SPEC clutch????

[80 hate]

Well long story short. Just had my guy check out my clutch and it smoked. Normally not a big deal. If you own a 5 speed your going to replace the clutch now and then. The bitch of it is this clutch has less than 5k miles on it and I dont beat on the car at all.
Its a spec stage 1, installed by a spec dealer. I dont drive the car that often and not at all during the winter so the clutch is over a year and a half old. Spec will not return my calls and Im not sure what the shop will do.
I got almost $1000 in this clutch. You would think it would last more than 5000 miles. And now I got guys telling that SPEC sucks that I should have bought a motorsports clutch. I dont know what to do about this....I think my next mustang will be a auto..LOL

[2007ShelbyCobra]

dont know what to say, but everyone i hear says spec is one of the best brands, but they all have stage 2 or 3, im not sure about stage 1

[Timido]

I had nothing but great experiences with SPEC. They really went out of their way to make me happy as a racer. That sucks that the clutch didnt last for you.

[mustang112]

i hope they are good clutches lol, i just put a stage 2 in my car and havent got to drive it yet because my build isnt finished.

[92coupe]

I run a spec stage 3 and have no problems with it. I don't reccomend the stage 3 for the street. It's kind of an off or on clutch no in between.

[80 hate]

This is the first one I ever used. The whole reason I bought it was all the good things I heard about them. I know alot of guys run them and never had a problem thats why Im so aggravated. My car is not a horse power monster and I dont race it.

[may93]

Sounds like an OEM style replacement would be a better choice. Especially in cases where its a daily driver and not a 1/4 mile weekend car.Their less expensive and they do last. I've ran motorsport clutches for years and they work and their relatively cheap. Do you have an after market clutch quadrant also? Just asking because if it wasnt adjusted correctly the clutch would wear prematurely.

[Jeff88coupe]

Sounds like you need to have a talk to the person/shop that installed it for you. There is no reason that a stock replacement clutch should wearout anywhere near 5K miles. Either something wasn't setup right on the install allowing it to slip to much or your driving habits. Either way...don't blame the clutch.

[02mingryGT]

I have a Spec stage 1. I have about 8000 miles on it and it's still good. I did notice when I first started driving with it that it is a lot less forgiving as far as riding it a little bit(like when backing out of the driveway). So I readjusted my foot work and it's fine now. I would think if you had smoked it you would have at least smelled it a time or two. I installed it myself and used the stock quadrant and cable.

[80 hate]

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Just a update on the clutch. The new King Cobra clutch was installed along with a lightweight fidanza flywheel. I also had a aluminum driveshaft installed while they had it. Thought I would post some pics of the old clutch and the cause of the failure. The rear main seal had a pin hole in it, which caused a small amount of oil to find its way to the clutch. Both the flywheel and pressure plate were wasted. The clutch disk was worn down to the rivets.
Now I know what your thinking, he most have been hard on the car and most have dropped the clutch at every light to ware that clutch out in 5k miles. Well I had new tires put on the car right before the spec was installed and they still have the nipples on them.
The bitch of it is a $10 part killed a $1000 worth of work.

[Yellow01stang]

i splattered 2 spec stage 3's broke them in and they chattered like a bitch..i think each lasted about 5k miles...

[Buckeye]

sounds like you might also have a tad of a case of honda foot too to waste it so quick

[05yellowgt]

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The rear main seal had a pin hole in it, which caused a small amount of oil to find its way to the clutch.
That will do it. Willing to bet that Spec would have lasted a good long time without the oil getting on it.

[cstreu1026]

I have 15K+ on my stage three now and now that its broken in I love it.

[mustang112]

how do you break in a spec clutch? i have one i put in my 86 but havent got it running yet.

[bestracing]

I run a spec stage 3 and have no problems with it. I don't reccomend the stage 3 for the street. It's kind of an off or on clutch no in between.

Thats why you get the 3+ it is a little more forgiving but can take a larger load.

Spec 1's are just a straight factory replacement. Not a good idea if you have upped the power in your car. If the factory can't take it then the Spec 1 will not either.

[AntiRice427]

Thats why you get the 3+ it is a little more forgiving but can take a larger load.

Spec 1's are just a straight factory replacement. Not a good idea if you have upped the power in your car. If the factory can't take it then the Spec 1 will not either.

A stage 1 is not a factory replacement. They are rated at 495 ft/lbs of torque and cost $250. Spec sells a stage zero that is more of a factory replacement design. For some reason they dont advertise the zero but if you call they will tell you that they have them.

[Motorvation]

Glad you found the problem, but sorry it was at an added cost.

FWIW, I had been through a couple hays clutches, for different reasons, but each one just out of warranty. Trying to get some help on those was impossible. No return phone calls, and always got voice mail. A warning to all, it's pure junk! There was no spec when I bought this pile of junk. I'll do more research next purchase.

[cstreu1026]

how do you break in a spec clutch? i have one i put in my 86 but havent got it running yet.

Lots of miles. I think I probably had 7-8K on it before it was comfortable to drive on the street.