gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Not the most popular clutch out there but wondering how many of you guys are using it? I bought a DXD OFE Stage 3 with a UR Flywheel a year ago from ConceptZ and was quite happy with it, until recently. I've put a total of 4k miles on it and with my new engine the clutch cannot hold the power pass 6500rpm, either slipping or not engaging at all. The most obvious thing to check is the clutch torque rating and at 525TQ my power is no where close to that at the wheels or crank. Anyone else experience anything like that with this clutch?

duro78

iTrader: (6)

Not familiar with it but something really has to be said about popularity and quality especially when there are so many reputable brands on the market

mistanismo

iTrader: (1)

uh, take it up with conceptZ.. that sounds really fishy, assuming what you're saying is true..

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

I have the same issue with my OS. I was thinking about going with their stage 5 if I kept up drag racing, but decided not too. Southbends seem to have a pretty good rep for the few that own them.....particularly the stage 5 with the FI folks.

Zazz93

iTrader: (2)

That sucks,

Sorry to hear man. Maybe someone will chime in with some useful input, but it sounds like you may be left holding a bum clutch.

musubi

iTrader: (1)

Thinking it may not be adjusted properly? I've seen the Southbend clutch name thrown around in all kinds of car/truck forums and everyone's had good things to say. Like mistanismo said, check with the company, they may have some insight. Also you could try ask CustompartZ on this forum. I believe he represents the products at southbend. Good luck with your situation.

gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Just got done at the track and the clutch was not holding any power slipped in all the gears.

I am quite sure it is installed and adjusted properly. It was working flawlessly when I had my old engine. It works fine just as long as I keep it below around 6.5k. Once it heats up thn forget about engagement at any rpms right after.

03threefiftyz, funny you mentioned OS I was planning to get their twin.

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

If you plan to drag with any regularity I would look elsewhere......great for spirited drives, road racing, etc, but the consensus on other boards with higher power cars is too stay away from OS if you drag.

gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Thanks for the feedbacks. I'd contact CustomPartZ but I didn't buy it from him, but I'm surprised he didn't chime in since it's a product he endorses. Once we pull it out we'll take a look on how it is.

Mike, that's too bad to hear about the OS Giken, perhaps get a JWT (like i should have in the beginning) or a SPEC. Isn't XKR using a triple with good results?

03threefiftyz

iTrader: (25)

I won't ever buy a product from spec.....their products are pure garbage. I plan to stick it out with the OS and hope that it holds for circuit track abuse. I may replace the disk though. As far as I know you can count the number of miles on 1 hand that XKR has put on the car, but his overall build is ridiculous and I certainly can't wait to see some vids of it rippin' it up.

NiZMo1o1

iTrader: (13)

my neighbor with a TTZ ( z32 ) is running this with 550+ built VG30DETT

and im running it also in a A34 with no issue, good clutch

thom000001

I ran soutbend's stage 5 full face with stock flywheel on my 04 t g35 with no problems for 10k miles...finally gave up after being overpowered most of that time (car makes 711rwtq on high boost, and almost 600rwtq on pump gas boost).

Going with their stage 5 6 puck "extreme" this time with their flywheel....i'm also doing cams which will prolly hurt my tq a touch but gain hp everywhere else (over stock cams).

Tom

ZYouL8R

In my old Celica GT-S I had a Southbend and read nothin but good reviews about it but after 6K miles it slipped horribly and they wouldn't do anything about it and I didn't even beat on the damn car. Their warranty states that they should replace it after they inspect it but they said they I shouldn't even waste my time sending it in cause they never warranty them out. Just sharing my experience but you may have a different one. I ended up going with the ACT and I must say it was one of the best clutches I've ever had

ZSpeedPerformance

iTrader: (71)

If you are drag racing you are using the wrong clutch, Some places will just sell you a clutch to make a sale. I on the other hand will make sure you get what clutch you need. If you drag race you need a puck clutch, Full face clutches cannot dissipate heat fast enough for drag.

The first question I ask people when they want to buy a clutch is what they do with their car, This is the #1 priority when choosing a clutch and to get the right clutch I need to know if you are a street only car, Drag race or track or a combo of all these things and how much power you are making.

South Bend offers a wide selection of choices and will have something for just about anyone.

ZyouL8r, some body lied to you. I have never had SBC decline a warranted issue with one of their clutches in over 8 years.

gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Custompartz, what clutch would you recommend. I dd most of the time but will occasionally go to the track and drag. My power level will probably end up at 350/320 to the wheels. Would I need to buy just new plates?

ZSpeedPerformance

iTrader: (71)

The problem you are probably having is the stage 3 does not have a lot of clamp load. At the stage 4 level the clamp load increases from the stage 3 kits.

Stage 3 will be fine on the street but when you take it to the strip after a hard launch then trying to shift fast it may slip during engagement without enough clamp load. You are also drag racing a street style clutch which cannot dissipate heat fast enough for the abuse and heat it builds during a hard launch at the drag strip.

Clutches are rated TQ at the flywheel at 70*F
When clutch material heats up that TQ rating number decreases.

If you are going to drag race you need a clutch capable of that which is a 6 puck style kit. I recommend the 6 puck ceramic for drag which is the DXD-B on our web site. This kit will not drive as well as your current kit but it will "work" for what you need it to do.
I can sell you just the disk which at your power level should work fine. Contact me if you are interested.

ZSpeedPerformance

iTrader: (71)

I would also like you to check the adjustment of your pedal/master cylinder.
The clutch should have no problem holding your power on the street. I have the same kit in many cars holding well into the 500RWTQ level.

gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Went ahead and stayed with the Southbend and bought another one. DXD-B.



Here is the older one for reference when I bought it.

OzzyRulez

I'm running a Southbend DXD Stage 5 SS/FE in my Z31. Its good for 690ft/lbs. The Z31 doesn't have quite that much power yet guesstimating maybe just shy of 400wtq at the moment, but the clutch works excellent so far. From what I hear from other Z31 owners is Southbend has spectacular customer service so that's good enough for me.

gabe3d

iTrader: (8)

Got the DXD-B installed last night with my old Unorthodox Flywheel and by far the best clutch I've tried.

+ Daily drivability is just as good as OEM and way better than the OFE stage3. This was a big concern of mine going to a 6 pucks design since I still drive my car on the road.

+ I haven't pushed it yet (500 miles breakin) but it is noticeably different, in a positive way,when grabbing.

+ Shifting is much more predictable and consistent.

Next week I will be heading over to the drag strip and see how this baby holds up, but so far absolutely no regret.