Clutch Advice

Rotary Rasp · 12-12-2012, 05:12 PM

I'm currently in the market for a new clutch. My OEM clutch is starting to slip with about 56k miles on the clock. I recently dynoed at 450whp / 480wtq on an e85 blend. I don't plan on any more performance mods.

I've done lots of searching and have narrowed my options to the following two clutches. ACT street or SPEC 2.

I have seen mixed reviews for both. Please help me decide. I would like the clutch pedal to feel as close to stock as possible.

Thanks!

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 12-12-2012, 05:16 PM

I'm going to let users who have tried either chime in. From our experience offering both and selling a lot of them lately; we are moving more Spec Clutches then ACT. The ACT has a low pedal feel, definitely stiffer then stock.

The Spec stage 2 tends to feel a bit more linear but naturally any aftermarket clutch will feel stiffer then stock.

On paper the ACT is just barely enough to hold that sort of torque rating.

If you look on Spec's site they have their torque ratings at that is the most important basis of purchasing a clutch.

If you want a stock pedal feel, you must stick with the OEM clutch. Realize that the oem clutch is pretty stout but the pressure plate doesn't have enough bite. That stiff pressure plate on the aftermarket clutches is what is going to give that stiff pedal feel among other factors too.

If anyone has experienced anything different then what I mentioned above please feel free to go over your experiences. This is just the feedback I've been told by some of my customers.

marcvtec · 12-12-2012, 05:26 PM

Spec stage 2+ > act

I had both

tcw · 12-12-2012, 05:35 PM

Spec 2+ with stock dual mass flywheel to eliminate chatter.

The Ghost · 12-12-2012, 10:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by marcvtec

Spec stage 2+ > act

I had both

Tell me more. I've had an ACT for 7k mikes and it slips horribly when using DRs.

I want to go Spec 2+, but hope it can cope with the tq of e85 on stock twins.

Rotary Rasp · 12-13-2012, 01:05 AM

Thanks for the input guys. How much stiffer is the pedal with the spec stage 2+ clutch?

OpenFlash · 12-13-2012, 01:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

Thanks for the input guys. How much stiffer is the pedal with the spec stage 2+ clutch?

Noticeably stiffer than stock. But it doesn't engage at the floor which makes it far more drivable than you would expect. The ACT clutches, IMHO, are poor performers when it comes to shifting quickly and day to day drivability. In the case of clutches, you really do get what you pay for more often than not.

Rotary Rasp · 12-13-2012, 02:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

Noticeably stiffer than stock. But it doesn't engage at the floor which makes it far more drivable than you would expect. The ACT clutches, IMHO, are poor performers when it comes to shifting quickly and day to day drivability. In the case of clutches, you really do get what you pay for more often than not.

What about the non-plus (+) stage 2?

OpenFlash · 12-13-2012, 02:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

What about the non-plus (+) stage 2?

I've never driven a stg2 clutch so no first hand experience. Most people (including myself) run the Stg2+.

cleex024 · 12-13-2012, 03:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

I've never driven a stg2 clutch so no first hand experience. Most people (including myself) run the Stg2+.

hey shiv...how long have you had yours on for? and the way you drive how long do you expect it to last?

Rotorocious · 12-13-2012, 07:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

I've never driven a stg2 clutch so no first hand experience. Most people (including myself) run the Stg2+.

Is that what most of the 6MT single turbo cars run?

Presidio335xi · 12-13-2012, 09:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

I'm currently in the market for a new clutch. My OEM clutch is starting to slip with about 56k miles on the clock. I recently dynoed at 450whp / 480wtq on an e85 blend. I don't plan on any more performance mods.

I've done lots of searching and have narrowed my options to the following two clutches. ACT street or SPEC 2.

I have seen mixed reviews for both. Please help me decide. I would like the clutch pedal to feel as close to stock as possible.

Thanks!

Spec 2+ is a great clutch. Holds 100% e85 power.

Lightened fw will chatter like a mofo but engages nicely and early.

Just remember to break it in big time

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 12-13-2012, 11:40 AM

If its any consolation a lot of my ACT clutch guys are switching to spec now for one reason or another. Either it's not holding the power anymore, or it's already worn out. I got one customer with a single turbo that said his ACT is not holding the power. I also sold a few to some current single turbo guys and they love them.

Rotary Rasp · 12-13-2012, 11:40 AM

Has anyone tried an oem clutch with after-market pressure plate? Is that even possible?

Rotorocious · 12-13-2012, 11:43 AM

Anyone know if AR still offers the DMFW exchange?

joec500 · 12-13-2012, 11:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rotary Rasp

Has anyone tried an oem clutch with after-market pressure plate? Is that even possible?

I saw on another forum where someone installed a Sachs 4 puck clutch. 4 pucks are generally not the most streetable, but the reviews seemed very promising. Might want to look into that one.

Joshboody · 12-13-2012, 12:16 PM

oh man, I was set on ACT/stock flywheel... now i'm second guessing.

Lot of people combining Spec with stock DMFW?

OpenFlash · 12-13-2012, 12:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joshboody

oh man, I was set on ACT/stock flywheel... now i'm second guessing.

Lot of people combining Spec with stock DMFW?

Tmo335tt has that combo with his single turbo car. Drives well and holds the power. But it looks like DMFWs may be tripping out misfire detection at high rpm/high HP ranges. Happens to Porsches a lot. Seems to be happening to N54s now that power levels are creeping upwards.

Joshboody · 12-13-2012, 12:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shiv@vishnu

Tmo335tt has that combo with his single turbo car. Drives well and holds the power. But it looks like DMFWs may be tripping out misfire detection at high rpm/high HP ranges. Happens to Porsches a lot. Seems to be happening to N54s now that power levels are creeping upwards.

yeah, been following all the hubbub... glad you all figured it out! I don't think my car has seen 6500rpms but a few times though. drivabilty/noise... or potential false misfire detection.

Also I suspect drivetrain/engine durability should be better with the DM

DrAmazing · 12-13-2012, 12:38 PM

My clutch advice...

GeorgiaTech335coupe · 12-13-2012, 12:45 PM

I had ACT with stock DMFW, I've driven a Spec 2+ with stock DMFW, I just purchased a Spec 2+ wtih LWFW.

My opinions:
ACT
1. held all the power/torque I threw at it including single turbo.
2. pedal pressure was more than stock and more than Spec 2+ with DMFW (I liked the heavier feel tho).
3. Clutch engaged literally maybe an inch off the floor. I ended up absolutely hating this. It caused so many misshifts as I would engage the clutch before I got into gear when shifting quickly. It made 2-step nearly impossible to use. It made NLS act funny. It started dragging after a while making launching impossible.

Spec 2+ w/DMFW (from the drive I took)
1. Pedal pressure is slightly more than stock, less than ACT (negative in my book).
2. Engaged easily and drove fine.
3. Holds my friends power who is also single turbo.

I have a 2+ with lwfw coming in the mail. My recommendation is to get the 2+. I haven't heard anything bad about it and I am very, very anit-Spec after the BS they pulled on my brother with his SC'd Mustang a few years back.

GeorgiaTech335coupe · 12-13-2012, 12:49 PM

My last recommendation is to purchase whatever you decide on from Jeff@Topgearsolutions. Top notch service!

View Poll Results: Which clutch would you choose?
ACT Street	8	22.86%
SPEC Stage 2	27	77.14%
Voters: 35. You may not vote on this poll

12-12-2012, 05:12 PM	#1
Rotary Rasp Lieutenant Colonel 241 Rep 1,857 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal - Torrance iTrader: (6)	Clutch Advice I'm currently in the market for a new clutch. My OEM clutch is starting to slip with about 56k miles on the clock. I recently dynoed at 450whp / 480wtq on an e85 blend. I don't plan on any more performance mods. I've done lots of searching and have narrowed my options to the following two clutches. ACT street or SPEC 2. I have seen mixed reviews for both. Please help me decide. I would like the clutch pedal to feel as close to stock as possible. Thanks! __________________
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12-12-2012, 05:16 PM	#2
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	I'm going to let users who have tried either chime in. From our experience offering both and selling a lot of them lately; we are moving more Spec Clutches then ACT. The ACT has a low pedal feel, definitely stiffer then stock. The Spec stage 2 tends to feel a bit more linear but naturally any aftermarket clutch will feel stiffer then stock. On paper the ACT is just barely enough to hold that sort of torque rating. If you look on Spec's site they have their torque ratings at that is the most important basis of purchasing a clutch. If you want a stock pedal feel, you must stick with the OEM clutch. Realize that the oem clutch is pretty stout but the pressure plate doesn't have enough bite. That stiff pressure plate on the aftermarket clutches is what is going to give that stiff pedal feel among other factors too. If anyone has experienced anything different then what I mentioned above please feel free to go over your experiences. This is just the feedback I've been told by some of my customers.
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12-12-2012, 05:26 PM	#3
marcvtec Banned 407 Rep 2,704 Posts Drives: M5 Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: toronto iTrader: (0)	Spec stage 2+ > act I had both
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12-12-2012, 05:35 PM	#4
tcw Captain 52 Rep 748 Posts Drives: 2008 335i Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Atlanta, GA iTrader: (2)	Spec 2+ with stock dual mass flywheel to eliminate chatter. __________________ 2008 335I E92, AW, VFF700, 18" Forgestar F14, M3 front/side, M-tech rear, AMS IC, H&R Touring Cup Kit suspension, HID AE, ER Charge Pipe & Synapse BOV, CIC Retrofit, Quafie, DSS, Defiv Lockdown, SPEC 2+/Steel SMFW, Walbro 450
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12-13-2012, 01:05 AM	#6
Rotary Rasp Lieutenant Colonel 241 Rep 1,857 Posts Drives: 2009 E92 335i 6MT Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: SoCal - Torrance iTrader: (6)	Thanks for the input guys. How much stiffer is the pedal with the spec stage 2+ clutch? __________________
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12-13-2012, 11:40 AM	#13
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)	If its any consolation a lot of my ACT clutch guys are switching to spec now for one reason or another. Either it's not holding the power anymore, or it's already worn out. I got one customer with a single turbo that said his ACT is not holding the power. I also sold a few to some current single turbo guys and they love them.
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12-13-2012, 11:43 AM	#15
Rotorocious Lieutenant Colonel 103 Rep 1,520 Posts Drives: 335xi Join Date: May 2010 Location: Colorado iTrader: (3)	Anyone know if AR still offers the DMFW exchange?
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12-13-2012, 12:16 PM	#17
Joshboody Lieutenant Colonel 65 Rep 1,708 Posts Drives: pickemuptruck Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (7)	oh man, I was set on ACT/stock flywheel... now i'm second guessing. Lot of people combining Spec with stock DMFW?
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12-13-2012, 12:38 PM	#20
DrAmazing Private First Class 5 Rep 102 Posts Drives: '07 335i Coupe JB4 Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: Halifax, Canada iTrader: (0)	My clutch advice...
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12-13-2012, 12:45 PM	#21
GeorgiaTech335coupe Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: Black BMW 335i coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	I had ACT with stock DMFW, I've driven a Spec 2+ with stock DMFW, I just purchased a Spec 2+ wtih LWFW. My opinions: ACT 1. held all the power/torque I threw at it including single turbo. 2. pedal pressure was more than stock and more than Spec 2+ with DMFW (I liked the heavier feel tho). 3. Clutch engaged literally maybe an inch off the floor. I ended up absolutely hating this. It caused so many misshifts as I would engage the clutch before I got into gear when shifting quickly. It made 2-step nearly impossible to use. It made NLS act funny. It started dragging after a while making launching impossible. Spec 2+ w/DMFW (from the drive I took) 1. Pedal pressure is slightly more than stock, less than ACT (negative in my book). 2. Engaged easily and drove fine. 3. Holds my friends power who is also single turbo. I have a 2+ with lwfw coming in the mail. My recommendation is to get the 2+. I haven't heard anything bad about it and I am very, very anit-Spec after the BS they pulled on my brother with his SC'd Mustang a few years back. __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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12-13-2012, 12:49 PM	#22
GeorgiaTech335coupe Lieutenant Colonel 76 Rep 1,883 Posts Drives: Black BMW 335i coupe Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	My last recommendation is to purchase whatever you decide on from Jeff@Topgearsolutions. Top notch service! __________________ Legal Disclaimer: Anything I or anyone else says about my vehicle on this website(e90post.com or any affiliated or nonaffiliated sites), pertaining to modifications, is only to gain acceptance from my/our peers, and does not actually represent anything actually existing on my car, and thus, cannot be held against me in any issues, i.e. warranty claims, that may arise.
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