Are SPEC clutches really that bad??
03-09-2006, 08:14 PM
#41
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Again Thanks to EVERYONE who replied!! :)
Originally Posted by Thndrstrkz
I mean people have been running them in HIGH POWERED Camaros/Firebirds and even Mustangs without an issue.Why all of a sudden they are blowing apart? Doesn't make sense to me. I am in need of a clutch badly, and for the price ya can't go wrong. I was going to go with either a SPEC 2/or 2+ with an SLP LIGHTWEIGHT BILLET FLYWHEEL.Hell I am even going to replace the pressure plate and flywheel bolts as well as upgrade the hydraulics. Could it be just human error in installing? I do believe just recently i read a negative feed on a TEX clutch,and come to find out the installer used ANTI-SEIZE on the pressure plate bolts!!!! 
I would it to remain a street driven vehicle but looking to put down about 475-550 rwhp. All engine. ANY help with this issue would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
I would it to remain a street driven vehicle but looking to put down about 475-550 rwhp. All engine. ANY help with this issue would be GREATLY APPRECIATED!!!! THANKS IN ADVANCE!!!
03-09-2006, 08:57 PM
#42
You guy's make me feel a little better about installing my brand new spec stage III clutch/flywheel that was suppost to go into another car but instead has just been sitting around for the past three years.
03-09-2006, 11:19 PM
#43
Originally Posted by Camaroholic
If you want to roll the dice to see if you end up being "one of those guys with an exploded SPEC clutch", feel free to do so. 
As for me, I wouldn't run one if it were given to me free.
One instance of an explosion is "huh, that's weird". Two... three... four... too many for me.
As for me, I wouldn't run one if it were given to me free.
One instance of an explosion is "huh, that's weird". Two... three... four... too many for me.
04-07-2006, 01:18 PM
#44
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I've just purchased a SPEC stage 2 clutch. I havnt gotten it yet, its still in transit, but now im really starting to doubt SPEC. I bought it mainly because the price was right and there were alot of people saying that SPEC was ok. I ordered the Clutch and flywheel package that comes with: clutch, pressure plate, billet flywheel, and throw out bearing. Does anyone have experience with a stage 2 SPEC? Im going to take it somewhere to get it installed, im not doing it myself. I hope this purchase wasnt a mistake.
04-07-2006, 01:42 PM
#45
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I just checked my new stage 2+ & billet flywheel balance in a local shop. It was only 10 grams off. Though, I had them put better pressure plate loc pins, they were loose allowing pressure plate move around.
04-07-2006, 01:49 PM
#46
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spec stage 3- one was defective after 5k miles of driving (beatin the ***** off of her)
got another one for free- NIIIIIICEEEEEEEE. beat the ***** off of her at track, on street, that baby GRABS!
got another one for free- NIIIIIICEEEEEEEE. beat the ***** off of her at track, on street, that baby GRABS!
04-07-2006, 02:07 PM
#47
I hear the spec 3's are real hard on the stock 10 bolt because the grab so hard. Would the stage 2+ be a little easier on the 10 bolt and still hold 420 rwhp well. I think I'd still be worried about it exploding though! 
If spec clutch's have such a bad reputation, then why do most of the shops stock and recommend them?
If spec clutch's have such a bad reputation, then why do most of the shops stock and recommend them?
04-07-2006, 02:22 PM
#48
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Have a SPEC 3 in mine that was transferred when I did the M6 swap. Never got to take a look at the clutch but a buddy said that it wasn't in the greatest shape. So far I've given it hell, minus a little chatter, it's still grabbing really hard. Next clutch will be a SPEC 3+. 
04-07-2006, 02:26 PM
#49
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Yeah i broke my tranny mount after my stage 3 install, lol!! and a few weeks ago, i broke my rear at the track, ON STREET TIRES, lol its ok tho, i have a 9inch now
04-07-2006, 04:46 PM
#50
Well, when I bought the car it had a Spec Stage 1 and it took a dump on me at about 800 miles into its breaking in. But, being a broke high school kid, I could only afford another Stage 1 spec and so far its been in for about 1200 miles and running great. Its felt great, but once I get more money, I will definitely look into upgrading it.
04-07-2006, 04:57 PM
#51
Originally Posted by 98TADRIVER
Yeah i broke my tranny mount after my stage 3 install, lol!! and a few weeks ago, i broke my rear at the track, ON STREET TIRES, lol its ok tho, i have a 9inch now
I guess what I heard about the spec stage III being hard on the stock 10 bolt might be true lol!
04-08-2006, 03:16 PM
#53
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Originally Posted by michaelg589
I've just purchased a SPEC stage 2 clutch. I havnt gotten it yet, its still in transit, but now im really starting to doubt SPEC. I bought it mainly because the price was right and there were alot of people saying that SPEC was ok. I ordered the Clutch and flywheel package that comes with: clutch, pressure plate, billet flywheel, and throw out bearing. Does anyone have experience with a stage 2 SPEC? Im going to take it somewhere to get it installed, im not doing it myself. I hope this purchase wasnt a mistake.
If anyone is that worried about their safety with a clutch exploding, regardless of brand, buy a damn scatter shield and be done with it.
04-09-2006, 08:07 AM
#55
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Joe at T56rebuilds.com (he rebuilt my T56, go figure) says he's been using SPECs a long time and has never had any trouble. He's running mid tens on his stage 3. Says nearly all clutch problems people have with F-bodys are from the hydraulics. Replace the slave everytime you have the tranny off if you can and bleed, bleed, bleed, bleed the system well.
04-09-2006, 08:14 AM
#56
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Oh yeah, do you have to have a SPEC balanced before you can put it on? The McLeods and Textralias both say they come pre-balanced, ready to install. Just curious 'cause my stock clutch with 43k miles is starting to feel funky.
04-09-2006, 10:59 AM
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I will never buy a Spec again. The thing chatters so bad that I am seriously thinking about just dumping it for a quality clutch.
I have about 2-3k on it and the chatter is still there. I was told that within 500 miles the chatter would go away. Nope.
Stay clear of Spec and get yourself a quality piece like the McCleod. <--Thats my next clutch.
I have about 2-3k on it and the chatter is still there. I was told that within 500 miles the chatter would go away. Nope.
Stay clear of Spec and get yourself a quality piece like the McCleod. <--Thats my next clutch.
04-09-2006, 01:00 PM
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the only clutch ive ever heard of blowing up is the SPEC stage 3. All the other 'stages' seem to be fine. And I would not trust a tranny blanket for a 6speed. Your gonna have to get an SFI approved McLeod steel bellhousing for 100% sure safety.
