Comptech Powergrip Clutch

[BB]

After putting an additional 12,000 miles on a clutch that the local Acura dealer originally described as "clutch slipping badly... replace ASAP", I'm finally ready to replace it. (Yes, I've gotten really good a babying it!)

After reading everything here and talking with others, I've decided the Comptech clutch is probably the best choice. I'd like something with a little more immediate feel to it than the OEM clutch, but I'm not too keen on the idea of a "remanufactured" clutch like all the other vendors offer. Thus, the Comptech.

According to Comptech's web site, they have two models: "Powergrip" street clutch and "Powergrip II" competition clutch. Has anyone tried both of these and can comment on the differences?

A few weeks ago Chris Wilson (Science of Speed) was gracious enough to allow me to drive his car. I believe he has a Powergrip II clutch. While it took some time getting used to, I really liked the feel of it. And contrary to what some have said, I didn't find the pedal effort to be too heavy at all. (Ditto for those Tein coilovers-- they aren't too stiff either.)

Also, what about the expected lifetime of this clutch? Some have said it should last much longer than an OEM clutch, partially offseting the high price in the long run. Anyone have any first hand experience here?

Finally, what would be a good price for parts + labor? $2500-$3000 perhaps?

 

[john@johnhudakracing]

Ditto on that- I'll need a new clutch in the next year or so and I would like to know the difference. However, I must say your projected price is way over the top. My local Acura dealer said they would drop in any aftermarket clutch I wanted for $600 in labor. Including the core charge; the whole deal should run me about $1600-$1750 or so.

 

[Lud]

I have not driven the two back-to-back on comparable cars so I can't compare them, but they are both good clutches. Pedal effort is slightly higher than stock, the engagement point is narrower, and the clamping force is much crisper. Labor should be about $600-$800 depending on your shop, so add that to whatever parts price you can get.

ravetek - you can't even get the Comptech clutch, much less clutch + install, for the numbers you are mentioning. They are new clutches, not remanufactured, so there is no core refund. You may be able to sell your OEM core for around $500 to one of the other aftermarketers like Dali though.

 

[ScienceofSpeed]

BB -- as we've already talked, I love the CT clutch. The clutch has approx 20k miles on it. I had CT open up the clutch about 2k miles ago for them to inspect a leaking seal, and they said the clutch has very little wear showing. The past 10k miles has included about 6 track events.

I'm sorry, I never made the connect to your name and user name, so I didn't get the opportunity to hear your exhaust :-(

Any chance you'll be making the trip for tomorrow's brunch?

-- Chris

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www.ScienceofSpeed.com - Click for more info
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[BB]

John: Where do you come up with such low prices? If you have some special source let me know because I'd love to pay that little! Since you mention a core charge, you must be referring to one of the remanufactured clutches such as ones from Dali, RM, NSX Modified, or Davis Acura (did I miss any?)

Lud is correct, the price on Comptech's web site for their clutch is $2100-$2200 for just the parts! Lynwood Acura had previously quoted me $2000 to install an OEM clutch, of which $700 is labor. That's $2800 total for clutch + labor. But if you deduct the 10% discount they offer for the NSX club, it comes to around $2500 installed.

Chris, sorry but I won't be able to make it to the club brunch today. It's a 100 mile drive for me and I didn't learn about it until 2 days before, otherwise I'd be there. The Whistler drive was great though, too bad you couldn't make it.

I will try and make it to the next club meet though and you or anyone else who's interested can hear the Gruppe M exhaust then. It's a really sweet sounding exhaust in my opinion. I notice on the latest installment of NSX Files, Doug says it's the best sounding NSX exhaust he's heard. That was cool to read, especially since my wife was ready to strangle me after learning how much it cost.

Getting back on subject, I'm surprised no one here knows the differences between the Powergrip and Powergrip II clutches. I plan to ask Comptech the same question, but I kind of wanted to get some independent thoughts on the matter as well.

 

[nsxtasy]

the price on Comptech's web site for their clutch is $2100-$2200 for just the parts! Lynwood Acura had previously quoted me $2000 to install an OEM clutch, of which $700 is labor. That's $2800 total for clutch + labor. But if you deduct the 10% discount they offer for the NSX club, it comes to around $2500 installed.

You mean that $2800 figure is for the Comptech clutch, right? $2000 is about right for parts and labor on an OEM clutch.

 

[BB]

Originally posted by nsxtasy:
You mean that $2800 figure is for the Comptech clutch, right? $2000 is about right for parts and labor on an OEM clutch.

Yeah, $2800 for the Comptech clutch. Sorry, that wasn't very clear what I wrote. I still need to get a quote on that though.

I already have a quote here from the dealer for the OEM clutch installed: Just a hair over $2000.

 

[BB]

For those that are interested, I talked with Comptech about the differences between the PG1 and PG2 and here is what they said...

The main difference between the two is that the Power Grip 1 is for mildly modified engines and some track useage. The Power Grip 2 is for supercharged/turbo engines producing much more horsepower. The power grip1 does have an improved pedal feel over the stock unit. It is stonger and tougher and is 11 pounds lighter. It is a clutch/flywheel combo.

The pedal effort between the two will be the same, it's just the engagement that will be different. The PG2 is going to engage quicker than the PG1. Basically the PG1 will be easier to deal with in traffic compared to the PG2.

Since Chris's PG2 didn't feel like it would be that difficult to get used to in traffic, I think I'm going to go with the PG2.


[This message has been edited by BB (edited 26 September 2001).]

 

[Lud]

I have the PowerGrip II in my car and never found it to be a problem in traffic either. In fact I've never driven any NSX setup that I thought would be bad in traffic, even with the ultra-light flywheel setups. The first time I drove one with the Dali flywheel and RM clutch I was worried about stalling it, but it was a piece of cake to drive.