Miata Mailing List: July 1994, Message #162
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   From: buck@claude.ma30.bull.com (Kenneth J. Buck)
Subject: re: Miata clutches
   Date: Fri, 8 Jul 1994 07:53:13 -0400

> From: "Goeke, Joseph" 
> Subject: Miata clutches...:-(
> 
> >In the meantime, has anyone on the net had early wear out of
> >Miata clutch?  Is 26k about normal for an autocross car?
> Ahhh, another victim ;-)  Yes, the Miata has a weak clutch, at least the 
> 90-91 models.  Mine went out a 35K, Alan Dahls went out at 22k. Both 
> auto-xed quite a bit, but you only use the clutch about it 6 times a race 
> (1st then 2nd at start). ---JCG.

FWIW, my '90 has 58K miles on its clutch, and my wife's '91 is up
around 44K or so, and both clutches are fine so far.  we do a lot of
mixed driving - the Miatas are our everyday commuters as well as our
weekend highway cruisers - no autoXing to date, though.  i do plenty
of high-RPM shifting, but generally try to be thoughtful about
it when possible - rev-matching on downshifts, etc.

it's important to emphasize that mileage alone doesn't say a lot
about a clutch, though.  there may or may not be deficiencies in
the early clutches, but remember that every time you USE the clutch
(when shifting) knocks some life off it.  no problem, it's there to
be used, just be aware of how you're using it.  stop & go traffic is
Bad News, and starting in 1st gear is the worst since you're starting
a ton of metal from a standing stop.  if you do a lot of starting in
1st gear at high RPM, i'd expect more than an average amount of wear.

just another $.02 added to the piggybank...

--                                             
Ken Buck                                          /|
Internet: k.buck@ma30.bull.com                \'o.O'    ACK!
Mail:     Bull, MA30-833A                     =(___)= THPTPHH!
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