1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
1989 535i - sold
1999 M3 Tiag/Dove - sold
1998 M3 Turbo Arctic/black - current
2004 Built motor TiAg/Black - Sold
2008 E61 19T Turbo-Wagon - current
2011 E82 135i - S85 Swap - current
1998 M3 Cosmos S54 swapped Sedan - current
1998 Turbo: PTE6870 | 1.15 ar | Hp Cover, Custom Divided T4 bottom-mount, 3.5" SS exhaust, Dual Turbosmart Compgates, Turbosmart Raceport BOV, 3.5" Treadstone Intercooler, 3.5" Vibrant resonator and muffler, Arp 2k Headstuds | Arp 2k Main studs | 87mm Je pistons | Eagle rods | 9.2:1 static compression, Ces 87mm cutring, Custom solid rear subframe bushings, Akg 85d diff bushings, 4 clutch 3.15 diff, , Poly engine mounts, UUC trans mounts W/ enforcers, 22RPD OBD2 Stock ECU id1700 E85 tune, 22RPD Big power Transmission swap w/ GS6-53
I've got a ZF out of my e39 if you want it, it's high mileage (300k) but I never had any problems with it.
Should always have a spare. $285 shipped.
1996 332IS
Built 3.2
CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
Technique Tuning 80# tune.
1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM
^^^what a steal!!!!
I know 🤦
Time or space was not on my side. Bright side is my car gets to hang out with other M3's, Maseratis, Fiskers and maybe a Lambo for a couple days
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
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Last edited by jjjjjjj; 09-22-2017 at 08:29 AM.
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
while you have the tranny out, highly suggest doing the shift pins. Rather cheap and makes it feel a lot better. Doing them while it's installed is rather difficult/impossible.
More bad news. Goodbye gripforce! 21k miles around 400hp:
Anyone have experience with ACT clutches?
I can get a great deal right now on the G6 6-puck kit that holds 505tq or the G4 4-puck that holds 545tq
Both come with sprung or unsprung hub, I feel a sprung hub (like my Gripforce) is perhaps smoother for a daily that sees a little traffic? It does seem that a solid disk would be stronger with less to break, or is the spring part really at risk of wearing out? I will get back to occasional drifting at some point.
Realistically I won’t be topping 500 or even 450whp any time soon and even for that I’d need a new turbo - still do not want to clutch shop every 3 years at modest power so want something that will last longer and I’m willing to pay. The extra headroom would be nice with the 4 puck just in case...
Someone please talk me into a solid 4-puck lol
Or, should I go safe and smoother with the 6-puck sprung and consider it a huge win over the Gripforce
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
I never see any reason to go sprung. Id rather have solid where my foot controls everything, aka smoothness.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
1989 535i - sold
1999 M3 Tiag/Dove - sold
1998 M3 Turbo Arctic/black - current
2004 Built motor TiAg/Black - Sold
2008 E61 19T Turbo-Wagon - current
2011 E82 135i - S85 Swap - current
1998 M3 Cosmos S54 swapped Sedan - current
1998 Turbo: PTE6870 | 1.15 ar | Hp Cover, Custom Divided T4 bottom-mount, 3.5" SS exhaust, Dual Turbosmart Compgates, Turbosmart Raceport BOV, 3.5" Treadstone Intercooler, 3.5" Vibrant resonator and muffler, Arp 2k Headstuds | Arp 2k Main studs | 87mm Je pistons | Eagle rods | 9.2:1 static compression, Ces 87mm cutring, Custom solid rear subframe bushings, Akg 85d diff bushings, 4 clutch 3.15 diff, , Poly engine mounts, UUC trans mounts W/ enforcers, 22RPD OBD2 Stock ECU id1700 E85 tune, 22RPD Big power Transmission swap w/ GS6-53
I don't have experience with either of these specifically but the difference in grab between a 4 puck and 6 puck is alot. Honestly if I was in your shoes I would just get another gripforce and plan to replace it every couple years. You won't get any kind of long term durability out of any ceramic puck clutch. If you really want something for the long term you need a twin disc.
So it’s that easy? I’m mean I’m pretty used to the somewhat harsh 6 puck sprung Gripforce
Thanks for that! Didn’t realize the twin disks also had much better longevity.
What’s the best place and price for twin disk options these days?
Just weighting my options. Don’t want to spend a grand+ on a clutch that won’t do much more or even outlive a $300ish Gripforce
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
The advantage of a twin disc is it spreads the heat and wear over 4 friction surfaces instead of 2. Also because of the increase in surface area you can use a less aggressive disc material that is better to drive and does not wear out the friction surfaces.
People have been giving really good reviews on this one. You want the organic lining for nice drive-ability and maximum life
https://maximumpsi.com/product/dkm-e...sc-clutch-kit/
Last edited by someguy2800; 10-26-2018 at 08:55 AM.
I used a ACT 6 Puck in my STI and it was a bitch to drive. More like an on/off switch. Different cars though, and it didn't last any longer than the one you are replacing either. Performance clutches don't last long because they are pressing so hard on the friction material. It just is what it is. Better to have a fun/easy car to drive for 15K miles than a miserable one for 15K.
I have the ACT 6 puck spring clutch and their 11lb flywheel. I can confirm that it is like an on off switch. The clutch pedal is also really stiff with this clutch. Taking off from a stop takes a lot of finesse to not look like it's your first time driving a stick. That said I don't really mind it since it's not a daily.
No ceramic puck style clutch is going to last real long. Its pretty much like using a grinding wheel for a clutch disc. They have a very high coefficient of friction because they are abrasive and literally dig into the friction surfaces to gain holding power which is why they require alot of clamp load and grab suddenly. A segmented cerametalic discs is about as good as your going to get in a single disc that can actually hold some power. They use a friction material thats more like a ceramic brake pad. They are not as abrasive as a full ceramic and as a result don't lock up quite so bad. They have a lot higher friction and heat tolerance than an organic disc and will last about twice as long as a full ceramic. Naturally they usually cost a bit more than a puck clutch. I suspect the ebay gripforce clutches use something similar to a cerametalic compound with a nearly stock pressure plate.
Last edited by someguy2800; 10-04-2017 at 09:44 PM.
Thanks for the feedback on the clutch!
Not what I wanted to hear but it’s my best choice at this time and I need my car back up!! Went with the HDG6 sprung 6-puck / 18lb Streetlite flywheel and certainly hoping it outlives the 21k mile Gripforce... supposed to hold 505tq vs 430tq, which I could have been near @ 15-17psi as before.
I’ll post up a review after it’s broken in.
Question- think I’ll see any noticeable difference in spool or driveability with the new 18lb flywheel vs my old 14.5lb?
Zero complaints driving the old setup daily but it could surely have been more pleasant.
Car is still at the shop even though I could have done it myself 3 times by now 🤦 On the bright side I’m getting the clutch+labor for roughly what the retail price would have been without the discount. Also replacing a leaky rear main and a failing pilot bearing that I likely wouldn’t have noticed in the rush so that’s good insurance. Should be ready today!
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
21k for a $400 clutch at 400/400 I think that ain't so bad. I would toss another one in. Hell I'm going through 3-4 ZF's in 21k. Shit you could get over 100k of boosted miles for the price of my clutch at that rate. Toss in another.
Sent from my E6782 using Tapatalk
1996 332IS
Built 3.2
CES/Steed TS Precision 6466, spraying a "$π!℅" load of meth.
Technique Tuning 80# tune.
1/4 mile 10.84 @ 136.72
Your 1 and only stop for all your BMW performance needs
WWW.CESMOTORSPORT.COM
lol this is true, sadly. I’m hoping for better results with the ACT
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
South bend rebuilds their clutches for $200 (as many times as they can depending on wear of pressure plate). Their price up front is high, but if you figure in one or two rebuilds, you get your moneys worth probably. -- That's one main reason I went with them.
Last edited by bubbafett; 10-07-2017 at 10:24 PM.
• Built S52 w/Dinan ISR-3 kit, NickG Stage 2+ Tune, Dinan Vortech V2 Supercharger, Dinan Air to Air Intercooler, Dinan CAI, Porsche 803 HFM, Buldogge 6" crank pulley, Griptec 2.90" blower pulley, Eurosport UD pulleys, Dinan 3.38 Diff, Dinan front/rear Swaybars, Dinan springs, Koni Yellow Sport Struts, Ground Control end links, South Bend Clutch Stage 3 Organic, AASCO Light Weight Flywheel 18.5#, Zionsville Radiator & Oil Cooler, Riot Racing BBTB, Schrick Intake Manifold, 42# Injectors, Schrick cams 264/256, Forged Wiseco pistons 9.0 comp., Forged Eagle rods, Supertech dual valve springs & valves, VAC crank & bearings, Supersprint mufflers, Euro Z3 midpipe, Raceland euro headers, Walbro 255, Bevauto ignition coils, Vortech Mondo bypass, Bailey Diverter DV30, Ireland Rear Subframe Bushings, Mason Engineering Strut Brace, Mason Engineering Clutch Petal, Apex 18" EC-7 Wheels, Full Custom Sound System, two trunk lids (with & without OE spoiler), Hardtop, Trunk full of AK's...
Got the ZF, used linkage and driveshaft in after some parts hunting... got lucky with a driveshaft 1 mile from my work but had to drive 200+ miles to Ft Worth for linkage. Stock worn linkage
Now I understand all the things people complain about lol.... The po had a pretty nice shifter in since practically day one, was an old school 1995 Bav Auto setup and I’m just the second owner.
A new shifter is on the wish list!! I’d like the AKG but seen a few others that look worthy for a bit less.
Also my knockoff radiator popped so got a real Mishimoto. The cooling woes never seem to end
Quite a collection I have going...
Back together nicely, fingers crossed!
So about these Gripforce/F1 clutches... pretty shocked that my clutch and flywheel were toast after 22k miles. Doubt I’m cracking 400whp by much if any, and I’ve honestly been pretty tame with it due to fear of breaking my Getrag. Oh well, live and learn - a quality clutch is definitely a good place to spend some cash. Everyone likes carnage pics, right?
Went with the ACT HDG6 6 puck clutch, said to hold 505tq plus their streetlite 14.8 lb flywheel which is about on par with the Gripforce chromoly fly. I didn’t want to go super-lightweight on the flywheel so this was perfect imo. Got a killer deal from the shop owner, which was very helpful because I was already in the hole for a bit of cash for labor due to 70% me not having a usable garage, and 30% laziness lol....
Pretty much the savings in the price countered the labor cost to install so I was happy about that! Also had them put in a new main seal kit because mine was leaking
So far, 3k miles in this clutch is amazing compared to the Gripforce!! Much less pedal effort but there is a little bit of chatter which was all but non-existent with the old setup. Doesn’t bother me a bit but there was an adjustment period.
Definitely recommend this over the Gripforce to the budget-minded folks! I’ve seen it around $1100-1300 but time will tell if it lasts long enough to justify the extra cost. The fact it can hold 505tq vs 430tq(?)for Gripforce should be worth it to others on a budget making more power than me! I’m not posting what I paid, but it was a good deal
Anywho here’s a few pics from the trans job. Friend of mine took most of these. I was sorta upset he didn’t get any of the Lambos or Maseratis at the shop in the pics lol
The Getrag that could... until it couldn’t. 227k miles young
What a mess!
Took a few minutes to polish up my exhaust
Hoping to finally get this thing 100% reliable in 2018. Then slide it on the track until it breaks
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
Figured I’d post the conclusion to this chapter of my life. Sold the car back in June after 15 years
Learned a lot... mostly that while fun, cheap + power does not = reliability. I’ll likely never take on this sort of thing again and don’t recommend anyone ever do so without a reliable daily driver and a bank account that you don’t mind draining.
Here’s why I gave up- while driving in a sudden heavy rain one fateful day after getting new rear tires the week before, the car simply shut off. Needles and dash lights went bonkers, hazard lights activated. I’ll save you the umpteenth tow truck pic.
For 3 solid weeks + weekends into the wee hours each night I chased and replaced wire after wire, ecu after ecu and even alternator after alternator and couldn’t figure it out... no matter what, it ran perfect for 5 minutes and then shut off without warning. Had to disconnect battery to allow it to crank again. Got a different code each time. Missed a lot of work and got in a lot of trouble.
Then came the words, “Daddy, do you have to always work on your car?”
With near zero budget I wanted a hatchback and ended up getting a newish ‘14 Elantra GT 6mt with a whopping 173hp complete with 30+ mpg, AC and heated leather seats with just 24k miles for an amazing price. At least I can outrun most Versas, Corollas and Fits lol you’d be surprised how many econoboxes these days still have less than 140hp... and how many Subarus with just 150hp! Fought myself hard to not get a 335, just didn’t want to be tempted all over again or get a 80-100k+ mile car with its own well documented problems. New goal is get a ‘15+ M3 sedan one day and simply enjoy it. Or anything fast and RWD (help!!)
Goodbye old buddy...
New owner is a friend, so hopefully soon see her shine once again.
He’s making it look better already
Thanks for reading.
1995 325i | OBD1 S52 | S50 cams | AA Turbo TD06 20g / 42lb / Porsche maf | .140 MLS | F1 s3 clutch | Ultimate SSK | AKG 75D subframe/diff bushings | 3.23 LSD | Powerflex LCAB/RTAB | e46 fca | Raceland coils | BMP rear arms | DEPO HID | AEM Failsafe | Aeromotive FPR | Walbo 255 | 3" Magnaflow muffler/cat/res | 17x8.5/9.5" 225/45 & 255/40
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