I've been noticing lately with my star stage 3 kevlar that its been starting to chatter alot more than it used to. I have a feeling that something is about to go wrong with it so I want to pull it out before it does. It is one of the first design ones that I bought over 2 years ago. My delema is this: should I call star and get a new "updated" disc or should I just bite the bullet and buy a street twin. I'm planning on putting nitrous on the car this winter and I need my clutch to hold up. What do you guys suggest I do?

 

ttt

 

I just broke my spec stage 3 the old one with 4 pucks. I broke the center out of it. I called spec and they sold me a new 6 puck at cost since the clutch did not wear out but broke. I would call them and see what they can do for you if it broken.

 

I post this anytime I hear someone talking about a Spec problem (which happens a lot). Here is what I found out:

Spec uses very tiny springs in their clutches, at least in their 6-puck Stage 3. Went through 1 from Sept to Jan (caused by bad pilot bearing and tranny) rebuilt everything with pilot bushing instead of bearing so less play, then in July went through another one, both times blowing the springs. Had the transmission checked for excessive play or runout, was still within factory specs.

So I decided to do some research, made some calls, turns out, Spec uses the SAME spring center hubs from their 4-cyl clutches as on their LT1 clutches. Didn't believe local clutch shop till he showed me them side by side. Made in China part also. No more Spec for me, going to get something that holds up next time. This was on a basically stock daily driven car with only intake and catback mods and NO track time or racing.

Also, apparently these things last up to about 10K or so fine, then you have problems with the springs, which SPEC always will tell you is a input shaft problem because their clutches aren't faulty. They will warranty or pro-rate the clutch WHEN it does blow, cust serv is good, but the product is crap. If you are able to check out their 4-cyl clutches or even just compare how cheap and tiny the Spec springs are to even a stock or ANY other aftermarket clutch for LT1, you will see what I mean.

YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.

 

Yeah I read a bunch of old posts on this subject last week. It seems like its a gambling game with guys and their star clutches. So far mine has been fine, but I just have a feeling its gonna go soon. Maybe I'm just paranoid after all the reading I've done. I just have a hard time forking over $900 for a clutch when I have a chance at getting a replacement for free.

 

If there are any clutch builders in your area, I would price a custom disk, and use the LT4 PP, that would be the best route to go, better quality and possibly cheaper, depending on the builder. Due to funds at the time, I went back to stock clutch, but that won't be the case when this one is replaced.

 

I can't say that I know of anyone that makes custom discs around here. I'm going to call spec and see what they can do, then go from there.