Interesting Clutch Manufacturer Information

madams74

Founding Member
Jan 26, 2002
664
1
17
Maryville, TN
OK guys, I am going to explain a few things I have learned today about buying some clutch kits. I need a new clutch for the T5 / 351W project. I shop and find 2 well known names. Zoom, and Fidanza. I purchase a Stage 1 clutch from Fidanza. I get the clutch, and the disc has Made in China on it. I get upset right from the start. A number CD1021 was etched in the metal on the disc. I Googled "CD1021 clutch" and found a Chinese company making the clutch disc called Hongxie. I call Fidanza and ask if I was ripped off or if this was really theres. They wanted a picture. I sent a picture to them and they said it was theirs. I was thinking about sending it back to American Muscle and getting my money back. I was thinking that I could probably have went to Napa and just purchased one from them and get something comparable. Napa and Advance both sell Perfection brand clutches, Perfection is the parent company of Zoom. The number for our cars is MU48-1. I went to their online catalog and guess what? The link below will show you the MU48-1 Zoom clutch. Look closely at the disc (spin your head around to read it). Recognize the number? CD1021 is the number. IT IS THE SAME CLUTCH! So for all you guys interested in buying Zoom, or Fidanza. The Stage 1 is the same! Fidanza told me on the phone they purchase the clutch from someone else. I think we know who now. But then again, they are both Made in China.

http://www.perfectionclutch.com/applookuptest/viewDetails.asp?partNo=MU48-1&PageNo=0
 
That's pretty common. Most of the clutche pressure plates sold used to be made by a company called Luc. My QA1 tubular K-member is made in China. Back when I bought it, there weren't too many choices in K-members. Anyway, go buy a SPEC clutch, made in America.

Kurt
 
Honestly, now-a-days it is just typical business by outsourcing. Higher profits margins...

The only Fidanza piece that I see decent so far is the flywheels. Good for the price...