Throw Out Bearing Going ... Clutch/Flywheel recommendations

[Mako Koiwai]

... at the SCCA Time Trials on Sunday, our Miata's throw out bearing started to protest very loudly. Gave Karen a demo on clutchless shifting incase it came to that ... but we got it home OK.

Jason I. suggested looking at these: http://www.specclutch.com/cars/Mazda/MX ... 999/Single

I need to see what's available through the MazdaSpeed program.

Any other suggestions for a more aggressive lighter clutch/flywheel. Jeff W. ?

MAYBE at some point we will add a super charger ...

[Bob Beamesderfer]

No shortage of choices for a lighter flywheel. Fidanza's aluminum unit is light and not too pricey. Or you could go cro-molly and give back some lightness.

If you think there's a remote chance of going forced induction, pick your clutch based on that. Don't forget to replace all the seals you can put your hands on during the swap.

[Arthur Grant]

Mako, appreciate you starting your own thread. Two thoughts, after much research I just purchased mine through Spec. Liked what I saw and they are the only ones who put themselves on the line for the tolerances they hold on there flywheels. Prices were as good or better than others. We will see about delivery. I decided steel for a number of reasons mostly related to street driving but some on style of driving.

Should you consider a trade with someone who has Mazdabucks. I worked a pretty good deal on Kumho $ recently which saved me considerable money. Did make me go with Tire Rack and Kumho. I was leaning towards the tire anyway because of size issues. But if some sold you there bucks at a discount, might make factory parts worthwhile?

[Mike Simanyi]

Wait for Bill's comments. I think he's working up a really nice product with OS Giken.

[Bill Schenker]

Wait for Bill's comments. I think he's working up a really nice product with OS Giken.

...And with that intro....

Yes, I'm very high on OS Giken's clutch.

People are becoming more and more aware of their great LSDs, but they make an equally, over-built, hear-treated throughout, engineered to the Nth degree, clutch, flywheel (out of superior steel: makes clutch disks last much longer - because of its thermal dynamics) and throw-out bearings. To give you an idea of their fanatical devotion to durability, their clutch-centering tool is heat treated!!!

But, in the interest of full-disclosure, until recently, I resisted their clutches, , because they weren't as light as my +12lbs, dual-disk, 5.5" Tilton and PPT clutches and alu. flywheel.

But they are working on that! I have a prototype that is a single disk, 7.25" w/an aforementioned steel flywheel. This baby weighs 14lbs: clutch + flywheel! And after literally torching a clutch last February, I'll take that extra 2lbs. and have a clutch that's easier to engage and will probably out last every part of the car.

And if you need a clutch now, I believe their currant Miata-specific clutch, which will probably outlast me is available now. It weighs about 3-4lbs more, but it engages nearly like stock and truly is indestructible.

[Bob Beamesderfer]

flywheel (out of superior steel: makes clutch disks last much longer - because of its thermal dynamics)

Probably 4130 cro-moly steel.