Clutch advice needed

[The DON]

It's time for a new clutch, should I go with rebuilt units or new ones? I read the faq already.

Anybody tried those Japanese clutch? Exedy, O.S. or Ogura?

I want a street/track clutch, not a on/off switch type racing clutch. Money is no object. Please help me choose. Thnx

The Don

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

I would recommend the ACR/Exedy Twin Plate clutch. It is IMO the best streetable clutch readily available. But don't take my word for it, here is what Larry Garcia of NSX Modified, had to say about our clutch:


"We ran the ACR/Exedy Twin Plate Clutch on Doug's NSX race car during the 7 day Open Track Challenge. During those 7 days, we pounded on the clutch day after day, and also went of the track 7 times . The clutch held up perfectly fine and lived up to ACR's "claims". We are going to continue to use this clutch on our new sleeved 8.5 compression motor. We will soon find out how much horsepower it can really handle. I am very confident that it will outperform anything within its price range. The clutch in my opinion is very streetable and the pedal pressure is about stock. If I can drive it, anybody can drive it. " http://www.nsxprime.com/ubb/Forum13/HTML/000239.html

You can see more information about the clutch here on our website: http://www.acrmotorsports.com/exmotclut.html

Originally posted by The DON:
It's time for a new clutch, should I go with rebuilt units or new ones? I read the faq already.

Anybody tried those Japanese clutch? Exedy, O.S. or Ogura?

I want a street/track clutch, not a on/off switch type racing clutch. Money is no object. Please help me choose. Thnx

The Don

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www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[nsxtasy]

Originally posted by The DON:
It's time for a new clutch, should I go with rebuilt units or new ones?

A new OEM clutch has advantages in cost and in reliability. An aftermarket clutch will give you better grip but will have more of an on/off feel to it.

Originally posted by The DON:
I want a street/track clutch, not a on/off switch type racing clutch.

Which should make your choice pretty clear.

 

[Jimbo]

Don,

I just had Mark Basch install a new ACT clutch assembly. I purchased it from Davis Acura and it's their performance clutch.

It uses the factory discs (rebuilt of course) but has a stronger spring-clamping force.

It's not excessive, I'm guessing about 25%-33% stronger. My leg got used to it in a day and it's pretty nice.

The unit cost $1400 (need to give them the old unit for core) and included a flywheel, the discs, pressure plate, pilot bearing and throwout bearing.

I like it. It's not ON-OFF but has a nice crisp feel to it.

Regards,

-Jim

------------------
1992 NSX Red/Blk 5 spd #0330
1991 NSX Blk/Blk Auto #3070 (Sold)
1974 Vette 454 4 spd Wht/Blk
Looking for 76-79 Honda Accords

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

Actually, it is not correct to assume that every aftermarket clutch has an on-off type feel. However, most clutches that are built in with conventional diaphram and strap spring pressure plate technology, achieve their higher holding capacity by increase the clamp pressure which in turn increases the clutch pedal pressure. The ACR/Exedy clutch utilizes a floating diaphram and floating spring mid-plate clutch design that allows it to hold a tremendous amount of torque with a pedal around stock.

Also, as to the reference about reliability, it depends on the intended application. A factory clutch may not be as reliable under high stress load/abuse of track conditions as would a heavy duty aftermarket clutch would. A stock clutch would definately be less reliable for supercharger/turbo/nos and other high horsepower setups. The OEM NSX clutch probably also has many parts that are made by Exedy's OEM division, as Exedy is the biggest/most reputable clutch manufacturer in Japan. So there is no question about the quality and reliability of Exedy's products.

The slight cost advantage of a stock clutch would also be negated by the the faster wearing organic material. It may be cheaper up front, but if you use it under heavy street/track and or supercharge/turbo, it may be more expensive in the long run if you have to repalce the clutch more frequently.

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
A new OEM clutch has advantages in cost and in reliability. An aftermarket clutch will give you better grip but will have more of an on/off feel to it. Which should make your choice pretty clear.

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www.acrmotorsports.com



[This message has been edited by ACR_Motorsports (edited 17 June 2002).]

 

[sjs]

Originally posted by ACR_Motorsports:

I would recommend the ACR/Exedy Twin Plate clutch. ...

Looks pretty good. The site mentions that it can be used with the 6-speed with some modification. This would be a huge benefit.
Please elaborate.
Thanks!

 

[The DON]

Additional questions about exedy clutch:

1. when worn, do I have to buy the entire clutch or just the 2 disc?

2. does the $2k include the flywheel?

3. will other lightweight flywheel work with the exedy clutch?

Thx

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

Most NSXers know what the Japanese Type-S Type S-Zero and Type-R Models are. But most do not know that these versions, although they run a six speed transmission, actually come factory with a twin-plate setup like the earlier 3.0 Models. This is done to reduce weight, as the Single Plate clutch uses a dual mass flywheel which is heavier. The single plate clutch is 43.5 lbs and the twin plate clutch is 34.5 lbs. Going with the ACR/Exedy clutch (29lbs) will save about 14.5 lbs from the stock single plate clutch.
To do this, you do need to take the transmission out and install the oem 5 speed input shaft. The 6 speed input shaft is too short to reach the second disc of a twin plate clutch. Doing this not only yields weight savings, but also brings you a greater variety of clutch options.

Originally posted by sjs:
Looks pretty good. The site mentions that it can be used with the 6-speed with some modification. This would be a huge benefit.
Please elaborate.
Thanks!

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www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[ACR_Motorsports]

1. When worn, as long as it is within the wear specs, all you need would be to replace the discs and do a slight resurface. If the clutch is beyond is wear specs(material thickness), each component of the clutch is also modular, so you can order the flywheel, the discs, and the plates seperately.

2. The $2k does include the flywheel.

3. Other flywheels will not work with the Exedy clutch. The clutch utilizes a retaining ring design that is used on Formula One, and various other top level racing. The retaining ring bolts on to the specific Exedy flywheel. One thing you have be careful with other clutches is that it may have an aluminum flywheel. An aluminum flywheel, while lighter than Chromoly, is not as strong. Also, most aluminum flywheels have a pressed on ring gear(starter ring). A single piece chromoly flywheel is much stronger and much more expensive to make.

Originally posted by The DON:
Additional questions about exedy clutch:

1. when worn, do I have to buy the entire clutch or just the 2 disc?

2. does the $2k include the flywheel?

3. will other lightweight flywheel work with the exedy clutch?

Thx

------------------

www.acrmotorsports.com

 

[JoeSchmoe]

Originally posted by ACR_Motorsports:
To do this, you do need to take the transmission out and install the oem 5 speed input shaft. The 6 speed input shaft is too short to reach the second disc of a twin plate clutch.

Now THAT was an important piece of info!

Thanks.