regular protege, which holds 429 lb ft. The 3+ for the Mazdaspeed holds 475 ft lbs but is like $150 more, so I said fuck that. It's wierd that they have 2 different clutches (they'll all work on any protege) for the MSP and regular protege. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

[turbolife]

So I've decided on the Stage 3+, despite my dislike for the 2+ that I have, SPEC is the only company that makes a clutch capable of handling the power of my car.

I phoned them up to see if I could also order a replacement friction surface for my flywheel, and to inquire about the lightweight option. Basically, for $75, on any clutch, they drill out your pressure plate taking off 1.1lbs of weight. Does this seem worth it?

Also, I figured I needed about 400ft lbs of torque capacity, so I went with the Stage 3+ for the regular protege, which holds 429 lb ft. The 3+ for the Mazdaspeed holds 475 ft lbs but is like $150 more, so I said fuck that. It's wierd that they have 2 different clutches (they'll all work on any protege) for the MSP and regular protege. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

I don't know why they charge more for the MSP clutch vs. the regular protege clutch. What did you end up paying? I have a local shop that has killer pricing on Spec if you need help.

Also, Comp Clutch makes higher HP clutches too.

Where do they drill the PP out to drop weight? I didn't hear anything about that option when I just bought mine. Do you think the 1.1lbs would be worth $75 to you? I know people have complained about not noticing any difference with the semi-light flywheel that is around (don't know what make/model it was, maybe Mazdaspeed), and that is a 4ish lbs difference, IIRC. Something to think about.

All-in-all, I am happy with my MSP Stage 3 clutch, which they rate up to 395 ft lbs. I was a little leary about its engagement at first, but I have grown accustomed to it (granted, I don't have many miles on it yet).

What don't you like about your stage 2+??

[Maxx Mazda]

I don't liek the 2+ simply because the car has "outgrown" it and it doesn't hold the power anymore. I pulled it apart and the flywheel surface is blue and worn out. The pressure plate is the same. I think the 2+ is only good for 320 lb ft anyways...

I don't think I'll do the lightweight option when you put it that way.

Be honest, how hard (really) is the engagement on the normal stage 3? Did you go with the 4 or 6 puck? Basically, I drive the car to work every day (in the summer) and traffic can be a bitch, but I'd almost rather have the stage 3 than the 3 plus. I can get the MSP stage 3 cheaper than the Normal 3+, and the straight 3 holds only slightly less. Basically what I mean, is the lb. ft to dollar ratio is better on the normal stage 3.

[Captain KRM P5]

let me know if you want a deal on a spec clutch

[turbolife]

I don't liek the 2+ simply because the car has "outgrown" it and it doesn't hold the power anymore. I pulled it apart and the flywheel surface is blue and worn out. The pressure plate is the same. I think the 2+ is only good for 320 lb ft anyways...

Makes sense. That's what my stockie was doing. It looks like it has plenty of life left now that's out...it just wouldn't hold anymore.


Basically what I mean, is the lb. ft to dollar ratio is better on the normal stage 3.
I like that description, lol.


Be honest, how hard (really) is the engagement on the normal stage 3? Did you go with the 4 or 6 puck? Basically, I drive the car to work every day (in the summer) and traffic can be a bitch, but I'd almost rather have the stage 3 than the 3 plus.

I have the 6 puck. The way Spec makes them, the 6 puck is standard, but you can request the 4 puck. At least that is what I understood.

Honestly, its not that bad as far as drivability...more details below. Also, I drive the car everyday, to work, in snow, etc, etc, etc. It is my only car and a true DD.

Let me preface my driving opinions first by saying that I have an SLS front mount and AWR rear mount, with AWR side inserts (not installed yet). The AWR rear went in when the tranny was out, so I had to get used to that and the clutch at the same time. Also, I put in a S/S clutch line and I was getting used to a Fidanza LWFW too.

Off the bat, it was a real PITA to drive.

I couldn't get the car to back up for the life of me. It would either chatter or slip, I couldn't find the right balance of throttle and clutch to back up smootly.

I also had some troubles pulling out smoothly, but not too bad. I would try to use too little throttle (trying to baby the clutch) and the whole car would shake like hell when it bogged down. Then I tried some more throttle and it seemed like it wanted to slip. It felt like I forgot how to drive stick, lol.

After maybe 50ish miles, I could smootly pull out and shift smoothly, like normal. I still had some issues though.

Reverse was still a bitch to use. Also, I noticed I was having extreme difficulty in pulling forward just a bit (like if you were in traffic). If someone in front of me would pull out, and I then had to roll up to the stop sign and wait for traffic it would be a pain. It seemed like the clutch wanted to be completely engaged or disengaged, it didn't like being engaged just enough to roll the car forward.

Now (after 430ish miles) it seems to be much better. After all those complaints, I still say it is daily drivable. I don't know if the issues I had at first were getting used to the clutch, the flywheel, the rear MM, or some of all. I am happy with it now though, and think it is fine to daily-drive.

I can smoothly drive in bumper-to-bumper traffic now (just went to a Phantoms game last week, and the Sixers let out at the same time. You know how traffic like that is...I had no issues).

Backing up on a steep incline isn't the easiest, but normal reversing is fine now. I can roll the car out of my parking spot now with no chatter or slippage.

Gear changes are nice and smooth, and this thing grabs soo much harder. I haven't had a chance to quickly go though the gears yet (still under 500 miles on the clutch), but rolling into second gear never used to spin the tires. Now it does.

Pedal feel is great, and pedal effort is minimally stiffer than stock. Not enough to worry about. If you could deal with the stock pedal effort in traffic, you can deal with this pedal effort. It requires much less force that a ACT 2100 or 2600 in a DSM, or a Centerforce in a fox-body Mustang. It does however require more force than the Exedy in my friends K20A2'ed EP3 hatch (only things with aftermarket clutches I have ever really driven to compare it to).

It definately drives easier in warm weather vs. cold. We were blessed with 60 degree weather the other day, and it reminded me how much my car hates the cold.

The only complaint I have right now is some minor clutch squeal. It is very infrequent, and only when letting the clutch come out quick. I am told this is a trait of a puck-style clutch, and not Spec in particular. A quick google search seems to verify this.

All-in-all, I like it so far. You can definately tell its not stock, but its not difficult to drive once you are used to it.

Hope that helped, let me know if you have any other questions.

[Maxx Mazda]

My stage 2 does the "chatter" thing ALL THE TIME when hot / cold, etc. THat was one of the reasons I hated it. I could put up iwth it if it actually held the power, but it simply wouldn't. As such I began to dislike the clutch.

I appreciate your write-up on the Stage 3. Is yours the Mazdaspeed Version, or the normal Protege version?

Can anyone with the 3+ compare?

[turbolife]

Mine is the "Mazdaspeed" version. Part number - SZ333.

IIRC, a few people on here have the S3+, but I don't remember their names. I know Kooldino runs a spec. MspHtown also just put one in too I think...not sure if my memory serves me on that one.

[o.g.sk8er]

My stage 2 does the "chatter" thing ALL THE TIME when hot / cold, etc. THat was one of the reasons I hated it. I could put up iwth it if it actually held the power, but it simply wouldn't. As such I began to dislike the clutch.




MY stage 2 SPEC has done the same thing since day one and I putting down a whopping 116whp! (P-5) lol It also does the chatter thing in reverese so bad, sometimes I will actually push the car out of my driveway to avoid this hideous chattering. It also smells constantly.
Really, I have said it before and I will say it again, SPEC IS CRAP. (at least the stage 2 is anyway) Some have had very good luck with the stage 1 and stage 3, but the 2 really is worthless. I mean if it cant hold my 116whp, then it's a big piece of crap. I will be installing the stock clutch again very soon.

Buy something else...

[turbolife]

MY stage 2 SPEC has done the same thing since day one and I putting down a whopping 116whp! (P-5) lol It also does the chatter thing in reverese so bad, sometimes I will actually push the car out of my driveway to avoid this hideous chattering. It also smells constantly.
Really, I have said it before and I will say it again, SPEC IS CRAP. (at least the stage 2 is anyway) Some have had very good luck with the stage 1 and stage 3, but the 2 really is worthless. I mean if it cant hold my 116whp, then it's a big piece of crap. I will be installing the stock clutch again very soon.

Buy something else...


It slips at your power level? When do you get slippage, in higher gears? That sucks bro. Is your old stock clutch still ok?

[o.g.sk8er]

Thanks man. I get slippage everywhere, low and high rpm's, high, low gears, doesnt matter. It slips. I have a brand new stock clutch waiting to be installed. I had my original stock clutch for about 70xxx abusive miles and never had any real trouble. Just the occasional chatter that these cars have when bone stock.

[ForceFed]

I have a Spec Stage 3 That is waiting to go in my car..Its the Part # SZ943F....I can't seem to find spec numbers anywhere though...I used to see them on vendors sites..But not now.
I am hoping with the Puc k with the sprung center..I get Great holding power...and still allows me to get good smooth engagement after getting used to it.
Only time will tell.

[Maxx Mazda]

I have a Spec Stage 3 That is waiting to go in my car..Its the Part # SZ943F....I can't seem to find spec numbers anywhere though...I used to see them on vendors sites..But not now.
I am hoping with the Puc k with the sprung center..I get Great holding power...and still allows me to get good smooth engagement after getting used to it.
Only time will tell.

You have the Stage 3+ for the normal Protege then. Spec's website lists it all...

[ForceFed]

You have the Stage 3+ for the normal Protege then. Spec's website lists it all...
I couldn't get crap to come up on there website.
I was under the impression I had the Stage 3...Not the 3+.
Hmmm..I guess I should open it up and see if its a puck or not.
I thought it was a 6 puck.

[ForceFed]

We'll..I'll be damned...I got an Extra good deal then.
I just went and checked..Sure enough...FUll face Disk..so it is in fact the Stage 3+.....
I got it for a killer deal a while ago and haggled on it because we both(me and seller) thought it was the Stage three Puck Clutch....Which I really didn't want to run at the time.
Good deal for me.

[BOOSTR]

Did you guys also install new clutch master cylinders and slave cylinders when you swapped in the beefier clutch kits?

ogsk8er, same question and did you put in a new rear main seal and fresh axle seals when you did yours given the amount of miles?

On the spec website, just select Mazda, Protege and 2003 and hit SPEC MY CAR! to get the parts numbers and holding power ratings.

[ForceFed]

On the spec website, just select Mazda, Protege and 2003 and hit SPEC MY CAR! to get the parts numbers and holding power ratings.
I Entered the Make,model and year..Nothing happened...and I dont see a "SPEC my car" button or anything....or even enter...Just a Spec your car section...thats where I entered the info and nothing happened?

Screen Shot of what I did wrong maybe ?

[Maxx Mazda]

Did you guys also install new clutch master cylinders and slave cylinders when you swapped in the beefier clutch kits?

ogsk8er, same question and did you put in a new rear main seal and fresh axle seals when you did yours given the amount of miles?

On the spec website, just select Mazda, Protege and 2003 and hit SPEC MY CAR! to get the parts numbers and holding power ratings.

I'm going to drill out my slave cylinder so it releases quicker.

[ForceFed]

I'm going to drill out my slave cylinder so it releases quicker.
Oh yeah..I totally forgot about that...Its been soo long since I drove a Protege..I forgot about the delay.
Is the Slave what causes this for sure?
I know I posed this question about four years ago and we never really found out what caused it.
Let me see if I can find the thread.

[ForceFed]

Wow...Its old...and one of my first threads...I didn't even read it again..but This is from way back when.
http://www.mazdas247.com/forum/showthread.php?t=18136

[turbolife]

I'm going to drill out my slave cylinder so it releases quicker.

I'm intrigued...tell me more.

[Maxx Mazda]

I'm intrigued...tell me more.

Basically, there's a restriction in the slave cylinder that makes it so even if you sidestep the fucker, the fluid can still only come out so fast, and the clutch engages too slowly. Good for a street car, but not a race car. If you get too much slip, you drill out the restriction and call it a day. Here I'l lsee if I can't find a pic a shure...

[turbolife]

Basically, there's a restriction in the slave cylinder that makes it so even if you sidestep the fucker, the fluid can still only come out so fast, and the clutch engages too slowly. Good for a street car, but not a race car. If you get too much slip, you drill out the restriction and call it a day. Here I'l lsee if I can't find a pic a shure...

No picture needed, your description makes sense.

[ForceFed]

No picture needed, your description makes sense.
Speak for yo' self foo!
I want a pic!
Show it to me NOW!~

[cougar10agREDUX]

i was looking at getting a spec clutch and a buddy with a 350z said everyone on the Z forums hates their spec clutch. life is horrible, and many reported noise and engagment problems right after install, if not after a couple hundred miles. this was a while ago, but i went to a few forums and searched for spec clutch

[turbolife]

but i went to a few forums and searched for spec clutch


...and...they said....?

[ForceFed]

...and...they said....?
SILENCE.....I keel you!

[Maxx Mazda]

SILENCE.....I keel you!


Hahahahahaha I love that ackmed sketch.

I like where he's like

"so is it a nice training facility?"
"used to be"
"oh what happened"
"new guy"

HAHAHAHAHA I laughed so hard!

[ForceFed]

LOL..!!!
Jeff Dunham is one of my Favorite COmedians..and has been since I was a teen.

Ever seen him in person?
He's great..I will travel just to see the the same damn act over and over..Hes great.

[turbolife]

SILENCE.....I keel you!

lol

[Maxx Mazda]

So back on topic, I think I'm gonan go with the Stage 3+ for the normal Protege. I can't justify spending that much extra for a small bit more torque capacity... And if I exceed 425 lb ft this year, the clutch will be the least of my worries.

[turbolife]

So back on topic, I think I'm gonan go with the Stage 3+ for the normal Protege. I can't justify spending that much extra for a small bit more torque capacity... And if I exceed 425 lb ft this year, the clutch will be the least of my worries.

Sounds good, good luck with the install. Hopefully she drives well and holds!!

[cougar10agREDUX]

oh crap, for some reason this didn't get subbed wiht instant notification. yeah anyway the majority of the threads i read people disliked their spec's. search some z forums, a lot of threads about spec clutches

[Maxx Mazda]

Ya, I wasn't happy with my 2+ either, but the fact is there aren't any other clutches out there that will hold what I need it to. ACT only goes to 350lb ft at the most, and Bully sucks.

[cougar10agREDUX]

yeah, i don't recall seeing any slippage issues, it was all drivability, noise, engagment and really short life problems.

[turbolife]

Ya, I wasn't happy with my 2+ either, but the fact is there aren't any other clutches out there that will hold what I need it to. ACT only goes to 350lb ft at the most, and Bully sucks.

Is your new Spec in yet? How do you like it?

[Maxx Mazda]

No I've got no engine in the car. My 2+ slipped liek a mofugger, but then again it's only good for 320 lb ft...

[xxxmonoxidechil]

only clutch ive ever had fail, has been two spec's. you litterally couldnt pay me to run one in my car. and im not kidding.... (i havent even had a OEM clutch ever fail, yet even a brand new spec can hold?)

[Maxx Mazda]

Well I just ordeed my Stage 3+ and a replacement flywheel surface on Thursday... They still havn't charged my card yet, but he said they won't until they're ready to ship.

[ForceFed]

Agh Crap..you ordered a Fidanza Friction Surface..I have a new extra one..LOL!
I Could have hooked you up better.

If you want the extra surface I have...Get with me and make me an offer.
I have 2...1 I need..the other is extra.

[Maxx Mazda]

I don't know that it's compatible with the SPEC flywheel... Besides it was only $65...