SPEC STAGE 3 CLUTCH - Zilvia.net Forums | Nissan 240SX (Silvia) and Z (Fairlady) Car Forum

wizdom · 11-21-2002, 06:13 PM

I have this installed when I did my sr swap.  I've always heard that a stage 3 is strictly a  racing clutch.  

I've already broken it in 500 miles.

Do I just suck at driving a stick or is it really hard to drive w/this clutch, especially in stop n go traffic.

How do you drive w/this clutch??? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'>

adey · 11-21-2002, 06:26 PM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wizdom @ Nov. 21 2002,5:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I've always heard that a stage 3 is strictly a racing clutch.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
Do I just suck at driving a stick or is it really hard to drive w/this clutch, especially in stop n go traffic.
</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">
How do you drive w/this clutch??</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
I think you just answered your own question. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

wizdom · 11-21-2002, 10:45 PM

What's that supposed to mean?? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'>

I posted this so I can get some feedback that would be worthwhile to read.

Stop being a dick and post something that can enlighten  people.  That's what this technical forum is about.  I was hoping to get some "technical" explanation to my questions, can anyone else answer my questions?

Is a stage 3 a RACE only clutch?
Can you learn to daily drive in this clutch? if so, how.

Hubie · 11-22-2002, 03:02 AM

By stage 3 do you mean 3puck, 4puck, 6puck, or solid clutch disc?  If it's a puck style, then yes it's supposed to be strictly for race use and are very annoying to drive on the street. With this clutch it's almost impossible to slip and is usually just "on/off". My brother only has the ACT street clutch in his Prelude and it's still kinda hard to drive.

Dark · 11-22-2002, 05:07 AM

How much horsepower is your Sr producing?

HippoSleek · 11-22-2002, 07:17 AM

</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wizdom @ Nov. 21 2002,11:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">What's that supposed to mean?? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'>

I posted this so I can get some feedback that would be worthwhile to read.

Stop being a dick and post something that can enlighten people. That's what this technical forum is about. I was hoping to get some "technical" explanation to my questions, can anyone else answer my questions?

Is a stage 3 a RACE only clutch?
Can you learn to daily drive in this clutch? if so, how.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'>
Okay, I'll answer your question you little turd burger-  Although Adey did just fine and gave you as technical an explanation as is necessary for your impossibly slow self(mentally - 'cause I know you got an SR, dog).

YES it is a racing clutch.  The two other stages that you passed up so you could have the "best" were designed for different high performance applications, but with much more livability in a street car.

By racing, all companies except APC mean on a track - not on a freeway or in bumper to bumper traffic.  No, it is not designed for daily driving.  It cannot be used for daily driving- that's why "racing" clutches are different than OEM ones or even other high performance models.

You see, in the automotive world, there are "trade offs."  That means you trade one quality, such as drivability, for another, such as clamping force.  What did you fvcking think when you bought it?  Do you also have 1200/900 lbs. springs?  

I hope you have a miserable commute every day.

Very truly yours,
H.S.

adey · 11-22-2002, 12:43 PM

Thanks H.S. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'>

Wizdom- You obviously missed that I wasn't flaming (or flinging mud at) you... a little touchy, eh? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/whatsthat.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':whatthe:'>
You probably should have stayed with a SPEC stage 1 or stage 2 if you planned on commuting (or doing any real amount of daily driving) in the car...
In terms of any technical description on how to learn to drive with a heavy/race clutch... what kind of technical info do you want?

1) Sitting in an upright position, depress the clutch all the way in. You should not have to overextend your (left) leg to do this, as this may lead to thigh/calf pains. If you feel like you're stretching too far to fully depress the clutch, move your seat forward.
2) With the ignition on, depress the clutch and shift into first gear. Slowly release the clutch until you start moving, then add a little bit of throttle while releasing the clutch further, trying to keep the whole process as smooth as possible by feathering the clutch as needed.
3) when you've reached an appropriate speed/rev (usually around 10mph/3,000rpm) depress the clutch all the way, and shift into 2nd gear, slowly releasing the clutch and applying throttle once the shifter is in place.
4) Repeat step 3 for each next higher gear.

Other than this, I don't see how much more technical we can be. Again, what kind of description do you want?

nissan_s14 · 11-22-2002, 05:55 PM

It also helps to make sure your clutch system is in nice and good condition. I've also heard the SS clutch line helps to the feel of the clutch. You just need some time/ practice with the new clutch...it will take some getting used to. Lastly (and being serious), doing some squats or leg presses may help improve things a bit.

wizdom · 11-23-2002, 07:33 PM

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

Thanks for the confirmation Hipposleek....and I hope you have a terrible commute every morning, too.

I passed up the other stage 1/2 clutches because they were only 10 bucks cheaper, plus I was really planning on building this motor to produce some serious ponies.  And maybe one day take it auto-crossing.
Luckily, this is not what I plan to use as a daily driver, although it's hard not to drive it everyday when your other car is an automatic civic.  I've just been using everyday lately since I got the car back from Balanced Performance.

Thank you everyone for your input.

HippoSleek · 11-25-2002, 06:52 AM

<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

... and I commute via subway  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt='

'>

11-21-2002, 06:13 PM	#1
wizdom Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 47 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	I have this installed when I did my sr swap.  I've always heard that a stage 3 is strictly a  racing clutch.   I've already broken it in 500 miles. Do I just suck at driving a stick or is it really hard to drive w/this clutch, especially in stop n go traffic. How do you drive w/this clutch??? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/crazy.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':crazy:'> __________________ ::[ W \| i \| Z \| d \| O \| M ]::I eat civics for breakfast.

11-21-2002, 06:26 PM	#2
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wizdom @ Nov. 21 2002,5:13)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">I've always heard that a stage 3 is strictly a racing clutch. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> Do I just suck at driving a stick or is it really hard to drive w/this clutch, especially in stop n go traffic. </td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'></span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote </td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE"> How do you drive w/this clutch??</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> I think you just answered your own question. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

11-21-2002, 10:45 PM	#3
wizdom Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 47 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	What's that supposed to mean?? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'> I posted this so I can get some feedback that would be worthwhile to read. Stop being a dick and post something that can enlighten  people.  That's what this technical forum is about.  I was hoping to get some "technical" explanation to my questions, can anyone else answer my questions? Is a stage 3 a RACE only clutch? Can you learn to daily drive in this clutch? if so, how. __________________ ::[ W \| i \| Z \| d \| O \| M ]::I eat civics for breakfast.

11-22-2002, 05:07 AM	#5
Dark Zilvia Member Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Arlington, VA Posts: 165 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	How much horsepower is your Sr producing? __________________ 93 Fastback, 5spd with obx shortshifter Power is in the control of strength.

11-22-2002, 12:43 PM	#7
adey Post Whore! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hong Kong Posts: 3,072 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	Thanks H.S. <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/thumbs-up.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':thumbsup:'> Wizdom- You obviously missed that I wasn't flaming (or flinging mud at) you... a little touchy, eh? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/whatsthat.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':whatthe:'> You probably should have stayed with a SPEC stage 1 or stage 2 if you planned on commuting (or doing any real amount of daily driving) in the car... In terms of any technical description on how to learn to drive with a heavy/race clutch... what kind of technical info do you want? 1) Sitting in an upright position, depress the clutch all the way in. You should not have to overextend your (left) leg to do this, as this may lead to thigh/calf pains. If you feel like you're stretching too far to fully depress the clutch, move your seat forward. 2) With the ignition on, depress the clutch and shift into first gear. Slowly release the clutch until you start moving, then add a little bit of throttle while releasing the clutch further, trying to keep the whole process as smooth as possible by feathering the clutch as needed. 3) when you've reached an appropriate speed/rev (usually around 10mph/3,000rpm) depress the clutch all the way, and shift into 2nd gear, slowly releasing the clutch and applying throttle once the shifter is in place. 4) Repeat step 3 for each next higher gear. Other than this, I don't see how much more technical we can be. Again, what kind of description do you want? __________________ Instagram: @SX180HKG

11-22-2002, 03:02 AM	#4
Hubie Leaky Injector Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: TX Age: 44 Posts: 124 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	By stage 3 do you mean 3puck, 4puck, 6puck, or solid clutch disc?  If it's a puck style, then yes it's supposed to be strictly for race use and are very annoying to drive on the street. With this clutch it's almost impossible to slip and is usually just "on/off". My brother only has the ACT street clutch in his Prelude and it's still kinda hard to drive.

11-22-2002, 07:17 AM	#6
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	</span><table border="0" align="center" width="95%" cellpadding="3" cellspacing="1"><tr><td>Quote (wizdom @ Nov. 21 2002,11:45)</td></tr><tr><td id="QUOTE">What's that supposed to mean?? <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/withstupid.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=':withstupid:'> I posted this so I can get some feedback that would be worthwhile to read. Stop being a dick and post something that can enlighten people. That's what this technical forum is about. I was hoping to get some "technical" explanation to my questions, can anyone else answer my questions? Is a stage 3 a RACE only clutch? Can you learn to daily drive in this clutch? if so, how.</td></tr></table><span id='postcolor'> Okay, I'll answer your question you little turd burger-  Although Adey did just fine and gave you as technical an explanation as is necessary for your impossibly slow self(mentally - 'cause I know you got an SR, dog). YES it is a racing clutch.  The two other stages that you passed up so you could have the "best" were designed for different high performance applications, but with much more livability in a street car. By racing, all companies except APC mean on a track - not on a freeway or in bumper to bumper traffic.  No, it is not designed for daily driving.  It cannot be used for daily driving- that's why "racing" clutches are different than OEM ones or even other high performance models. You see, in the automotive world, there are "trade offs."  That means you trade one quality, such as drivability, for another, such as clamping force.  What did you fvcking think when you bought it?  Do you also have 1200/900 lbs. springs?   I hope you have a miserable commute every day. Very truly yours, H.S.

11-22-2002, 05:55 PM	#8
nissan_s14 Leaky Injector Join Date: Mar 2002 Posts: 108 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	It also helps to make sure your clutch system is in nice and good condition. I've also heard the SS clutch line helps to the feel of the clutch. You just need some time/ practice with the new clutch...it will take some getting used to. Lastly (and being serious), doing some squats or leg presses may help improve things a bit.

11-23-2002, 07:33 PM	#9
wizdom Join Date: Feb 2002 Posts: 47 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/tounge.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> Thanks for the confirmation Hipposleek....and I hope you have a terrible commute every morning, too. I passed up the other stage 1/2 clutches because they were only 10 bucks cheaper, plus I was really planning on building this motor to produce some serious ponies.  And maybe one day take it auto-crossing. Luckily, this is not what I plan to use as a daily driver, although it's hard not to drive it everyday when your other car is an automatic civic.  I've just been using everyday lately since I got the car back from Balanced Performance. Thank you everyone for your input. __________________ ::[ W \| i \| Z \| d \| O \| M ]::I eat civics for breakfast.

11-25-2002, 06:52 AM	#10
HippoSleek Nissanaholic! Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: elsewhere Posts: 2,081 Trader Rating: (0) Feedback Score: 0 reviews	<img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''> ... and I commute via subway  <img src="http://www.zilvia.net/f/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/wink.gif" border="0" valign="absmiddle" alt=''>