Should I get a spec Clutch?

[try2catchmy99]

What clutch should I buy? I was going to buy a spec II, any problems with them?
Thanks

 

[Phoenix00GT]

I believe that the spec stage II is only if you are pushing more than 400hp at the flywheel. You could probably do just fine with the spec stage I.

I have been wondering what people think about the Spec vs. King Cobra?

 

[Tylerb59]

I had a Spec Stage III in my 99, only complaint is a slight chatter. But thats what you get when you have such an aggressive clutch.

It sure grabbed great while power shifting though.

 

[try2catchmy99]

Well I will be installing nitrous in the near future so I want a clutch that will hold
yeah I heard that the TOB made a lot of noise, how bad is it?

 

[DeadLurker]

My TOB went out on my Spec Stage II after two months...Spec wanted me to replace it with another POS TOB from them...I decided not to go that route and just replace it with a D&D TOB instead to avoid more hassle even thought the replacing of the TOB costed just as much as the clutch install.

Spec

 

[JonJon]

My TOB went out on my Spec Stage II after two months...Spec wanted me to replace it with another POS TOB from them...I decided not to go that route and just replace it with a D&D TOB instead to avoid more hassle even thought the replacing of the TOB costed just as much as the clutch install.

Spec

What clutch would you go with then? I was thinking of getting the Stage 1 when mine dies...

 

[DeadLurker]

What clutch would you go with then? I was thinking of getting the Stage 1 when mine dies...

I dunno...but based on my personal experience and others with spec clutchs it really seems to be hit or miss in terms of problems with their clutch.

 

[Tylerb59]

Side by side the SPEC TOB looks "puny" and is made of plastic, compared to the bulkier (made of metal ... aluminum?) OEM TB. Just before I traded in my 99 for the 02, it was starting to act up again (which was the original purpose of me swapping out my clutch) after a month or two. Fortunately its a $20 part from Ford.

I have some pictures on my website, but it's currently down. Had some pictures of the whole install process actually. Comparing stock vs aftermarket.

I'll post them here later.

 

[Tylerb59]

Ok, here is the Stage III / Aluminum flywheel and the bearing comparison:

 

[JonJon]

Ok, here is the Stage III / Aluminum flywheel and the bearing comparison:

So you recommend just buying the heavier duty $20 Ford one?

 

[Tylerb59]

Yep.

The pilot bearing they provide is sufficient, in fact the Ford OEM is nearly identical if it isn't already the same thing.

I was told about the SPEC TOB being pretty weak and when I pulled out my old stock TOB and compared the two I saw immediately they weren't joking. SPEC makes a quality product, but just comparing the two I'd lean more towards buying another OEM TOB.

Although I don't anticipate buying a flywheel / clutch for my '02 anytime soon, I'll most likely be returning to the same setup when I reach 60k in the current vehicle.

 

[SonicB]

i'm going with mm's.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/clutchpackages.asp

 

[Tylerb59]

( Oh and the picture of the OEM TOB was worn to crap, a bit dirty ... bent all over and squealing like a mofo, just comparing the thickness of the two, not the actual condition. )

 

[StangLou]

Spec is in my book. Ive got a Spec Stage II. Although I do agree with the TOB crap. My stock one was whisltling with only 12,000 miles on it. This one from Spec is actually more noticable. Spec actually said their clutch only needs around a 500 mile break in but the TOB needs a 2000+ mile break in . Shop Im with has had no luck with any TOB from any brand. In one of their project cars they have had 3 or 4 different TOBs, all make one heck of a racket. As for the clutch though, 2nd best mod Ive done to the car. Gears and a chip were #1 . The thing bites really hard now and isnt all mushy feeling like my stock one was.

 

[wytlytning]

What clutch should I buy? I was going to buy a spec II, any problems with them?
Thanks

DO NOT BUT A SPEC CLUTCH.
These things are garbage.

My stage 1 TOB squeaks
The pedal vibrates and makes noise
The clutch burns too easily

It was installed by Ford...I know the mechanic
and he is a clutch/tranny expert.

I received a different answer about these problems every time I called SPEC.

Yes, I gave it 1000 EASY miles for the break-in.

From what I've read on this board, many have had the same problems. Kinda sounds like it's hit or miss with these clutches.
I missed...why take a chance? Buy something else.

 

[Slider]

I have a SPEC stage 2, and it works great for me.

However, as others have said the SPEC T/O bearing is pure crap. I made the mistake of putting it on, and it started squeaking with in a few months. That sucks because you have to drop the whole damn tranny to replace. I have just let the damn thing squeak for the past 8 months (some days are better then others). When I get around to buying an aluminum flywheel I will put in a OEM T/O bearing.

 

[Mr GT 02]

Save your self Time and money...do not buy SPEC...

 

[kj99]

Ok, how about a king cobra clutch kit. My stock clutch is making some really bad noises lately, and I need to get one pretty soon

king cobra..or...ford racing clutch

 

[Phoenix00GT]

What about the king cobra clutch?

 

[steedastang99]

I've got Spec stage 1 with over 15k miles on it. I love it grabs like an SOB. It does have a little chatter and it took about 1000 miles to fully break in. One of my favorite mods.