Just got a new SPEC stage 2 clutch kit for my WRX. Right on the disk, stamped in steel it says "EXEDY". Whats up with that? :confused:

exedy is a big manufacturer of clutches, spec sources the disks from them, and most likely just makes their own pressure plate.

Alot of supposedly "high performance" clutches are really fakes. Im in the clutch business and i test alot of clutches. Most companies honestly use premium factory replacement clutches such as EXEDY as there "stage 1 or 2 " clutches. They may paint the pressure plate some pretty color just to fool customers or even tell them its like 10% or so over stock pressure. Its all a lie. Sometimes with higher stage clutches like 3 and up, they may use a stock replacement pressure plate painted all nice again with some type of puck or copper clutch disc and call it stage 4 or 5. If you can feel a difference in pedal pressure, then you got a real modded pressure plate, if not then its a cheap stock pressure plate. Good quality performance clutches are certified (SFI) like ACT and Centerforce. There are alot of new companies out there sourcing clutches and components from cheap labor overseas and calling them "high performance" Be careful..

Don't mention Centerforce to me. Right now in my WRX sits a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch that started slipping the first time I tried to launch with it after a 3,000 mile break in (had an engine problem that is now fixed). Now with 4,000 miles on the clutch it slips VERY BAD. It will hold above 6,500 RPMS fairly well as long as I keep turbo at 15psi. As soon as I get it out I am shipping it to Centerforce and they better cover it under some sort of warranty. I did have ACT, it held up pretty good untill turbo leaked oil all over it. Pedel pressure was much higher then stock with ACT. Centerforce pedel pressure is almost as good as stock.