srehn

I've got about 600 miles on a Southbend Stage 3 Daily and so far it is fantastic. Very oem like. I had to double check the packing slip to make sure they hadn't sent a stage 1 by mistake. According to Southbend, the only difference between stage 2 and 3 besides holding power is longer break in time and a slightly stiffer pedal. This pedal is less stiff than my cm fx350 and that pedal wasn't overly stiff.

I would like to hear the issues with the Fx350. If not the Fx350, then can you provide a recommendation?

 

From reading the transmission thread in the technical area, there seems to be a mechanical/fit issue with the Spec B version. I think my long break-in period may have been attributed to the dissimilar machined surface between the clutch plate and the resurfaced flywheel.

 

srehn, did you get a new fly wheel, resurface or just install the clutch setup?

 

Southbend seems to be a viable alternative. Perhaps the few with this clutch can update there impressions.

 

I used a new OEM flywheel and the TSK (?) TOB kit. Installation was done by an very good Subaru tech.

What are your complaints with the FX350? There seems to be a lot of mixed reviews on this clutch.

 

Where to begin...

 

First thing in the morning, when the clutch is cold, it's a dream. After a few miles it's a bad dream.

 

Getting started in first gear is the biggest issue. Once you're moving it's actually a really nice clutch. But getting started goes like this: Hold revs at 2800-3000 rpm, COMMIT to letting it out and hang-on. It's really lovely on a hill or in heavy traffic where I tend to lack commitment and I end up with a level of shudder that I didn't think was possible. I have to believe that I've done things to the transmission that will require repair. There is very little room for error and the sweet spot is not dependable or consistent. (NF Performance did my clutch damper valve delete.)

 

It's possible this too much clutch for me and this is the way it's supposed to perform and the way some want it to perform but for me it has really impacted my enjoyment of the car. However, there is a growing body of evidence showing that these are failing waaay to early:

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/fx350-slipping-15k-223779.html

 

http://legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php/official-thread-clutchmaster-clutches-longevity-issues-225721.html

I can only suggest what NOT to buy and that would be the Clutchmasters FX 350.

 

I've been driving it for over 5k miles and it has been a miserable experience.