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SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch

3547 Views 12 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  awd, 
A
My car is about to hit the 70k mile mark and I think that it is finally time to do a clutch upgrade as it has been feeling very sloppy as of late. I am going to get the SPEC Stage 3+ (SO603F) and a new OEM flywheel - there still is not aftermarket flywheel, or is there? I will have a local shop do the installation for me. For those of you that have installed or have had this clutch installed - will I need to purchase anything else for the shop to do the install? Are replacement bearings included with the SPEC Stage 3+? Do you suggest I supply the shop with a specific tranny fluid?

thanks
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T
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (awd)

There is this made for the Focus ST:

http://www.pumabuild.co.uk/cat...ac417

Don't know if it will fit our cars?
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T
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (awd)

You should search the forum for Oldman's posts on his Spec clutch replacement. I don't recall which stage he went for, but he was adamant that the higher stages would be too grabby and harsh. He definitely advised against the puck-type kevlar ones.

On the flywheel issue - why do you think it needs to be replaced? These are rather sophisticated dual-mass units, certainly not cheap and unless you've taken the old clutch down to the rivets, probably not failing. They can get a little loose, is yours click-clacking?

Also be aware that when you replace the clutch, there's a specific procedure to reset the pressure plate before installing. Many new pp's come ready to install, but some don't and you'll destroy it if you attempt to torque it down without retracting the fingers spirally.

Tom.
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A
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (tmtalpey)

Yes, I think Oldman suggested the 3+ clutch.

I am replacing the flywheel as preventative maintenance, it does have 70k miles and while it seems ok currently, I would rather have it replaced while the tranny is opened. The plan is to not have to touch the tranny for a while after the SPEC goes in.
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-ForceFed-
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (TheDane)

Quote, originally posted by TheDane »
There is this made for the Focus ST:

http://www.pumabuild.co.uk/cat...ac417

Don't know if it will fit our cars?

This would be great if there was any way to verify that it fits. I dont see why not but there could be the slightest variant with the clutch. Stage 3 seems a bit harsh unless your pushing 400whp out of your T5 lol.

I would call there tech support and ask what they feel is best as you cant merely base your decision on the number chart haha. If thats a puck style clutch i would venture to guess you hate it within the first time you get stuck in traffic lol. Would be a HUGE difference between stock volvo clutch and for most not in a good way. Also putting that grabby of a clutch on a dual mass flywheel may have an unadvantageous effect.
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A
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (ForceFed Motorsports)

Aparently the Spec Stage 3+ does not come with an alignment tool, release bearing, or slave cylinder - so much for a clutch "kit". Anyone have a part # for any of these? I cannot find them on myswedishparts or bostonvolvo.
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T
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (awd)

Well, the throwout bearing and slave cylinder are together as a single unit, and aren't always replaced routinely. Not being in the "kit" doesn't surprise me. Ask John Sharisky ([email protected]) and he'll give you a quote in minutes.

On the centering tool, there isn't one. There is a special pressure plate compression tool which winds it down spirally and "sets" it, while also holding the disc. Then, the whole assembly is torqued to the flywheel and the tool is removed.

For pressure plates that come pre-set, I guess you could use a tool but you shouldn't have much trouble getting it right. Did you dig up Oldman's posts on his job? He did it in his driveway IIRC, without anything special (except lots of time and his experience of course).

Tom.
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A
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (tmtalpey)

thanks for the info tom
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S
No way you need a Spec Stage 3 clutch. I'm running a Stage 3 on my 3500 lb truck with 500 lb-ft of torque and 7000 rpm shifts. We will see what happens when I hit it with a 150 shot though.

I would also agree with Tom that the stock flywheel should be usable. Can they be surface ground to be cleaned up? Flywheels don't go bad like clutches. You replace one because you gouged the crap out of it or you heated it up to the point you changed the material properties. The flywheel should be good for well over 200k miles.
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-ForceFed-
Re: (Silver T5)

The problem is that flywheels are generally supposed to be resurfaced everytime that the clutch is replaced to create a fresh mating surface for the friction disk. The dual mass cannot be resurfaced due to the design so usually require replacement. What i would do is either rig up a dial gauge or get a level and check the surface difference for any warpage. Then depending on the results rather than replacing would reuse it as is or just have a machine shop take the belt sander to it for a new surface.
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A
Re: (Silver T5)

Quote, originally posted by Silver T5 »
No way you need a Spec Stage 3 clutch. I'm running a Stage 3 on my 3500 lb truck with 500 lb-ft of torque and 7000 rpm shifts. We will see what happens when I hit it with a 150 shot though.

I would also agree with Tom that the stock flywheel should be usable. Can they be surface ground to be cleaned up? Flywheels don't go bad like clutches. You replace one because you gouged the crap out of it or you heated it up to the point you changed the material properties. The flywheel should be good for well over 200k miles.

No way you need an IPD rear sway bar!!!


Its all personal preference. You may think it is overkill but there a couple of ppl that have done the Stage 3+ on the board and love it. I am going by their recommendation because they have been there and done that.

As for the flywheel, it was stated a few times...the DMF cannot (or should not) be resurfaced. If I am spending $1,000 for the clutch + $ for install, I might as well replace the flywheel while the tranny is open. I am the kind of guy who if I were not to have the flywheel done at the same time..would run into an issue 5,000 miles down the road...its just my luck!
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A
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (awd)

Anyone know what the install time I am looking at for the clutch? I am talking shop hours - book standards? 6hrs?
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A
Re: SPEC Stage 3+ Clutch (awd)

Incase anyone is interested to know..

I was quoted $450 for the installation by a shop that has done some work for me in the past including a clutch install on my gf's 03 audi tt awd.
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