Recently, there's been quite a bit of discussion on NSXPrime about the Spec rebuild clutch available from ScienceofSpeed and other vendors. I'd like to provide an informative post to make sure all the questions out there are answered.
Spec produces two types of clutches.
1. remanufactured (aka "rebuilt") clutches using the OEM dual or single plate clutch that is relined, resurfaced, and setup with an increased clamp load for performance and durability. This is the same type of manufacturing process offered by other manufactures out there including Centerforce, ACT, and Clutchmasters, etc.
2. custom single plate clutch - these clutches are manufactured using custom components built from scratch for the NSX. This clutch is similar to the Comptech Powergrip clutch in that it is compatible with all years of the NSX, but unique in the way that it is customized for the NSX and not modified from another vehicle application. (see more info below)
As you may be aware of, the factory style dual plate clutches require a process called initialization that sets the clutch's mid plate equidistant from the discs. When the first batch of remanufactured clutches were manufactured, precise width shims were used in the damper recess of the flywheel to in effect initialize the mid plate from outside the car to minimize the need to perform this operation. While in theory this may have been a good idea, in reality it resulted in the clutches not operating properly. We have since contacted our customers about this problem. Customers with existing problems have had their clutches removed and replaced free of charge. It seems as if there are other NSX owners with these similar problems still out in the field. If you purchased your clutch from another vendor, you should contact the vendor you purchased from to work out the resolution.
Spec has been very helpful in assisting us to resolve these problems. In my experience, much more so that manufactures with other problems that have surfaced in the past. The problems are focused on stage 2 remanufactured clutches only. We are working with Spec to determine the cause for these problems.
On a good note, we're glad to introduce a new clutch that we have been working with Spec to develop. The Spec Single Disc Clutch System is very exciting to introduce as it allows quite a bit of versatility to be used with 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions. It also is very flexible for street and track use as it features smooth engagement and a pedal effort that is close to stock. This clutch has many advantages over existing options including the obvious advantages of reliability compared to a rebuilt clutch. The clutch is very easy to drive and eliminates a bit of the clunkiness of the factory dual disc clutch.
Spec Single Disc Clutch System:
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/drivetrain_performance_products/NSX/Spec/single_disc
JDNSX assisted us with the testing of this clutch (thanks JD). Production clutches are now shipping and installed on several cars with rave reviews. This is definitely a clutch to consider if you're interested in an economical high performance clutch. (refer to: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21445)
The remanufactured clutches should not be dismissed as a viable option. They offer a very cost effective option and retain the low MOI twin disc setup used with the 5-speed cars. Once we have the issues resolved and tested with the remanufactured stage 2 clutches, we will reoffer them as an option for our customers.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
best regards,
-- Chris
Spec produces two types of clutches.
1. remanufactured (aka "rebuilt") clutches using the OEM dual or single plate clutch that is relined, resurfaced, and setup with an increased clamp load for performance and durability. This is the same type of manufacturing process offered by other manufactures out there including Centerforce, ACT, and Clutchmasters, etc.
2. custom single plate clutch - these clutches are manufactured using custom components built from scratch for the NSX. This clutch is similar to the Comptech Powergrip clutch in that it is compatible with all years of the NSX, but unique in the way that it is customized for the NSX and not modified from another vehicle application. (see more info below)
As you may be aware of, the factory style dual plate clutches require a process called initialization that sets the clutch's mid plate equidistant from the discs. When the first batch of remanufactured clutches were manufactured, precise width shims were used in the damper recess of the flywheel to in effect initialize the mid plate from outside the car to minimize the need to perform this operation. While in theory this may have been a good idea, in reality it resulted in the clutches not operating properly. We have since contacted our customers about this problem. Customers with existing problems have had their clutches removed and replaced free of charge. It seems as if there are other NSX owners with these similar problems still out in the field. If you purchased your clutch from another vendor, you should contact the vendor you purchased from to work out the resolution.
Spec has been very helpful in assisting us to resolve these problems. In my experience, much more so that manufactures with other problems that have surfaced in the past. The problems are focused on stage 2 remanufactured clutches only. We are working with Spec to determine the cause for these problems.
On a good note, we're glad to introduce a new clutch that we have been working with Spec to develop. The Spec Single Disc Clutch System is very exciting to introduce as it allows quite a bit of versatility to be used with 5-speed and 6-speed transmissions. It also is very flexible for street and track use as it features smooth engagement and a pedal effort that is close to stock. This clutch has many advantages over existing options including the obvious advantages of reliability compared to a rebuilt clutch. The clutch is very easy to drive and eliminates a bit of the clunkiness of the factory dual disc clutch.
Spec Single Disc Clutch System:
http://www.scienceofspeed.com/products/drivetrain_performance_products/NSX/Spec/single_disc
JDNSX assisted us with the testing of this clutch (thanks JD). Production clutches are now shipping and installed on several cars with rave reviews. This is definitely a clutch to consider if you're interested in an economical high performance clutch. (refer to: http://www.nsxprime.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=21445)
The remanufactured clutches should not be dismissed as a viable option. They offer a very cost effective option and retain the low MOI twin disc setup used with the 5-speed cars. Once we have the issues resolved and tested with the remanufactured stage 2 clutches, we will reoffer them as an option for our customers.
Please let us know if you have any questions.
best regards,
-- Chris
however they both always remained professional and responsive. They were simply telling me what SPEC was telling them regarding the status and expected ship date of my clutch which repeatedly was wrong. Since this was one of their first NSX new clutch systems with a lightened flywheel, SPEC kept running into issues with the build and quality so it would never ship. Because of the extreme delay and repeated missed shipping dates, when it was finnally ready, Chris and Seth were able to get SPEC to ship the clutch directly to my install shop(Pikes Peak Acura) in Colorado Springs versus to them and then out to me, saving me an additional 4+ days in transist. Thanks guys!!!.
