Author Topic: Question about Spec clutch spacer (Read 12935 times)

bun1t · « **on:** July 06, 2012, 09:51:36 AM »

I've finally got around to replacing my clutch with a Spec Stage 3+. I'm trying to figure out whether or not to run the supplied spacer. From what I've read, it seems to be optional. I'm curious as to what other people did and where their engagement point is after break-in. My concern with the spacer is that the engagement point will be higher than in the middle which will bug me.

I want to get it right the first time because laying on the garage floor in 90-100* weather is not my favorite thing to do, lol

elff · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2012, 10:11:38 AM »

I drove 2 Spec 3+ clutches recently which were both broken in.
The catch point was at the bottom 1/4 of the travel, but had plenty of space to engage fully. IMHO, that is exactly where it should be.

I personally would not go with a spacer as I hear the catch point does rise as the clutch breaks in and that could easily put it at the mid point of the pedal travel.

bun1t · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2012, 11:53:04 AM »

Quote from: elff on July 06, 2012, 10:11:38 AM

I drove 2 Spec 3+ clutches recently which were both broken in.
The catch point was at the bottom 1/4 of the travel, but had plenty of space to engage fully. IMHO, that is exactly where it should be.

I personally would not go with a spacer as I hear the catch point does rise as the clutch breaks in and that could easily put it at the mid point of the pedal travel.

Do you know if the cars you drove had the spacers installed or not?

elff · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2012, 01:13:02 PM »

Neither had spacers.

One is Kelu's, the other is his friend Andrei

bun1t · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2012, 03:30:41 PM »

Just had a thought, the spec clutch is designed to be used with their lightweight flywheel which I would suspect would be thinner than the dual mass oem flywheel. If this is the case, than the spacer may not apply to an install with an oem flywheel.

Elff, do you know what flywheels they used?

elff · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2012, 03:58:16 PM »

Both had spec flywheels

Dave@DDMworks · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2012, 04:27:56 PM »

Quote from: bun1t on July 06, 2012, 03:30:41 PM

Just had a thought, the spec clutch is designed to be used with their lightweight flywheel which I would suspect would be thinner than the dual mass oem flywheel. If this is the case, than the spacer may not apply to an install with an oem flywheel.

Elff, do you know what flywheels they used?

If you are going to be using the SPEC clutches, it is STRONGLY recommended that you get the SPEC flywheel at the same time. If for some reason you have any issue with the clutch their customer service is much happier if you have their flywheel and it was installed at the same time with their clutch, just FYI.

Kelu · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2012, 04:35:32 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 06, 2012, 01:13:02 PM

Neither had spacers.

One is Kelu's, the other is his friend Andrei

BOTH HAVE SPACER INSTALLED, we talk about the spacer which comes in the SPEC kit, right?

PS: Both are non-sac systems with spec flywheels

elff · « **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2012, 04:40:09 PM »

I was thinking weeks spacer not spec stuff only my bad

Kelu · « **Reply #9 on:** July 06, 2012, 05:08:25 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 06, 2012, 04:40:09 PM

I was thinking weeks spacer not spec stuff only my bad

What are you thinking of?

Werks spacer, right?

NormSky · « **Reply #10 on:** July 06, 2012, 05:25:43 PM »

This for GXP/Redline. No spacer needed for 2.4l Excedy ll and lightweight flywheel. Maybe a little heavy in traffic as Critter had one and experienced it being stiff also.

elff · « **Reply #11 on:** July 06, 2012, 06:01:49 PM »

Autocorrect to the rescue.
Yes Werks, not Weeks

bun1t · « **Reply #12 on:** July 06, 2012, 06:27:59 PM »

Yes it's for a redline and I am talking about the Spec spacer, not werks.

Quote from: Dave@DDMworks on July 06, 2012, 04:27:56 PM

If you are going to be using the SPEC clutches, it is STRONGLY recommended that you get the SPEC flywheel at the same time. If for some reason you have any issue with the clutch their customer service is much happier if you have their flywheel and it was installed at the same time with their clutch, just FYI.

Well I've already spent more on a new oem flywheel and machine work than what a spec flywheel costs. Reason being is that I want to stay as close to oem driveability as I can and a lightweight flywheel has no benefit to me.

Kelu · « **Reply #13 on:** July 06, 2012, 06:44:07 PM »

weren't you a drag racer?

bun1t · « **Reply #14 on:** July 06, 2012, 07:28:46 PM »

Quote from: Kelu on July 06, 2012, 06:44:07 PM

weren't you a drag racer?

I go to the drag strip from time to time but it's primarily a street car.

40rtyp · « **Reply #15 on:** July 08, 2012, 10:59:07 AM »

Sup,

I have had my Spec Stage 3+(non-sac) for almost a year now and I have to say that the changing of gears is very smooth. Hope Dave from Performance AutoWerks chimes in, he is the one that spoke and walked the local shop here through the process of installing the clutch(Thanks Dave!). I got the Spec w/ flywheel. I used both the spacer provided by Spec and the Spacer from Werks. Have had no issues. I do recommend though that you get the Flywheel from Spec as well as its designed for the clutch and I've heard way to many horror stories of guy having a hard time with the clutch when they try to match it with the stock. I think some machining has to be done. It just saves you much more time if you get the combo.

bun1t · « **Reply #16 on:** July 08, 2012, 04:30:42 PM »

Quote from: 40rtyp on July 08, 2012, 10:59:07 AM

Sup,

I have had my Spec Stage 3+(non-sac) for almost a year now and I have to say that the changing of gears is very smooth. Hope Dave from Performance AutoWerks chimes in, he is the one that spoke and walked the local shop here through the process of installing the clutch(Thanks Dave!). I got the Spec w/ flywheel. I used both the spacer provided by Spec and the Spacer from Werks. Have had no issues. I do recommend though that you get the Flywheel from Spec as well as its designed for the clutch and I've heard way to many horror stories of guy having a hard time with the clutch when they try to match it with the stock. I think some machining has to be done. It just saves you much more time if you get the combo.

Yeah it would have saved time if that's what I wanted but like I've already said, I do not want a lightened flywheel. It looks like nobody has used a Spec clutch with a stock flywheel. I'll call Spec in the morning (they were closed last week) and see what they say.

40rtyp · « **Reply #17 on:** July 08, 2012, 08:27:35 PM »

I have read of someone doing a Spec clutch with the stock flywheel but had major issues. I'm sure spec will tell you that it can work, just be aware that their customer service isn't the best. Will you be willing to send it to them to have it machined? That would be your best option for the best results.

bun1t · « **Reply #18 on:** July 08, 2012, 10:00:31 PM »

Quote from: 40rtyp on July 08, 2012, 08:27:35 PM

I have read of someone doing a Spec clutch with the stock flywheel but had major issues. I'm sure spec will tell you that it can work, just be aware that their customer service isn't the best. Will you be willing to send it to them to have it machined? That would be your best option for the best results.

The flywheel has already been machined to the specs listed on their instruction sheet. I just need to know whether or not to use the spacer.

40rtyp · « **Reply #19 on:** July 08, 2012, 10:44:01 PM »

Quote from: bun1t on July 08, 2012, 10:00:31 PM

The flywheel has already been machined to the specs listed on their instruction sheet. I just need to know whether or not to use the spacer.

In that case, I wouldn't then use the spacer...but don't quote me on that. Your best bet is to contact Dave G at Werks and ask.

bun1t · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2012, 04:04:33 PM »

I spoke to Spec and they told me to use the spacer. I hope they're right

40rtyp · « **Reply #21 on:** July 10, 2012, 02:57:38 AM »

Roger then, good luck!

snaponbob · « **Reply #22 on:** July 10, 2012, 04:19:20 PM »

Quote from: bun1t on July 09, 2012, 04:04:33 PM

I spoke to Spec and they told me to use the spacer. I hope they're right

Please be specific about if you are asking about the Werks spacer, the Spec spacer, or both. This thread reads like it could be one or some of those choices. It IS important as changing the clutch is VERY time consuming. Read that as PIA.

elff · « **Reply #23 on:** July 10, 2012, 04:23:40 PM »

It's the Spec Spacer
Spec will never comment on a part that is not theirs. You of all people should know that and how awful their CS can be.

snaponbob · « **Reply #24 on:** July 10, 2012, 07:56:25 PM »

Quote from: elff on July 10, 2012, 04:23:40 PM

It's the Spec Spacer
Spec will never comment on a part that is not theirs. You of all people should know that and how awful their CS can be.

True DAT !!!!!!!

That said, the Spec spacer is supposed to be used with a Spec flywheel, while no spacer for the stock flywheel IIRC. STILL not 100% sure what the true value of the Werks spacer is all about.

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Author Topic: Question about Spec clutch spacer (Read 12935 times)