RD Motorsports "8 Puck" Clutch

[HawkeyeGeoff]

I'm in the beginning process of doing some preventative clutch maintenance (~45k on an old school 6 puck) or have one on hand in case I blow it out at the dragon.

My friend @maisonvi; being the deal seeker that he is pointed me to this:
RD Motorsports

Clutch kit w/ pressure plate, TOB, and alignment tool for $275 shipped. Claims to hold 550 ft lb of torque (assume at the wheels from their description) and utilizes an ACT flywheel (this is extra but I could have my Streetlite resurfaced for cheap). No shit.



This 8 puck design can be seen in the Southbend Stage 3 Endurance here:
SBC Stage 3 endurance Mazdaspeed Clutch


I asked the question to the folks at RD Motorsports if they have had extensive miles on any of these guys at high power (I'd assume they do at this point) and how the engagement / daily driveability of these are / how heavy is the pedal really. I haven't heard back yet, but if they come back and say its better than a 6 puck in X categories then I might have to give it a shot.

Has anyone run these or know anyone that runs them with good or bad results? I have yet to find anything about them on MSF yet so I figured now would be a good time to start a discussion on what seems like a great clutch on paper.
@Mazdazilla6; I'm sure you're interested in this topic as well.

[dawgincustoms]

Hello there.

I have about 30 of these kits in circulation between the midwest and overseas. I first started working on a clutch after wasting a act 6puck in 10k miles. Over the past 2 years the clutch has evolved. In the beginning it was repucking the factory disc and using a heavier pp. Then I changed to a new disk setup. I have changed to an upgraded compound to hold more power. The pp is a 2800lb pressure plate and is prolly the heaviest on the market. For the speed6 I do a reinforcement for the top of the pedal to keep from cracking. With the adjustability of the pedal in the speed6 it can be dialed in and although it is heavier then stock it is still easy to drive and slipable. I personally have used it on a shop car making 500/515 and been at the track multiple times runing 1.6 to 1.7 60ft times without issue. The speed3 is a little more finicky with the added pressure. I have seen some slave cylinders not be able to hold. I have tried adding a spacer to the fork which seems to help the issue. I have looked into going to a wilwood slave but as I dont have a speed3 myself to play with have not had the time to pkay with that option. I have used a clutch setup for about 40k miles and then resurfaced it as I had it out changing the setup. It still had plenty of life left at that time. Any other questions just ask.

Thanks,
Ron
RD Motorsportz

[WetzMS3]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff @Mazdazilla6; I'm sure you're interested in this topic as well.

You mean interested, like this?

http://www.mazdaspeedforums.org/foru...ch-kit-197798/

[Mazdazilla6]

Lolol, yes Geoff I'm interested. I mentioned it to Ken yesterday when I was interrogating him yesterday about his clutch setup.

Taylor (don't remember his msf name) and I were thinking if we can get enough people interested we might be able to work out a group buy at a small discount.

[maisonvi]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 Lolol, yes Geoff I'm interested. I mentioned it to Ken yesterday when I was interrogating him yesterday about his clutch setup. Taylor (don't remember his msf name) and I were thinking if we can get enough people interested we might be able to work out a group buy at a small discount.

@MiUnicorn;

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[robander3]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 Lolol, yes Geoff I'm interested. I mentioned it to Ken yesterday when I was interrogating him yesterday about his clutch setup. Taylor (don't remember his msf name) and I were thinking if we can get enough people interested we might be able to work out a group buy at a small discount.

If a group buy is put together I'll be interested.

[LSMS3TMB]

In 4 deets. I'm pretty much set on purchasing a SouthBend stage 3 Endurance. But if this looks promising I may be swayed.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by LSMS3TMB In 4 deets. I'm pretty much set on purchasing a SouthBend stage 3 Endurance. But if this looks promising I may be swayed.

I guess the only thing that is swaying me is that it is "the heaviest on the market". After running this old 6 puck for a year, it really takes the fun out of around the town driving. Race caring its totally fine. I guess really I don't think i will get legit answers on this topic unless someone chimes in about having used both and the difference.

[LSMS3TMB]

I caught that as well. I really like the idea that the S3 Enduro is similar in weight as OEM. If this RD pressure plate is really that heavy I think it would be a deal breaker for me.

[Mazdazilla6]

I'm not turned off by a heavy clutch. I've driven an ACT 6 puck ms3 and comparing it to my pop's 2014 camaro with an LS7 clutch, the camaro is more stiff IMO and has just as much, if not more, as an on/off feel and I still felt comfortable dailying it while I visited him.

The biggest factors for me are:
- Holding 500wtq
- Good price
- Has a decent life to it (assuming you drive properly)

If money was no object I'd go SB any day but I can't justify the price that it is. Right now the only other option I see viable is the ACT kit.

[MiUnicorn]

I'm definitely interested, I need to figure out what sort of power I'll be running as to not limit my power with this clutch. But definitely interested

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[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 I'm not turned off by a heavy clutch. I've driven an ACT 6 puck ms3 and comparing it to my pop's 2014 camaro with an LS7 clutch, the camaro is more stiff IMO and has just as much, if not more, as an on/off feel and I still felt comfortable dailying it while I visited him. The biggest factors for me are: - Holding 500wtq - Good price - Has a decent life to it (assuming you drive properly) If money was no object I'd go SB any day but I can't justify the price that it is. Right now the only other option I see viable is the ACT kit.

You probably drove the new version of it, which is about 1/2 the weight of the old one and realistically very similar to the weight of an OEM weight. LS7 is a much lighter, much easier to modulate clutch than a sub 2013/2014 6 puck.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by MiUnicorn I'm definitely interested, I need to figure out what sort of power I'll be running as to not limit my power with this clutch. But definitely interested Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

If it's rated properly, this should hold all the torque a 3582 will throw at it (assuming you haven't switched turbos lol). Generally, the bigger you go in turbo size, the bigger the difference will be between peak hp and peak tq with hp being the higher of the two.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 If it's rated properly, this should hold all the torque a 3582 will throw at it (assuming you haven't switched turbos lol). Generally, the bigger you go in turbo size, the bigger the difference will be between peak hp and peak tq with hp being the higher of the two.

Oh it should hold for sure. NP.

At this point it's just me being a clutch snob.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff You probably drove the new version of it, which is about 1/2 the weight of the old one and realistically very similar to the weight of an OEM weight. LS7 is a much lighter, much easier to modulate clutch than a sub 2013/2014 6 puck.

Yea I'd put money on it's a new version. That was this past summer so not too long ago and the clutch was new. The heaviest clutch I've felt is @phate;'s FX400, even still, if I had to I could tolerate that.

[WetzMS3]

For what it's worth, ACT rates the common 6 puck kit with streetlite flywheel at 530 ft/lbs.

ZX5-HDR6 // Advanced Clutch Technology

I think pedal feel has a lot to do with which car the clutch is going into, so it may be hard to get a good reference point there. If pedal stiffness is not much of an issue for you, or there is no guarantee of sorts that this clutch feels drastically lighter, I'd go with the proven design rated slightly higher.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 For what it's worth, ACT rates the common 6 puck kit with streetlite flywheel at 530 ft/lbs. ZX5-HDR6 // Advanced Clutch Technology I think pedal feel has a lot to do with which car the clutch is going into, so it may be hard to get a good reference point there. If pedal stiffness is not much of an issue for you, or there is no guarantee of sorts that this clutch feels drastically lighter, I'd go with the proven design rated slightly higher.

There is no doubt there. Hydraulic efficiency and how much routing/hose is used plays a roll into how it feels as well as the weight of the vehicle.

That being said, I about shit myself when I felt your 6 puck for the first time and @maisonvi; not even making a blip of complaint with his either. I feel like I'm just a crying bitch until I realized they changed the material and pressure plate LOL

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by WetzMS3 I think pedal feel has a lot to do with which car the clutch is going into, so it may be hard to get a good reference point there. If pedal stiffness is not much of an issue for you, or there is no guarantee of sorts that this clutch feels drastically lighter, I'd go with the proven design rated slightly higher.

I'd feel comfortable running the RD kit. It's made by a reputable company so no issues there. But if it's hold like an ACT, but costs $300 less then I can deal with possibly a stiffer pedal.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 I'd feel comfortable running the RD kit. It's made by a reputable company so no issues there. But if it's hold like an ACT, but costs $300 less then I can deal with possibly a stiffer pedal.

Braver man than me. Better start doing some leg presses man.

[MiUnicorn]

Originally Posted by Mazdazilla6 If it's rated properly, this should hold all the torque a 3582 will throw at it (assuming you haven't switched turbos lol). Generally, the bigger you go in turbo size, the bigger the difference will be between peak hp and peak tq with hp being the higher of the two.

Alright, I'm going in blind as far as hp/torque numbers are concerned. All I know is my internals are rated to about 600 so I'd like to sit between 550-600hp.

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[maisonvi]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff There is no doubt there. Hydraulic efficiency and how much routing/hose is used plays a roll into how it feels as well as the weight of the vehicle. That being said, I about shit myself when I felt your 6 puck for the first time and @maisonvi; not even making a blip of complaint with his either. I feel like I'm just a crying bitch until I realized they changed the material and pressure plate LOL

I will say his 6-puck is much heaver than my 6-puck. That said, Geoff is still a cry baby.

[dawgincustoms]

For those guys with the heavy pedal feel. My girl drives speeds as well and drives on this clutch with heels. I use a heavier plate to aid in the segmented disc. I am not a fan of pucked clutches for daily drivers. They are to on off. Origionally I made this setup for myself and then ran it in a few friends cars and everyone started to fall in love with it. Most of the speeds in the Cincinnati area with replaced clutches run my setup and some have a couple years on them and see time at mid ohio, autox, and plenty of street racing. I would like to test the segmented setup in a car making between 630 and 730 hp and 550 to 600 ft bls. As on a bigger tirbo the tq comes in a little later and I suspect the kevlar material will hold it but cannt confirm that yet. My setup previously made 515 ft lbs at about 4150 rpms. The BNR s3 setup I ran for the end of the year was over 400 ft lbs at 3750 and stayed till 5200 peaking about 420 ft lbs at 4100. And that setup got beat on a lot.

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by dawgincustoms For those guys with the heavy pedal feel. My girl drives speeds as well and drives on this clutch with heels. I use a heavier plate to aid in the segmented disc. I am not a fan of pucked clutches for daily drivers. They are to on off. Origionally I made this setup for myself and then ran it in a few friends cars and everyone started to fall in love with it. Most of the speeds in the Cincinnati area with replaced clutches run my setup and some have a couple years on them and see time at mid ohio, autox, and plenty of street racing. I would like to test the segmented setup in a car making between 630 and 730 hp and 550 to 600 ft bls. As on a bigger tirbo the tq comes in a little later and I suspect the kevlar material will hold it but cannt confirm that yet. My setup previously made 515 ft lbs at about 4150 rpms. The BNR s3 setup I ran for the end of the year was over 400 ft lbs at 3750 and stayed till 5200 peaking about 420 ft lbs at 4100. And that setup got beat on a lot.

Ah. So it is Kevlar....just like the SB Stage 3 endurance. Interesting. So that will probably give everyone a sense of the engagement (good engagement in general).

I have someone coming up from Cinnci for a rally in March I believe. I can give my impressions on it then...or if NATOR OH holds a meet in Toledo. Or if Ron wants to hold a meet and get some beers. Whatever! I really really want to feel this clutch. I guess it should be mentioned that I do this for a living as well. LOL That's why I'm such a clutch snob. Sorry in advance.

[865ms3]

I plan to go with one of these when my 6 puck dies. Ron is a good dude and will take care of you. He beats the shit out of his personal car. I can tell you for sure its been ran through the paces haha.

[SilverDemon]

Man up you puss.....Do some leg presses and build up the thigh muscles!!

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by SilverDemon Man up you puss.....Do some leg presses and build up the thigh muscles!!

OH SHIIIIIIIIT!!! Look who it is I should be ashamed. LOL
@Mazdazilla6; I think after some comments made on the book of faces, I think this is the way to go. We should set up a group buy if Ron would entertain it.

There's a dude that owns a MS3 w/ a old style 6 puck and this on his 6. Says the difference is significant in weight and engagement, so that's probably good enough for me TBH at that price.

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff OH SHIIIIIIIIT!!! Look who it is I should be ashamed. LOL @Mazdazilla6; I think after some comments made on the book of faces, I think this is the way to go. We should set up a group buy if Ron would entertain it. There's a dude that owns a MS3 w/ a old style 6 puck and this on his 6. Says the difference is significant in weight and engagement, so that's probably good enough for me TBH at that price.

I had a glance at that when I had a min in the shop tonight.

I'm all for helping set up a group buy but I'm not in any financial situation to go spending money right now so I'll have to hold off til spring and just pay full price. I don't really know what's required to set up the GB (assuming Ron wants to) and I'm not sure how active @Raider; is currently.

[dawgincustoms]

I do not mind working a group buy for these. It would have to be for the clutch itself, "disk, pressure plate, tob, and alignment tool". I could entertain doing the flywheel if you guys wanted to as I can prolly get a touch better pricing but shipping is prolly what will get some peeps on that. Most times I dont have enough wiggle room in prices as I try and keep things cheaper to start with as 90% of my profit is building cars. However I can work this for the community to help get some more out there.

Who all is down for a group buy?

[Mazdazilla6]

Originally Posted by dawgincustoms I do not mind working a group buy for these. It would have to be for the clutch itself, "disk, pressure plate, tob, and alignment tool". I could entertain doing the flywheel if you guys wanted to as I can prolly get a touch better pricing but shipping is prolly what will get some peeps on that. Most times I dont have enough wiggle room in prices as I try and keep things cheaper to start with as 90% of my profit is building cars. However I can work this for the community to help get some more out there. Who all is down for a group buy?

I think just the clutch kit minus the flywheel would be fine. There's plenty of places people can get an ACT flywheel and I imagine it'd be less of a hassle for you not to have to get them and then get them to other people. Plus those who already have an ACT kit will probably just have the flywheel resurfaced so they won't need one.

[davychronic]

Count me in on group buy




How about that basketball game Geoff, must have been heartbreaking for you.

[Raider]

I am familiar with the vendor, and we are talking in the staff section about low-volume shops/members and a "grass roots" type setup.

As for allowing a GB, they are supposed to be VIP only. But since the company is going to do offer a discount, and I know the vendor is not someone like the Sandal Shop, or other ghetto scammer scumbag stuff, then go for it. If the owner of this forum has a problem with it, he will act.

[robander3]

Count me in as well, speed6

[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by robander3 Count me in as well, speed6

Tight. @Mazdazilla6; you want to talk with Ron and include me or do you want me to get it going?

[REBarker]

Will this clutch kit work with a fidanza flywheel or just the act?

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[HawkeyeGeoff]

Originally Posted by REBarker Will this clutch kit work with a fidanza flywheel or just the act? Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

Seems like just ACT, but the company that he works with might be able to make one that will work with the Fidenza. I think they did that in the past.

[Mazdazilla6]

Group buy rules for Vendors

1) Group buy shall have a start date and end date.
2) A list of members will be shown in the GB thread and updated accordingly by the organizer of the GB.
3) Price of the item WILL be posted in the GB post.
4) Organizer of the Group Buy will be responsible for keeping the members up to date.
5) The post of the GB will contain descriptive information pertaining to the sale of that item.

Rules per the sticky ^.

Before we go setting this up I think we would should get an interested list going. If you're interested copy the list and add your name. I'm going to start it with everyone who's already said they're interested.

1. HawkeyeGeoff
2. Robander3
3. MiUnicorn
4. davychronic
5. 865ms3(?)
6. LSMS3TMB(?)

Originally Posted by HawkeyeGeoff Tight. @Mazdazilla6; you want to talk with Ron and include me or do you want me to get it going?

I'm totally open to help set up the group buy but I'm not sure we're really allowed to moderate it since we're not the ones selling it, I believe it's up to Ron. With that said, if he needs any assistance I'm open to help.

[Realgib3]

I bought this setup like 6 months ago, maybe more, but haven't gotten to drive it yet (since my car hates me and wants me to die a slow and painful death). At this point, I can only say the pedal feel is essentially exactly like the ACT -puck I had.

[MiUnicorn]

Originally Posted by Realgib3 I bought this setup like 6 months ago, maybe more, but haven't gotten to drive it yet (since my car hates me and wants me to die a slow and painful death). At this point, I can only say the pedal feel is essentially exactly like the ACT -puck I had.

Was your 6 puck a sprung or unsprung disk?

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[ZX299]

If it can be done with the fidanza flywheel I'm definitely interested.


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[Realgib3]

Originally Posted by MiUnicorn Was your 6 puck a sprung or unsprung disk? Sent from my SM-N910V using Tapatalk

Sprung, but that should have no bearing on pedal pressure, since it uses the same PP.