[puppydax]

Hey guys,

Continuing on my positive reviews, I wanted to review the Spec 2+ Clutch with the steel SMFW that I ordered from Mike@N54Tuning. I've put 1000+ miles on this clutch and feel that's good enough to write a review.

Needless to say, after going FBO and running a minimum of E50, the stock clutch wouldn't even take 40% throttle without slipping. After looking into clutches, the important things to me when shopping for a clutch were reliability, longevity and performance. Weird that all three of those can be used in the same sentence, but I believe it fits well with the Spec 2+.

After installing the clutch, the clutch pedal was noticeably stiffer than stock. Don't let this fool you, after 1000+ miles on this clutch, it feels just like my factory clutch, but with a mass amount of clamping force. The clutch engagement seems to be in the same exact spot as OEM. I specified to use the correct release bearing position for North American cars.

The gear chatter isn't as bad as I would've thought, but this is subjective as everyone's ear is different lol. There are times when I have the AC on and it sounds considerably louder, but again, for a performance clutch, I wouldn't expect less. This sounds like I'm a ricer, but the gear chatter makes it sound like a nice DCT car . With the AC off, the gear chatter is totally tolerable. I know certain people are concerned about others thinking our cars with SMFW's are "broken", but when it counts, they're looking at the back of our broken sounding cars anyways. All jokes aside, it's not bad at all. Expect some increased noise and vibrations for a great performing clutch.

Overall, I'm happy with my choice. I know later down the road I'm going to need a bit more clamping, so my only "regret" is not having gone with the 3+ right away, but as far as I'm concerned, the 2+ has MUCH more longevity and that's what really counts for me. Inlets are in my near future and I know FBO with Inlets and a little Ethanol, the 2+ clutch should be fine. Oh and remove your CDV if you haven't already to get some more life for standard drivers :P.

[FRMTL2_335i]

With inlets and a tune you will go over tq capacity of the stage 2+ which is rated only at 545 tq.

[puppydax]

That's okay, I can tune my tq down if I need to lol. But even then, other vehicles have easily exceeded that limit and do not slip. I have high hopes that it'll be fine.

[Ozzie335i]

Great review puppydax. Don't let anybody freak you on the capability. Baraq beat the ever loving you know what out of a 2 +, and did 6 K clutch dumps... You'll be fine. I just got a 3+ and MFactory for a PI setup, and will report my results.

[puppydax]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

Great review puppydax. Don't let anybody freak you on the capability. Baraq beat the ever loving you know what out of a 2 +, and did 6 K clutch dumps... You'll be fine. I just got a 3+ and MFactory for a PI setup, and will report my results.

Yeah, I'm not too afraid. The 2+ held up on Shiv's single turbo build, which was WAY more than 545 ft lbs with massive hard driving lol. I'm a mild driver with the occasional fun WOT. I've dumped a clutch once, on my S2000 and that was enough to not want me to dump it again lol.

[nikitino25]

Originally Posted by Ozzie335i

Great review puppydax. Don't let anybody freak you on the capability. Baraq beat the ever loving you know what out of a 2 +, and did 6 K clutch dumps... You'll be fine. I just got a 3+ and MFactory for a PI setup, and will report my results.

Let us know how the 3+ feels

[Dhillon92]

Thanks for the review, im in the market for a clutch this year, right after coilovers.

[Ozzie335i]

Originally Posted by nikitino25

Let us know how the 3+ feels

Will report my results on a new thread, as this one is 2+. My concern really isn't how the pedal feels, as it is kind of wimpy as it is stock. The gear rattle will make it or break it for my N55.

[Riceball777]

Thanks for the review. I need a new clutch soon and I'm really undecided if I want to go with the smfw. Living in Los Angeles I run the ac 80% of the time. I scared that I will hate the car from the noise of the smfw.
Do you feel the smfw greatly hurts the comfort of the car? Also how loud would you say it is when at idle with the ac on?

[davidwarren]

if you raise the idle speed, does that mitigate the rattle?

[Jeff@TopGearSolutions]

Originally Posted by davidwarren

if you raise the idle speed, does that mitigate the rattle?

Yes

[puppydax]

Originally Posted by Riceball777

Thanks for the review. I need a new clutch soon and I'm really undecided if I want to go with the smfw. Living in Los Angeles I run the ac 80% of the time. I scared that I will hate the car from the noise of the smfw.
Do you feel the smfw greatly hurts the comfort of the car? Also how loud would you say it is when at idle with the ac on?

Doesn't hurt the comfort at all to me. The car doesn't massively vibrate at idle or anything, so that's a plus lol. With the AC on, it's noticeable, but if you have your radio turned on (doesn't even have to be loud), you won't hear it. Also, as mentioned, you can rarise your idle to 900 rpms or so and that pretty much masks the rattle.

[FRMTL2_335i]

Originally Posted by puppydax

That's okay, I can tune my tq down if I need to lol. But even then, other vehicles have easily exceeded that limit and do not slip. I have high hopes that it'll be fine.

It doesn't slip, it warps the pressure plate.

[puppydax]

Originally Posted by FRMTL2_335i

It doesn't slip, it warps the pressure plate.

Well, once it's warped, I guess it's time for 3+ lol.

[Mike@N54Tuning.com]

Originally Posted by puppydax

Hey guys,

Continuing on my positive reviews, I wanted to review the Spec 2+ Clutch with the steel SMFW that I ordered from Mike@N54Tuning. I've put 1000+ miles on this clutch and feel that's good enough to write a review.

Thanks for posting the review.. Glad you're happy with the Clutch.. I think the 2+ is a great one for drivability and holding power. Probably our #1 seller.

Mike