clutch opinion
 

I'm in the market for a new clutch for my '99 spyder gs-t and I just wanted some inputs these 2 clutches. I'm looking at either getting the ACT 2100 or the South Bend Rally Series. I have never ran a South Bend clutch so I don't know much about it. From all the researched I've done a lot of people recommended them so I figure I would give it a shot. The car will be daily driven and some fun on the weekends since I can't run it at the tracks here w/o a roll cage. Any other choices or advices would greatly help. thanks.

I will have the car dyno tuned after the new clutch is installed.

Mods on my car:
-evo3 big16g turbo
-Joe P. MBC
-3in turbo back exhaust
-pte 680cc
-apexi safc
-gm maf-t in blow-thru setup
-SSQV BOV
-extremeintercoolersystems.com 7" Street short-route FMIC kit
-rewired fuel pump
-walbro 190lph
-ported 2g exhaust manifold
-NGK plugs and wires
-tubular o2 housing

Re: clutch opinion
 

I have a Southbend DXD in my Laser AWD and really like it. Easy to daily-drive in traffic, but nice firm solid engagement.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I don't have any experience with the ACT, simply because all I end up dealing with is southbends. And I've heared and seen nothing but good things. Reliable, options for most people's needs to hold awesome amounts of power, stock pedal feel, and an overall a joy to drive everyday because of the stock pedal feel, but also holds up great at the track. Also, correct me if i'm wrong (again because I havn't had any experience w/ ACT products), but from what I've heared, ACT's are kind of a hit or miss as far as whether or not they hold up and not fail

Re: clutch opinion
 

What clutch series would you recommend me getting from South Bend for my type of driving and setup? I originally was just looking at the Rally Series or possibly the TZ series. I'm thinking at most my car would only be looking at 270+ HP.

But like you said about ACT it is a hit or miss. I've had experience with them in my old 1g AWD with the ACT 2600 and never had a problem. My friend however did. Installed the ACT 2900 in his 2g GSX and a few thousand miles into it the thing busted in pieces so he switch to a ACT 2600 and shortly after got rid of the car ^_^.

Re: clutch opinion
 

ACT seems to have more quality control issues than any other clutch brand. Their discs aren't anything special either, they just use the pressure plate strength to hold power rather than using a higher friction disc too.

I've heard the DXD holds similar power to the ACT 2600 so thats more than enough for most people's DSMs. I really can't see going with anything lesser than this clutch either, its already so easy to drive with a very comfortable pedal pressure.

*edit* Seems like DXD is the line of all their import clutches, My invoice from LSE says "SouthBend Clutch DXD-HD K-536. Full face custom disc" so I'm not exactly sure which one I have.

Re: clutch opinion
 

you'd probably be really suited with an OFE. Give LSE a call, and the parts guys will be more than happy to price you out a clutch that's best suited for your needs

Re: clutch opinion
 

Southbend for SURE! I have had both the 2100 and the DXD and the DXD is much much more easy on your left leg and will take a TON of abuse. Loved that clutch, that's what's going in my Evo!

Re: clutch opinion
 

XTD from ebay! Cheap and works.

Re: clutch opinion
 

Dont have it yet, but will be going with South Bend for my 2g.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I have an XTD in my car, 90 laser fwd, and love it so far. I just need to get my clutch master cylinder swapped.

Re: clutch opinion
 

Thanks for all the replies. I decided and ordered the South Bend OFE Clutch through LSE.

One other question. Do you guys think I should just get an aftermarket flywheel, for example: fidanza, while its off or just have the stock one resurfaced?

Re: clutch opinion
 

yeah LSE usually suggests southbend from what I hear, seems like the brand to go with.

Re: clutch opinion
 

As stated above, ACT has problems. I've also heard of two Southbend issues personally. The clutch that I would go with if I had a manual tranny is Centerforce. Not many people run them, but I have yet to hear bad news from anyone I know running one. However; I, like everyone else in the thread, am biased.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I loved the Centerforce Dual-Friction in my '94 TSi fwd. If I ever had a FWD DSM again I would for sure buy one no question. I had 30k of hard miles on mine and it handled the 20G w/o problem.

For AWD I'd go with the SouthBend since they handle hard launches better, but the CF DF did have smoother engagement and a better feel which is why its my FWD choice.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I have an act in my 91 tsi and i would never go anything else!

Re: clutch opinion
 

Centerforce is old school, they are hit and miss, but more misses for the DSM crowd once you pass the 275whp level.
I believe that the AWD had worse luck with them compared to the FWD.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I've owned ACT 2600 in all my old cars, and I've driven a few cars with the Southbend compareable clutch (DXD?) and I'd go with a SB anyday of the week. the pedal pressure was a pure joy.

Re: clutch opinion
 

Ive had a ACT 2100, i just got a Southbend DXD and for the 24 hours my car was running it seemed really nice. Pedal pressure was a sinch. The DXD was much more different then the ACT, seemed to engage really FAST. Almost stalled a couple times in first at low speeds.

Re: clutch opinion
 

I having been running a SouthBend DxD OFE clutch in my '99 GSX for 2 years now. I had a ACT 2600 in there and this SouthBend is by far better. I've talked to Southbend directly and their clutch disks themselves are more efficient thus requiring less pressure plate load which is easier on the leg also. I'm sold on these and would recommend to anyone. For a 2g, Southbend should be a clutch of choice because the last thing you want is lots of pressure plate load at the thrust bearings.