Got a worn out (I guess?) Spec Stage 3 clutch with this T56 I just bought. Turns out the clutch is fairly worn down. So I could buy a new ... whatever that disc/plate is in the center (I hear?) from Spec, but I just know absolutely nothing about the mechanical workings of manual transmissions.

I was told that even though it was worn out, that someone would want it, but I dont know how much it would take to get it back in usable condition for me. WHat does it take?

I took some pictures of it all, but I dont think they'd realy help anyone.

Just seems kind of a shame to basically inherit a $500 clutch and not use it. But I odnt even know how to drive a stick yet, and a friend was telling me a Spec STage 3 clutch is so far beyond what I need for my setup and my skills that I would be better off finding someone who actually wanted it.

 

Yeah, you could either get a new replacement disc, or you could send in the disc you've got and have them replace the friction pads on it, if Spec offers that service. I also have to wonder how scarred up the surface is on the ring of the pressure plate. If it's really bad, you'd probably be better off just getting a new clutch. Some companies will recondition the disc and the pressure plate, but I don't know how much they charge for that. As far as your driving abilities go, you'd be ok with the Stage 3. It just grabs quicker and more aggressively than a stock clutch, so you might get a little chatter on takeoff, but it's not unmanageable. A friend of mine has a 97 Formula with a supercharged 383/T56, and he's running the Stage 3. I got in it and felt the clutch, and it's surpisingly easy to work with. Pretty light pedal pressure, just grabs quicker. Not too hard to get used to really.

 

You probably wont be able to tell much from this, but I figure I might as well make sure.

 

Yeah, you really need to have pics of the face of the pressure plate ring, and pics of the contact pads on the disc to be able to determine how trashed it is. If the pads are worn down really close to the 2 rivets that hold them on the disc, then it probably needs replacing. Same principle as brake pads that have rivets.

 

What do people consider "really close to the rivets"?

And I was told I could buy a new clutch disk and get the pressure plate machined down...

But from wht I understand those clutch disks are REALLY expensive, and I dont know who machines down pressure plates? Would it be cheaper to just buy a new one?