MX5 NB8B Clutch Shudder

[sunlightsilver]

Do research before entertaining the idea of lightened flywheels which are more suited to racing not the road - I would not do it.

The power difference between the 1.6 and 1.8 is not nearly enough for this to cause issues down the track. I spoke to the guys at mx5plus prior to arranging the install and I have great confidence in the advice they give me in what is best for the car.

[Mr Morlock]

Garry- 150K on a stock clutch on an SP- sounds good to me- brilliant.

Those that think just lightening flywheels has no downside are not really talking to or reading the right publications. I have been down the track of lightened flywheels but not on an MX5. I do have the opportunity to talk to friends who have been directly involved in engine developments for Ford and others. I was not suggesting ( sunlight silver) that the set up will fail merely that lightening a flywheel will effect the driving characteristics of the vehicle and not necessarily to everyones taste. I cited what most- not all drivers prefer- we generally prefer cars that pull well and not ones that have to be revved to perform. Another point is that folks asking for a bit of advice need to see both sides or multi sides of a discussion.

If it was such a good idea to have lightened flywheels ( i.e. even lighter) then why didn't Mazda engineers do it-?

[bootz]

I would venture to say that it is no more detrimental than switching from stock to aftermarket suspension.

[Charlie Brown]

mmxx55(kevin),
As others have said, the clutch shudder occurred in the 2002-2003 NBs. Mazda replaced mine twice under warranty but wouldn't fit the SE clutch that didn't have the problem.

You must have a low kilometer NB to be still suffering from this problem. Replace both the pressure plate and clutch plate and the problem will be fixed.

With regards to the flywheel, a lightened flywheel will give quicker response to throttle inputs and rev quicker. The downside is that you need to increase your rpm for standing starts to prevent stalling as the inertia of the lightened flywheel is lower and more power (revs) is needed to induce forward movement.

As an example, my NC would comfortably move off from standstill using 1,600rpm. I fitted a lightened flywheel and it needed 2,000rpm. This doesn't worry me as I track the car, but if it was use just as a daily drive, with no added kick needed, I'd stick with the stock flywheel.

[emx005]

Picked up my 01 with under 70k on it a couple of months ago.

Up to 73k now with daily driving and honestly after the first few weeks of the shudder, I'm used to the revs I have to give it to avoid it now. Only really becomes an issue when I'm lazy which isn't very often driving a 5 in Sydney peak hour traffic!

Will get it done at the 80k service but it's drivable for the time being.

[Caffeine]

For the NB8B / NB P2 Mazda changed from asbestos based to an organic based friction material. It took them as few revisions to get it right. I had the clutch in my MX 5 replaced twice. The third clutch in (revision5) was absolutely fine.

I did hear of them replacing clutches even out of warranty, but >10 years is pushing it a bit :-D

My 3rd Mazda fitted clutch lasted another 130000km. It was still fine but I replaced it when I had the gearbox out to fix a rear main seal leak.