my experience with spec parts from 2002, 2006, (when they still could get 'valeo' pressure plates) was very different than the most recent spec pressure plate i got in 2012 that was one of the overseas stampings....

the SPEC pressure plate from 2012 required an unbelievable amount of drilling to neutral balance it to my lightweight alum fidanza flywheel (with the flywheel counterweight removed, of course).

the valeo SPEC pressure plates that they used in 02 and 06 did not require all the balance work . i had them checked by the same machine shop (that told me how out of balance the spec overseas replacement pressure plate was) and those valeo ones took very little weight removL to balance.

both the spec valeo and overseas pressure plates were painted the pretty spec blue and spec will claim that they make those (or have them made) in-house. not true as i can see the casting marks or where spec scratched off the stamped parts numbers

also dont trust spec to make you an already-balanced clutch/flywheel assembly.

people here have been burned there as well.

all this spec trash talk aside.... i have been having great luck with my balanced (by my shop) spec stage 3+/alum flywheel setup i bought in 2012. this is with the overseas pressure plate supplied

no problems. though note i did balance it beforehand

 

Emails and discussions with SPEC Clutch indicated that during the Holiday rush, parts were sent out in error. They are shipping new ones today.

 

Keep us updated, John.