CRX Clutchmaster question

I recently had a B16A engine installed in my 91 CRX Si along with new tranny, a stage 3 Clutchmaster clutch, and a bunch of engine mods unrelated to my question (so i'll leave them out). Here's my question: When slipping the clutch at low engine speeds there is a good amount of vibration in the car. The clutch is only 2 days old. It basically only happens when the car starts moving from a stop, and when downshifting into second gear. For normal driving i rev the engine to about 3000 RPM, and slip the clutch briefly untill it engages. IS THIS A NORMAL THING TO BE HAPPENING? It doesn't happen when i dump the clutch for a race launch, only at low RPMs. Thanx for answers in advance.

Marc Seidenstein
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Did you install the clutch yourself or did someone do that too?

no, it's not normal! it's eitehr the wrong clutch, was installed wrong OR try adjusting the cable. I had a similiar problem, sort of, and there was not enough play in the clutch itself. use the adjustment screw on the tranny.

Well mine does kinda the same thing but it's called a ACT unsprung 6 puck clutch, harsh is a good word for it! But it does grab like a champ even with a 75 shot of laughing gas. Im not sure on the clutchmaster clutches but this might just be harsh engagement you experiencing. Hope this helps?

You shouldnt be jumping off the clutch is its 2 days old, you have to wear it in!!!!!

from what I remember when talking to CM about the clutches last october at SEMA, he said that only the stage2 clutch really needed any sort of break in period.

First, puck-style clutches don't need any break in period. Disc clutches are the only kind that realy do.

Secondly, the noise/vibration IS normal, it's clutch chatter.

Harsh clutches have a tendncy to chatter at low RPMs if you try to "slip" them in, but it's so harsh, it wont "slip" in...

Remember, it's Off/ON.....

So basically, what you are experiencing is perfectly normal.....

Im not sure about the stage 3 clutches, but I remember specifically when getting my clutchmasters stage 2 it had a break in period

The Stage II needs a break in, and actually isn't even a recommended stage to buy! :) not even by CM! at least it wasn't last year.

the only way to go is Stage I or III. the stage III needs NO breakin, and the stage I is just like anything else out there.

the Stage III rides fairly well, from what I remember. i used one last year.

Thanx for the help everyone....... not sure who it was (too lazy to check back and then rewrite this)..... but the thing about the clutch pedal engaging too early was right. The clutch engages extrememly early..... and now that i know that vibrating is normal i feel safe again drivin the Rex...... one last question though... whats the life expectancy of this particular clutch under a decent amount of abuse... anyone got a guess, cuz i dont....

That was me :)

that clutch should last a long time under normal conditions...under extreme conditions? hard to say. everyone will drive it different...a couple years? 10 years? who knows ;)

If you daily drive it and go to the track alot, I wouldn't be surprised if it only last a year or two.....