Spec Clutches equal JUNK!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Sep 2000
Posts: 6,976
Likes: 527
From: Clouds Over California
I've had two SPEC clutches and the only issue with them was the factory "nuetral balance".
My SPEC II Kevlar that I had on my 97 H&C car withstood both the strip and the (track) roadcourse.
My latest SPEC IV was installed when I had the first TTi Kit installed 3 or so years ago. Extreme installed it because the CARTEK clutch slipped on the dyno....it was broke in for 500 miles too with the new engine. Anyway the SPEC IV held up to 700rwtq with that kit and recently it held up to over 800 rear tq with my PTK TT setup. The clutch is rated at 700 flywheel tq...at least according to the SPEC website.
According to the SPEC website the SPEC III+ is rated at 850 tq (flywheel)..and has good street drivability.
I am happy to see some reports about the SPEC III+ not living up to standards...as I considered this clutch..but this thread has confirmed that I need to order the SPEC V clutch (1200 ft/lb rating). I will of course make sure that it has been checked for "neutral balance".
My SPEC II Kevlar that I had on my 97 H&C car withstood both the strip and the (track) roadcourse.
My latest SPEC IV was installed when I had the first TTi Kit installed 3 or so years ago. Extreme installed it because the CARTEK clutch slipped on the dyno....it was broke in for 500 miles too with the new engine. Anyway the SPEC IV held up to 700rwtq with that kit and recently it held up to over 800 rear tq with my PTK TT setup. The clutch is rated at 700 flywheel tq...at least according to the SPEC website.
According to the SPEC website the SPEC III+ is rated at 850 tq (flywheel)..and has good street drivability.
I am happy to see some reports about the SPEC III+ not living up to standards...as I considered this clutch..but this thread has confirmed that I need to order the SPEC V clutch (1200 ft/lb rating). I will of course make sure that it has been checked for "neutral balance".
Last edited by Shinobi'sZ; Oct 27, 2006 at 09:52 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 17,602
Likes: 20
From: Palm City Florida
Originally Posted by WS6TransAm01
two words...
CARTEK Clutch
CARTEK Clutch
Got one sitting on my desk in front of me... Hoping to take it to be installed next week!!How long is the breakin? When can I stomp it?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 261
Likes: 0
From: Metro Detroit MI
Originally Posted by AMERICAN_HP
First off, it could be a few things. NOT just the fact that the clutch was bad. If there was sparks, then is doesnt sound like it was installed right.
Look at the clutch and see whats wrong.
I have run a spec clutch and it worked great.
Second off. You dont have a snowballs chance in hell getting them to reimburse you for your install.
Its called RACING...
Look at the clutch and see whats wrong.
I have run a spec clutch and it worked great.
Second off. You dont have a snowballs chance in hell getting them to reimburse you for your install.
Its called RACING...
100% agree
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 10,233
Likes: 21
From: Baltimore suburbs Maryland
I can't speak for the high power guys as I'm basically stock, but I have a Spec Stage 2, coming from a LUK Pro Gold. I like the LUK alot better then the Stage 2, it feels stock and does not chatter. The Spec chatters a bit at lower speeds.
Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 43
Likes: 0
From: Boise Id
Originally Posted by FixedRoof
SPEC = GARBAGE!
Simple as that. Had a 3, it took a crap. One of my best friends had a 3+ and it took a crap. Bad QC and balance issues as well..
Simple as that. Had a 3, it took a crap. One of my best friends had a 3+ and it took a crap. Bad QC and balance issues as well..
I so totally agree!!
I have done so many installs and Spec has done me wrong in so many ways. I will take my hate to the grave. Only 2 out of 8 or 10 installs went well. I have done a few of these cars more then once. A few months ago I installed a Spec 3 in a blown 02 ZO6 with Kooks headers. Not fun to begin with, but today I ordered the Textraila ZO700 kit. This will be the second Tex I will install in a blower car and the first one took so much abuse from constant dragracing, and it is still strong as ever. The install on the blown with Kooks car is no fun at all, and to have to do it again, lets just say I am not happy with Spec.
So in ending, beware of Spec.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 734
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
I think the clutch failure of the initial poster was due to one of three things.
1. Bad install
2. Poor break-in procedure
3. Bad unit from the factory.
Of these I'd suspect a bad install (no offense to the installer whatsoever) or improper breakin as there are only so many things to check with regard to QC on a clutch that I'd really doubt they'd make an error in checking it.
Only other issue could be oil or some foreign matter got on the clutch. Is everyone using that jelly stuff when installing flywheel bolts to prevent oil from leaking there?
1. Bad install
2. Poor break-in procedure
3. Bad unit from the factory.
Of these I'd suspect a bad install (no offense to the installer whatsoever) or improper breakin as there are only so many things to check with regard to QC on a clutch that I'd really doubt they'd make an error in checking it.
Only other issue could be oil or some foreign matter got on the clutch. Is everyone using that jelly stuff when installing flywheel bolts to prevent oil from leaking there?
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