Spec clutch, worth it?

Gen414 · 01-12-2009, 03:30 PM

I know alot of guys do not care for the Spec (I have done my homework) But, there obviously is SOMEONE out there using them and liking them. To my point:

I am getting ready to buy a clutch, and was leaning HEAVILY towards teh Mcleod street twin. And unless I hear overwhelming evidence, still going to go that route. I was on a sponsors website, and noticed a Spec Stage 5 for not quite $500. And I was like, Damn thats cheap! So, can anyone tell me why I SHOULDNT use a Spec clutch???
My combo:

414", ported L92's, 12:1, solid roller, shold make 700+FWHP and gonna spray it as well. So, should make an easy 900+FWHP. Have a T56 that is behind the motor. Motor is being dropped in an 89 Mustang, and fighting weight should hover @ 2800 LBS.

jmm98LS1 · 01-12-2009, 04:54 PM

I think at that power level a twin disc is a way better option.

Gen414 · 01-12-2009, 06:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jmm98LS1

I think at that power level a twin disc is a way better option.

I was hoping you weren't gonna say that ($$$$$$$$$$$$)

Just kidding. Seriously, I do want honest opinions and that is why I am asking. I mean, sure I would like to save a few bucks, but not at the cost of having to replace a cheaper one with another one. Would rather do it once, be happy with it, and be done with it. End of story.

I did forget to add that this car will not see much street duty. I mean, it WILL see teh street, but is not a DD or anything like that. I do want to be able to drive it around, but any chatter and drivetrain noise is NOT gonna bother me any.

So, anybody else????????

stoverz28 · 01-12-2009, 06:33 PM

My spec 3 lasted ~6k miles in a cam only DD. Mcleod street twin in for 14k+ now, no complaints at all, great clutch.

BALLSS · 01-13-2009, 01:35 AM

IMHO you want a "twin" disc type clutch for that kind of power...brand of your choice.

TNTramair · 01-13-2009, 08:37 AM

my spec chattered from day 1 and after 7k miles (which included a 5K+mile trip on the hotrod power tour) it proceeded to weld itself to the flywheel upon my first burnout after getting back from the trip. worse clutch i ever owned. but, like with everything else, some people get good results, some not so much. i personally wouldnt ever spend the money on a spec as long as i own these cars.
i spent the extra dough on a Textralia and have been happy ever since. on my second now with my new setup but the old one held for about 15k miles before i blew the motor (550rwhp on spray). this new one i have now is on a 700+rwhp TT set up and its holding true to form. kick ass clutch and worth the money.
ive driven cars with mcleod in them and they were ok...but never owned one.

Slowhawk · 01-13-2009, 08:41 AM

The 5 works good for what it's built for but is an on/off clutch and not made to slip at all. A twin would be alot better.We run alot of the SPEC P-series twins in all our high hp cars.They drive great on the street and we have yet to destroy one.

drews94z-28 · 01-13-2009, 09:19 AM

My vote is for the Mcloed...two of my friends have had several problems with Spec clutches, the company tried to make it right but the simple fact was they just didnt hold up and neither one was making near as much power as you.

Gen414 · 01-13-2009, 09:20 AM

OK, NOW we are getting somewhere! Thanks guys for your input. Helps in getting first hand experience and not just well, my next door neighbors cousins best friend used to be friends with this guys cousin that had "xxx" type clutch and it was a piece of shit, type of info. Well, I was hoping I could save a few pennies but appears that I am not gonna be. Oh well, it's only money, and you can't take it with ya.

Any more opinions/experience/info is greatly appreciated!!!

SPEC-01 · 01-14-2009, 02:21 PM

Hey Gen, Keep in mind that a number of factors affect clutch life and performance. All to often people misunderstand the way that clutches work and as such there is a great deal of relative truth espoused as fact here. That being said lets make sure we are on the same page. You mention HP numbers, what kind of toruqe are you planning to make? Let me know and I will be happy to provide a recommendation that is appropriate for your application.

Gen414 · 01-14-2009, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SPEC-01

Hey Gen, Keep in mind that a number of factors affect clutch life and performance. All to often people misunderstand the way that clutches work and as such there is a great deal of relative truth espoused as fact here. That being said lets make sure we are on the same page. You mention HP numbers, what kind of toruqe are you planning to make? Let me know and I will be happy to provide a recommendation that is appropriate for your application.

Torque I have no idea, as far as what I want really. And really, I am not after a HP number either. Sure, it would be great to say I made 800HP on motor. But, I am not looking at that. I just put a combo togehter that I know will work, and will probaly make over 700 FWHP. Torque? I figure in the mid 500 range, on motor. On dope, should make 900+HP and I would say mid/upper 700 ft lbs.

SPEC-01 · 01-15-2009, 04:45 PM

If you will break-in a stage 3+ as recomended it should be fine (especially if you are running radials). If you want to take it up a notch then a stage 5 would be fine too. Of course you can always go with a Super-Twin too, these will be more drivable and have a longer life expectency than the Stage 5. Let me know if you have any further questions. Thanks!

PlatnumStatuz · 01-15-2009, 07:22 PM

liked my 2+ but it didn't hold up, sprung hub broke. I really like the 4 I'm runing now for $450 or so it good so far.

myws61 · 01-15-2009, 08:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gen414

I know alot of guys do not care for the Spec (I have done my homework) But, there obviously is SOMEONE out there using them and liking them.

Heres my car with my 3+

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/M...Tur_161622.htm

^There's a lot more of those, all with the 3+.

I make *around* 650whp/700ft tq. On my *small* shot.

In this video I was on my *not so small* shot.

Gen414 · 01-21-2009, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by myws61

Heres my car with my 3+

http://videos.streetfire.net/video/M...Tur_161622.htm

^There's a lot more of those, all with the 3+.

I make *around* 650whp/700ft tq. On my *small* shot.

In this video I was on my *not so small* shot.

Well, I cant say I condone street racing, but how many times did ya'll crack that Vipers ass?

he was definitely "underpowered". That Fox Body Mustang rolled out HARD!!

Gen414 · 01-21-2009, 05:39 PM

Well, I went Monster Clutch by the way. I picked up their Level VI, and it got here today. VERY nice setup, can't wait to put it to use and see what she does! Thanks guys for the info/insight and opinions and video's

fsttruckin · 01-21-2009, 06:08 PM

I have a post on here to trying too deside on what clutch to get, all i can say as I have a spec stage 2 and it failed with 360hp and 5k miles and 2 trips to the track with 5passes total. I have called spec and im sol because im passed the 120day warranty. I have been geting alot of hits of people telling me to give monster clutches a try. I have called them and customer service is A+ , I plan on using them gonna get a stage 3 in feb.
SPEC=

RsSean · 01-21-2009, 06:19 PM

I just recently insatalled a Spec clutch in my car, Spec said 500 mile break in period and the chattering would go away. NO, about 2k miles later no chatter. Other than that I have been real impressed with. Holds well and can take some abuse too.

Jeff@SpectacleSolutions · 01-21-2009, 06:22 PM

your application, a TEX twin is the way to go.

SPEC-01 · 01-22-2009, 08:43 AM

Hey fst...when did you buy your kit? I don't think that you and I have spoken but I did post in your thread previously. Get me some details and I will see if there is anything we can do. Of course, I need to see the parts to setermine what the cause was. Keep me posted. Thanks!