Topic: Spec tech support

[snaponbob]

First, I must state that any of the following comments are NOT directed at ANY supporting vendors.

I have installed a Spec SAC type clutch flywheel/clutch system. My clutch action is now VERY close to the floor.
Spoke with Spec yesterday and they say they have had no feedback about this on SAC systems.

Kelu and I have been exchanging PMs about his install. Same issue.
Today he had an e-mail exchange with Spec that stated they have had no feedback about this problem.

Werks makes a spacer for the Spec system for EXACTLY this problem.

I have read on both BBs and IIRC here as well that this is not uncommon.

What a crock of crap. They build product that does not properly function (at least for the LNFs) and they know of no problems. Denial, at the very least, is  .

EDIT : And now that I have had a long talk with them, my assessment is a bit harsh. They looked through their RMA file (the only way they can determine how many problems meant a return of parts) they saw none for failures or problems. As it turns out, I DO have a non-SAC system (how THAT happened with SAC part numbers I do not know). After Solo Nationals the gearbox WILL be coming out to see what is happening. Spec said that my (and Kelu's) clutch engagement point is NOT correct and that the stack height needs to be determined. They offered to do the work, but the logistics just were not favorable. It's 12 hours one way but they would need the car for a week, and two 24 hour round trips is not practical. So, for now, I'll live with the problem and address it in September after Solo Nats.

[miller11386]

This is the only reason I dont upgrade my clutch now. No one really has a viable solution. Werks has a spacer, but some have had trouble with installation. Not sure if it was the installer or the shim, but I dont want my clutch engagement on the floor

[snaponbob]

Who else has had this problem on the 2.0?  

[miller11386]

The most favorite ex KP forum member, mondazbak aka jeb

Not sure if it was an install error or what, but his did not build pressure with the shim. He posted about it in the sol forum

[Kelu]

Who else has SPEC clutch on a turbo Kappa?

[SKY888]

The most favorite ex KP forum member, mondazbak aka jeb

Not sure if it was an install error or what, but his did not build pressure with the shim. He posted about it in the sol forum

he never had any problems when HE and his buddy installed it a year or so ago.  
No issues whatsoever.

When he had his built engine, and the spec clutch installed by this shop who he claims to specialize with 350z......................then he got issues with his clutch........and even his engine.

issues most likely because of human error.

[snaponbob]

Who else has SPEC clutch on a turbo Kappa?

Not answering THAT, but a suggestion on a cheap way to pull a vacuum on the reservoir. I bought a small bathtub drain plug (IIRC 1 2/4" diameter), drilling a hole in it, and used a cone shaped hose adapter at the end of the hand held vacuum pump hose. Total investment for the adapter? $3.

[SKY888]

Who else has SPEC clutch on a turbo Kappa?

me, greaseyjockey, hafizmo, jejones, anthony, and etc.....

[SKY888]

Not answering THAT, but a suggestion on a cheap way to pull a vacuum on the reservoir. I bought a small bathtub drain plug (IIRC 1 2/4" diameter), drilling a hole in it, and used a cone shaped hose adapter at the end of the hand held vacuum pump hose. Total investment for the adapter? $3.

Very cheap alternative.   Good luck Bob!

sorry to hear about your issues.............and wow, you received a NON-SAC????

SPEC sold you that even though you ordered SAC?

[snaponbob]

he never had any problems when HE and his buddy installed it a year or so ago.  
No issues whatsoever.

When he had his built engine, and the spec clutch installed by this shop who he claims to specialize with 350z......................then he got issues with his clutch........and even his engine.

issues most likely because of human error.

I'm pulling the transmission shortly after Solo Nats. (Ooooooooooooooo FUN again) Something is wrong, and I do not know what. When I get the clutch and flywheel out Spec will give me the "stack height" measurement and then I'll see if there is a problem with the components. NOT happy about this, but not sure I IT if the problem, or my install was. We'll see in a few weeks.

[Kelu]

Bob: bleeding helps? You did it already and still have the problem?

[SKY888]

I'm pulling the transmission shortly after Solo Nats. (Ooooooooooooooo FUN again) Something is wrong, and I do not know what. When I get the clutch and flywheel out Spec will give me the "stack height" measurement and then I'll see if there is a problem with the components. NOT happy about this, but not sure I IT if the problem, or my install was. We'll see in a few weeks.

im just guessing here......and might not be related

you ordered a flywheel from SPEC or Fidanza?     Did you get a SAC flywheel?

and you were able to mate that with a NON-SAC spec clutch?

[snaponbob]

Very cheap alternative.   Good luck Bob!

sorry to hear about your issues.............and wow, you received a NON-SAC????

SPEC sold you that even though you ordered SAC?

I shopped the clutch and bought it on line. In the meanwhile I was looking for a Fidanza flywheel, but found that they didn't exist at that point. So, when I went shopping for a Spec flywheel I placed my money with the vendor who took the time to secure one, and there was only one to be had at that time. I did my due diligence on part numbers as I wanted an SAC package - one of the reasons was that if I bought a Fidanza wheel I HAD to have an SAC clutch and pressure plate. Spec said that they had not produced SAC products for over a year. Additionally, if someone buys a Spec clutch kit to used with the stock flywheel, it gets even more confusing. At this point, Spec says I have a non-SAC even though i KNOW I received parts that were SAC numbers. Confused? Hell yes. But, at this point, I just want to do what I have to do to correct the engagement point as that point DROPS as the clutch wears, and there is nowhere for the pedal to drop to !!!

[Kelu]

I don't mind a close to the floor engagement point, heh, that's why I ordered a non-SAC kit.

My problem is different, the shifting is harder since SPEC fw + clutch were installed.

[SKY888]

I don't mind a close to the floor engagement point, heh, that's why I ordered a non-SAC kit.

My problem is different, the shifting is harder since SPEC fw + clutch were installed.

bro, did you get a new clutch actuator and pilot bearings before installing the spec clutch?

[Kelu]

Is that slave cylinder or something else?
[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

If we are talking about slave cylinder, no I didn't put a new one because Opel was asking $500 for it.

[SKY888]

yes, that's the clutch actuator.

it is around $120 here.

It is wise to replace that with a new one, while you're clutch is out.

because if that breaks, the labor will be the same as removing the clutch out, just to replace it.

[Kelu]

I know that if I have to replace the actuator I have to disassemble whole transmission again.

Most important for me would be to figure out for sure if that is the reason without actually do all the labor again and find out in the end that wasn't the reason of my problem.

What is the pilot bearings which you were mentioning previously? Are inside of the part which I post the picture?

[snaponbob]

I don't mind a close to the floor engagement point, heh, that's why I ordered a non-SAC kit.

My problem is different, the shifting is harder since SPEC fw + clutch were installed.

If the clutch is not completely disengaged before the pedal gets to the carpet, it will drag and shifting becomes a problem and it feels like it is "harder". The other problem with the "action" being close to the floor is that as the clutch wears the pedal action will drop FURTHER.

[Sol Asylum]

What is the pilot bearings which you were mentioning previously? Are inside of the part which I post the picture?

The pilot bearing is a bearing in the center of the crankshaft where the input shaft from the transmission rides once everything is all bolted up.  If that drags then the input shaft can continue to be driven by the engine even if the clutch is disengaged and you will have harder shifts.  This could be part of IHawks problem.

[elff]

DDM sells spec and other clutches and has installed some on the LNF
What are their thoughts?

I swear Bob,
Replace Eibach for Spec and we had identical conversations.

I'm really curious about the outcome of these clutch discussions as I will probably need one in 2012 at the latest.

[Kelu]

The pilot bearing is a bearing in the center of the crankshaft where the input shaft from the transmission rides once everything is all bolted up.  If that drags then the input shaft can continue to be driven by the engine even if the clutch is disengaged and you will have harder shifts.  This could be part of IHawks problem.

Thanks for the info.

From where I can buy that part?

[snaponbob]

DDM sells spec and other clutches and has installed some on the LNF
What are their thoughts?

I swear Bob,
Replace Eibach for Spec and we had identical conversations.

I'm really curious about the outcome of these clutch discussions as I will probably need one in 2012 at the latest.

In fairness, the SECOND phone call has far more constructive. The problem with collecting information is that we need to put eyes and hands on the parts, and they are buried in the bell housing !!!

[Critterman]

Hey those parts are only 6 long hours away from viewing

[snaponbob]

Hey those parts are only 6 long hours away from viewing

If you are talking about getting to them, 6 hours may be true for a 2.4, but a little longer on an LNF with torque arm, and there is that nasty process of putting it all back together. Tough on jack stands. Then there is the time spent in prayer !!!!!!!!!!!!