attn Ratko, Zoni, etc... v6 clutches

[mobes]

I'm gathering parts for my manual transmission swap (99 Solara trans into 94 Camry V6), and the clutch is next on the list. I have a couple questions though:

How much power/torque can the OEM clutch handle?

I'm considering getting a SPEC clutch. I haven't decided whether to get stage II or III.

Zoni/Ratko: How do you like your stage III's so far? Do they engage really smooth, or are they quite a bit more grabby than stock?

I'm running mostly stock now, so not much more power than factory, but I do plan on buying a turbo kit or SC this summer, rebuilding the motor, and running around 10psi of boost.

Also, where can I get the best deal on a SPEC clutch?

[zoni]

tranny swap owns!!!!!

you will be so happy with your car with a manual... trust me.

the spec stage 3 OWNS! i have the 4 puck, i think ratko might have the 6 puck, not sure... but it engages REALLY quickly... the only complaint is the release bearing... i'd use a toyota one. the one that comes with the clutch squeaks when its cold. not bad when it warms up in like 20 seconds, but the first 10 seconds suck.

im not sure how much the stock clutch can handle, but either way, you just have to treat it right...

i bought my spec at www.clutchcityonline.com they shipped it quickly and without pain

as far as the turbo goes, i will prolly be one of the first ones to have the shiftgate kit for 1mz. ben is gonna hook me up with a good deal to test it out and get good numbers, and get it nicely polished up for showing off. they should be available in late june or july... www.shiftgateperformance.com the website should be updated soon cause i told him there were people asking for progress reports he will post pics up soon.

you should expect like 250-275 whp on the baseline kit he will offer, then once tuned up to 350 on stock internals...

also in the future, try PM's

[mobes]

I think I'll probably go with the stage II clutch then, I still want it to be comfortable to drive daily. I really don't think I'll be putting out more than 420 ft-lbs, even with a turbo!

That shiftgate kit sounds hot, I can't wait to see some more details! You lucky schmuck Zoni, I wish I could be a gunea pig!

And as far as the pm's go, I wanted to hear from others too to get a general idea of what's all the rage on the 1MZ-FE clutch scene

[Ratko]

Yeah I got the SPEC Stage III 6-puck. I have no complaints now that Im accustomed to driving it, but I would have to say that its a bit too grabby for my liking. If I was puting down turbo power, then it would be suitable... but if I'd do it over, Id get a SPEC Stage II or a Clutchmasters Stage III (both segmented discs).

[zoni]

i like it for every day driving... this car will never be a track only car... even when i turbo it out and tune it up... i will always drive it on the street every day. lower boost of course, but still driving on the street. and i like my stage 3 clutch still for daily driving.

[Deep]

Originally posted by Ratko
Yeah I got the SPEC Stage III 6-puck. I have no complaints now that Im accustomed to driving it, but I would have to say that its a bit too grabby for my liking. If I was puting down turbo power, then it would be suitable... but if I'd do it over, Id get a SPEC Stage II or a Clutchmasters Stage III (both segmented discs).

Bro, your clutch grabs HARD. I'd hate to drive it in traffic.

[zoni]

yeah sometimes it sucks in hard traffic, but i tend to do a half clutch thing which they say isnt good cause it will glaze it up... but theres really no other way with this clutch.

[soundlzrd]

I have a stage III spec, i think i was the first on the boards, and its great. As Ratko said, it did take some time to get used too. If you dont plan on making over 300 hp, go with the stage two, your left leg will thank you

[kasimmmmm]

question... what does changing the clutch do... and whats stage II and III

[soundlzrd]

Performance clutches hold more power than stock.

[mobes]

Thanks for the input guys, I've decided on the stage II, souldlzrd will be recieving payment from me shortly