Review: South Bend Stage 2 Clutch & Flywheel

[NotSoJDM]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Any updates on your cluched? You mentioned the shuddering at low rpms and stop-go traffic. Has it subsided or stayed the same/ worsen? Thanks!

It's stayed pretty much the same. Still shudders low rpm once the clutch gets some heat in it.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by NotSoJDM

It's stayed pretty much the same. Still shudders low rpm once the clutch gets some heat in it.

I just got the South Bend stage 2 daily. The shuddering is something you can live with without it being too annoying?

[NotSoJDM]

Originally Posted by weederr33

I just got the South Bend stage 2 daily. The shuddering is something you can live with without it being too annoying?

It's livable, but the whole reason I went with a full face 'daily' clutch was to avoid this type of behavior from the clutch.

Had I known it would feel like this, I would have just went ahead and gotten something more agressive.

Once you get it installed, and broken in, be sure to report back with your experience.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by NotSoJDM

It's livable, but the whole reason I went with a full face 'daily' clutch was to avoid this type of behavior from the clutch.

Had I known it would feel like this, I would have just went ahead and gotten something more agressive.

Once you get it installed, and broken in, be sure to report back with your experience.

I will. And I was considering the ACT XT street clutch but people complained about them. As well as the Exedy Stage 2. So I'll have to give this the ol college try. I'll be sure to put my experiences in.

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by NotSoJDM

It's livable, but the whole reason I went with a full face 'daily' clutch was to avoid this type of behavior from the clutch.

Had I known it would feel like this, I would have just went ahead and gotten something more agressive.

Once you get it installed, and broken in, be sure to report back with your experience.

Question:
I didn't get the SB flywheel with the clutch kit. I intended to keep using the OEM. I didn't see anything mentioned on their site about needing to use their flywheel. Do you know if it's compatible with OEM or other aftermarket flywheels?

[weederr33]

Alright so I have the South Bend Stage 2 daily kit installed on my car. I've only driven around 50 miles so take this with a grain of salt. So far, everything is running smooth, shifts are fine, and there is little rattle. I do have it paired with a resurfaced oem flywheel and Velox clutch fork, though. Engagements are smooth, but I don't rev it any higher than 3k RPM. I'll have to see how it feels after around 1,000 as I assume it will be broken in plenty.
I can't accurately comment on the clutch effort as, as it turned out my oem throwout baring had been pressing on the pressure plate teeth, regardless of clutch being depressed or not. So in turn, it made my clutch feel like some sort of crazy aftermarket pressure. Now! Now it feels amazing! Very soft like some others have said. Anyway, that's my take on it for now.

[Tomcat07]

I just installed the stage 2 endurance clutch and have about 100 miles on it. Also have an exedy lightweight chromoly SMF and Edelbrock kit. Also very tame. Have noticed the shuttering you describe but it's pretty minor for me at this point. Super light clutch pedal as described before.

Will update when I finish breaking it in and seating the clutch.

So far my biggest difficulty is launching because the engine revs so dang fast now. It's taking some getting used to.

[weederr33]

I haven't noticed this shuttering anyone has mentioned....

[weederr33]

Ok, so I've been driving with my SB stage 2 daily for a while now, and it's still running like a champ. I've had no issues with it. Clutch peddle feel is soooo soft. I'd say only marginally heavier than stock. I haven't seen any sort of shuddering at low RPMs, nor any signs of slipping when wringing out the engine.

I had a local shop install it and they seem to have done a good job. I didn't change the flywheel, just had the OEM resurfaced. As well, I also have the Velox clutch fork installed (if anyone cares). For now, I don't think I'll hit the torque limit, so longevity should be good. If you're considering a clutch, this is the one I'd recommend.

[weederr33]

Has anyone noticed a strange chirping sounds with this clutch? As soon as I press on the clutch peddle, it goes away, but while idling it's kinda noisy. I'm guessing it's the TOB?

[GsxrMe]

Originally Posted by weederr33

Has anyone noticed a strange chirping sounds with this clutch? As soon as I press on the clutch peddle, it goes away, but while idling it's kinda noisy. I'm guessing it's the TOB?

Bingo, did you use tomuch grease on the shaft?

[weederr33]

Originally Posted by GsxrMe

Bingo, did you use tomuch grease on the shaft?

A shop did it for me. And I moved recently so... :/ I need to get settled first. Hopefully it isn't anything harmful.

[Spawn_Of_Creation]

Originally Posted by Nodoze

I went with the Stage 3 DD from South Bend. I am pushing about 370 ft lbs of torque. I have not had any slipping or any issues at all. I had the ACT (which was terrible) prior to moving on to South Bend. I have about 2k miles on it so far and I love it. My wife can drive the car with this clutch...so easy.

What flywheel are you using? I'm looking at this kit and it recommends a single mass flywheel rather than the oe dual mass.