Clutch advice needed - LS2/T56
 

Hey all,

Need to pick a clutch and there are some good end of year sales right now. Hoping for 400 rwhp in the 92 Miata (maybe bumping at most to 500 'some day'). Occasional stop light drags, HPDE but mostly a spirited daily driver. Choices as I see it (suggest others if you have something I should consider):

LS7 with lightweight RAM flywheel ($600)
Monster Stage 2 with lightweight billet flywheel ($730)
Mantic Street with ER2 with whatever flywheel they supply ($750)

What are people using right now? AFAIK, FM is using the LS7 with the stock LS7 flywheel (heavy) or at least that is what is listed in their parts pages at the moment.. Thoughts anyone?

Wallyman

You're not making that much power, and the car doesn't weigh much. So there's no need to install some monster sized clutch that can be difficult to live with.

I find the Centerforce dual friction to be an easy driving street clutch that can handle a lot of power in a light car.

I like the Ram HD clutch for the track. A little heavier, and can handle more abuse. But it can chatter when it's cold, and it can wear your left leg out in stop and go traffic.

CF DF requires their flywheel at $550 for steel or $750 for aluminum.. driving the price to $1100-1300, too pricey for me. I Have DF's in the Miata and the Mustang, and I agree, nice clutch.

I don't want a monster, the LS7 is a stocker essentially, and the Monster Stage 2 is supposed to feel like stock. The Mustang has a DF which is heavy do to it being a mechanical Z linkage, and it's a bitch in stop-n-go. I can do about an hour then I'm sore. I don't want that. I'd be content with DF-like effort.

I went back in time to find this photo and description of what I installed in my V8Miata. It's also a LS2- T56. I purchased the Monster Stage 1 clutch with the 18 or 19 lb billet steel flywheel. And I have been extremely pleased with its performance. Its always had a smooth engagement and no issues. The pedal is somewhat stiff, but not too severe. 3,700 miles and no complaint with this stock LS2 and Monster clutch. This all came from Maryland Speed Shop with quick service and competitive pricing at the time (2012, I believe)

https://www.v8miata.net/attachment.p...ine=1483060675

As has been stated, your engine is really making much additional power than its used to, and your car is considerably lighter that a camaro or GTO, so in my opinion there is no reason to go with anything crazy.

My car makes 405 at the wheels, and I have the stock LS1 clutch in it. It only had 17k miles on it when I bought it, so I didn't see the need to change it. 3k miles and no worries. When it goes, I'll throw in an LS7 unit.

Well, ordered the Monster Stage 2 with the 18 pounder.. Maryland Speed tossed a $50 off on top of the sale so jumped on it, got it all with GTO slave for $788.

Moving from 3700 pound GTO to 2800 pound (or less) Miata, I don't think that change in FW weight will be terrible. Thanks guys!