[4/27/2005] Reviewed by: Keith Kimble - kjkmd@aol.com
Applicable to: '90 - '97 '99 + 1.6 liter 1.8 liter
High-performance, high-capacity clutch installed in conjuction with turbocharger conversion.
Installed about two weeks ago by Brainstorm, along with tubocharger.
This is Centerforce's new high performance clutch. Comes (as I recall) only in 1.8 configuration, which means you have to change to a 1.8 flywheel on 1.6 cars if you want to use it. I did--swapped out OEM 1.6 flywheel for 1.8 OEM. Didn't go to Fidanza or other lightweight f-wheel in interest of drivability. Effort is very similar to stock OEM clutch--maybe a little harder. Engages in the middle of pedal travel. A bit more abrupt engagement than stock--but not much. Most tellingly, weak-legged wife says she can't feel a difference. There you go. Take it easy first 500 miles. So far, no problem handling increased power. Don't know if it has the capacity of high-end ACT's if you're gonna run big boost, but from what I've read, it's a lot more livable. Highly recommended.
Difficult to remove without leaving damage
Applicable to: '90 - '97 1.6 liter
Centerforce stage 1 performance clutch. This is the cheaper of the three available centerforce clutches for the miata. Approximately $170.
I installed the clutch over a year ago in my garage with a fraction of the proper tools and a couple good friends. Even so the install went very quickly with only about 8 hours work(minus several breaks). I installed it as a replacement to my stock clutch that went out at approximately 80K miles. $190 is not the cheapest that I have seen it. Overall the clutch is excellent. Drop the clutch at 5500 rpm with out any hint of a slip. It lights up the wheels real nice, and I actually managed to break a couple teeth off the ring in my differential(well worth it). The pedal pressure is actually softer than stock but the hold is amazing. The only small complaint is a slight chatter at low rpm while easing the cluth in traffic. I have since installed a wet system 70 shot nitrous system (in addition to an intake system and cat-back exhaust), the clutch takes it without the slightest complaint, no slipping, no burning. 20K later the clutch still feels like new! .
Definately recommend it to anyone needing a new clutch. Much less than a hundred dollars more than a stock clutch and well worth it.
Over 30 minutes to remove completely
After installing a intercooled turbo with a B/O valve, and a FM ECU,ect... on my 1.6 miata, I needed a inexspensive clutch set that would hold up to my forced induction. (As I was now low on funds)I was told that a 1.8 flywheel with a decent clutch should hold up fine. I decided to go that route and chose the 1.8 stock flywheel and a 1.8 Center Force Dual Friction Clutch=CFDFC. The only thing extra with this intall would be a 1.8 pilot bushing(bearing), and a new throwout bearing(the throwout is the same for all years, so dont freak). The clutch is of high quality and I would recomend Performance International at www.performanceintl.com (they are selling them for only $317.09 but you have to ask for Bob) Tell him Pete sent you. Any way the install is straight forward except that the flywheels look totaly different-dont worry though, the 1.8 will fit with no problem,(dont forget to have the flywheel resurfaced, it should be about $25.00 at the most, if not, go through your yellow pages and call a machine [remainder cut off]
The 1.8 conversion with the 1.8 DFDFC is awesome. The pressure is only slightly harder but oh so much more stronger. The clutch pedal now engages near the bottom of the floor, rather then mid way like the stock. All components are of the highest quality, and the packing is excellent.
I would recomend this route and product to all. You can totally feel the differance. It should be noted that this clutch needs a 500 mile break in, so at that point I'll light up a 5.0 and do a follow up, untill then..happy torsen hunting.
| Back to Product Reviews | 31 July, 2005 |