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While ordering parts for my new engine, I decided to pick up a
complete new clutch setup. Upon recommendation, I picked up the
Advanced Clutch Technology's 6-Puck Xtreme clutch and Pressure
plate. Along with that, I installed a lightened stock flywheel.
I'll have to say that I was a bit apprehensive about installing
this clutch. I had heard that it's aggressive engagement can be very
difficult to manage. On the other hand, I had heard that once you
get used to the clutch, you'll never want to go back to regular
clutch. After plenty of questioning and doubting, I decided that the
clutch couldn't be as bad as some people claimed.
Unfortunately, I couldn't have been more wrong about it. The
clutch is very aggressive. The first 2-3 weeks of driving were very
challenging. Even after I grew accustomed to the clutch, it was too
easy to make a mistake. Downshifting was a task that was usually met
with unusually harsh engagement. On top of all that, heavy traffic
would cause some serious leg strain as well as heat up the clutch to
the point where slipping the clutch was impossible.
Launching the car at the drag strip proved to be a very
complicated matter. One that I never did accomplish. If I had had
some more time to practice, I think that this clutch would have been
excellent for the strip.
Also, the clutch was fantastic for aggressive driving. The heavy
engagement assured very positive shifts. The lighter un-sprung
clutch's weight allowed the transition between gears to be quicker.
Definitely good for the track.
After nearly 15,000 miles, I decided that I needed to go with a
more conservative clutch. Upon removal of the hardware, it was
discovered that the 6-puck had worn a very deep groove in the
flywheel and pressure plate. The parts were useless. Mind you, I had
only used this equipment for 15,000 miles. On top of the fact that
the pressure plate and flywheel were worn beyond use, the clutch
only had a few thousand miles left.
See the pictures below for the final state of the clutch
hardware.
In conclusion, my opinion of the 6-puck is that it is definitely
intended for track use by an experienced driver. In place of the
6-puck, I now have ACT's organic street disk along with the Xtreme
pressure plate. This setup is much smoother and much more drivable.
Aside from the increased pedal pressure the clutch feels as smooth
as the original clutch. Definitely worth the money. Check the pics
below for the organic disk.
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