I've got a Spec Stage 2 clutch in my '02 MCS. In the last few months it's begain slipping at around 4k+ and under mid to heavy acceleration. Sometimes it launches crisply and even chatters, then other times it slops out like melted butter...can barely feel anything release/disengage. It always shifts though.

The clutch was done 4 years ago and has about 40k (maybe less?) on it with pretty easy driving and the occasional spirited driving, certainly no racing or super hard launches. Kind of annoyed at how soon it's gone out.

Anyway, I'm wanting to go back to stock or stock+ so my wife can actually drive it. She refused to drive it with the stage 2 unless she HAD to.

I'm thinking of going with the Valeo flywheel conversion kit. I hear good things for the most part.

My big question is, does the kit come with EVERYTHING needed? Or is there anything else I'll need?

Particuarly this kit - http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/..._pg1.htm#item3

or this - http://www.waymotorworks.com/valeo-c...l-kit-r53.html

(I believe they are the same kit.)

The next question...is there any other option that is affordable? The shops are quoting $1800-2000, with them supplying the parts.

Thanks,
Casey

PS - I should mention I have a few mods - reduced SC pulley, CAI, MSD ignition, Full exhaust...short shift and suspension bits.

 

Go with the Valeo single mass conversion kit. The kit comes with everything you need.
I just put one in my car and it's great. Clutch pedal is super light too, your wife will like it.

 

+1 for the valeo. Works great. In my slightly modified car as well. Best kit for the money.

 

Sounds like a good plan...
1500-2000 is right depending on labor rates.

 

Every spec clutch we've installed has left me and the customer disappointed. So this is not uncommon of a failure. Getting 4yrs out of it is better than we have.

Go with the valeo kit they are reliable, in stock, and affordable.

http://www.waymotorworks.com/valeo-c...l-kit-r53.html

 

I'd have to echo Way. The Spec, along with many other 'performance' clutch kits end up disappointing. If your stock flywheel is good, I'd just recommend an OEM replacement clutch kit. If the Flywheel is shot, the Valeo is a good alternative, although the feel takes a little getting used to.

 

Go with Valeo kit, I installed mine 2 to 3 months ago. It is great, wife is happy with it. unlike the OEM clutch, this is one very light. If you mechanically inclined, you can replace it in a day. I just can't see to spend 1500 to 2000 for clutch job. I bought the solid flywheel kit at amazon for $315 shipped.

 

I personally have the kit, the fly wheel is actually 2-3 pounds lighter, the balance spec of this fly wheel seems better as well. I enjoy having this, ive done spirited and very spirited driving with it, and still holding up, granted im only on a few months now.


I did not install it my self, but everything was included

 

Just got my valeo kit today. Rockauto was the cheapest I could find, $360 shippped. All the Valeo kits are same and come with everything you need.

 

Had a Spec clutch on 06 JCW that failed and ended up damaging my transmission. Get rid of it sooner than later.

 

Yeah. I had Madness Motorworks do the install. When I came back a few weeks ago, he said they stopped selling/installing spec. He said I "must have one of the last ones they did".

 

Thanks man! Good to know it comes with everything!

Looks like I'm going with the Valeo.

 

Oh jeeze. F that noise. I don't have much choice. I need to replace STAT. I'm kinda hobbling it as it is.

 

A little update. I got the Valeo installed over the weekend. Like all of you have said, the pedal feel is super light...like, CRAZY light. Coming from the spec especially. It's definitely something to get used to. Almost feels like there is no pedal pressure. I was warned about this though.

I've only put about 100 easy miles on it so it's still new and getting broken in. I haven't really gotten the chance to open her up yet. But so far it feels like it grabs well. There is a slight delay grabbing second, but again, I'm used to the instant grab of the spec. Maybe this will get better over time?

I do kind of miss the feedback of the pedal with the spec, but to have the reliability and the ease in traffic completely trumps all of that. Stop-and-go is a dream now (did I just say that?).

Anyway, thanks for the input everyone!

 

Your explanation of the transition from SPEC to Valeo is exactly like mine, right down to the delay in grabbing second. I've have the Valeo in now for over a year and love it

 

^Yep^, the feel of the Valeo is a little wierd, but I'm sure you get used to it. Bottom Line: A stock replacement clutch kit is the best option if your flywheel is still good.

 

Does your still have a lag in second?

 

Any tips and tricks on doing this? From the write-ups I've seen, it looks like knocking the whole project out in a day is damn near impossible.

 

This video is extremely helpful
Couple of things i did different from the video though.

I didn't pull the radiator, doesn't really get in the way
I didn't take the intercooler off.

You can do this in day, just get up really early

If you have all the tools you need ready, shouldn't be a problem.

The one weird one is the e8 reverse or female torx.

Also, a very good impact will save you at least an hour.

 

Thanks for the Video!!

 

Just finished putting my valeo in and you're right, feels like no pedal at all!
Need to drive it more to tell if there is a delay going in to second, didn't really notice any. Went from a stock clutch though

I'm pretty happy though, had to press down very hard on my old clutch just to get the car started and that's much better now. Stop and go traffic will also be much easier