How reliable is the stock clutch once you've gone FI and achieved 400 WHP? Who is still running the stock clutch with no problems at this power level?

 

I am close to 400 RWHP and still on stock clutch about 8K miles since FI and 28K total but I feel it could probably do better with an aftermarket clutch and clamp better but so far still going strong, I think it depends on your driving habits some guys go through their clutch with stock power.

 

The stock clutch can "hold the power", but if you even remotely try to slip it for an aggresive launch, or if you are running drag radials on the track...it will immediately overheat and slip.

I drove my stock clutch for 14,000 miles, and it was almost completeliy smooth when I pulled it out.

 

I am at about 3500 miles on the TT kit and 10700 miles on the car and had no slippage at 345 rwhp up until about 500 miles ago when I installed my exhaust. The day I installed it my clutch would slip when I hit 3rd or roll on 3rd or 4th real hard. So new clutch will be on its way soon I guess. I don't ever really launch hard but I do alot of roll on's and whatnot, guess my clutch disc is just wearing out faster than others' are.

 

For forced induction, a lot of us went with the ATS Carbon Twin and Triple clutches. I love this clutch....I'll let you drive the car next time I see you. The engagement is buttery smooth. And i found out the flywheel only weighs 9.9lbs.
http://www.forgedinternals.com/store/home.php?cat=261

 

Awesome, sounds good. I have been looking at alot of clutches lately, I will have to talk to you more in depth when I see you. Did you decide on what days your going to be in Rockingham? Let me know, I will try to be there.

 

Shariff, are you running the triple or twin ATS. I'll simply have the APS single T, crawford plenum, ur crank pulley, test pipes, greddy evo2. Im expecting to be at around 370-390 whp. Should the twin clutch be fine? What specifically would you recommend?By the way I'll definitely give you my business when I decide to purchase this clutch...I need to support my Carolinians. Do you all also do install? turbo also? Thanks

 

I will be at the Rock on Sunday.

 

I am running the twin disc with 1100kg pressure plate and optional carbon treatment. For 400whp, you will have no problems with it..at that power level, the optional carbon treatment would be unecessary...unless you plan to build up your motor later.

My company does not do installs, however, I refer out those jobs to CP Racing. They are very reasonable in terms of cost, and they are meticulous when working on customer's cars. I think you'll be impressed with their work.

Sharif

 

For an FI Z without build bottom end, this clutch is probably overkill. Normal FI, you should probably look at some mid-tier clutch/flywheels like JWT, JUN, and Clutchmaster. If you are building big or plan to build big in the near future, then definitely invest in a top of the line clutch.

Regarding the stock clutch... it will hold up under FI. The problem is, you probably won't notice it wearing unless it gets really bad. I had to get a new tranny (Nissan warranty issue) and they replaced my old clutch (probably about 12K miles on it) with a new version stock clutch as part of the work. The amount of improvement in clutch "grab" was very apparent. I suspect the a fresh stock clutch will hold up well for several thousand miles if you don't abuse it, but the best measure is to upgrade. It (the stock clutch) just wasn't designed to handle 400+hp from the motor, let alone the wheels.

 

Sharif, I was wondering what the advantages would be to upgrading to an ATS clutch if I go stillen stage 2 and am only running like 320 whp. So far it doesn't sound like it would be necessary for that level of power. Also, considering I am on the conservative side and less accepting of the nuances of high performance parts, do you think the ATS is right for me?

 

i have a quick question about the stock question also.. can the stock clutch hold the the aps TT and for how long?
thanks
nexstage

 

Yes, but....longevity will be better with the carbon discs. So if you have no plans to build up the motor, you can either have a clutch that might need replacement after 20,000 miles, or a carbon clutch that can last 2-3times as long. Becuase the labor is $500-$600 to change a clutch....that should be factored into the decision as well. And remember, that a good standard clutch and flywheel setup is about $900-$1200, so the incremental cost is around $1000-$800 vs. a standard clutch.

It also depends on how you drive, and how often you track your car. If you are mostly cruising around the streets, then the carbon discs might be overkill. But their strength in drag racing, their longevity, and resistance to heat...are all points that might not make it overkill...even if you are only pushing 400-450.

[quote]Sharif, I was wondering what the advantages would be to upgrading to an ATS clutch if I go stillen stage 2 and am only running like 320 whp. So far it doesn't sound like it would be necessary for that level of power. Also, considering I am on the conservative side and less accepting of the nuances of high performance parts, do you think the ATS is right for me?[quote]

In your case sounds like the stock flywheel and solid after market clutch would be suitable. Lightened flywheels make more noise then stock, and they are a bit harder to launch from a standstill. So if you want a more OEM feel, but still signifcantly improved clamping and holding capacity, I'd suggest something like a Clutch Master Stage III or an RPS street disc with heavy duty clutch.