What's the difference between the stock clutch we use vs. a stage I clutch kit or stage II? Why would I want to get an upgraded clutch kit?

an "upgraded" clutch is just what it sounds like.
they have upgraded load (torque) handling capabilitys, engage harder, and as you go up in stages typicly are less "slippable"

the tradeoff is typicly less life, for more holding capability.

if your not planning heavy mods in the near future, your best bet would be an OEM clutch, you cant beat them for pedal feel, and super long life.

Various stage kits provide more holding power. You need more holding power when you modify an engine to make more power. Generally speaking, the higher the stage, the more holding power, as well as the more harsh the clutch engages. However, you have to be careful about what brand you go with. There is a company that sells their clutches on ebay and they advertise them as "Stage 3", but they are equal to my Stage 1.

Let me know if you have any other questions, we stock clutch kits and offer good prices so I'd be happy to help you with that.

-Doc

depending on the stage or sometimes the brand, an upgraded clutch kit should make the clutch bite faster to the gear.
i have a stage 2 racing clutch and its a pain in the a$$ in slow moving traffic. basically the higher stage is stiffer and faster bite

Presure's response brings up another point in my mind too. I agree with him that OEM quality is best for most mildly modified cars on this site [Certainly all the NA cars I would think] but supposedly OEM style clutches from the good name brands have a 30% better holding capacity with "similar pedal feel and life". Not sure how true that is but it is something I've read on alot of sites.

"Similar pedal feel and life" to what? Uprated clutches? I can't compare mine to a stage X clutch obviously, but I will say that although my OEM replacement clutch (Exedy) is exactly a week old, I absolutely LOVE how it feels. It feels way different than the last clutch did, even when I first got my car last year—at which point that clutch was only about 3 months old.

To OEM supposedly - that's what ACT's website and a few others say about their OEM replacements. Nothing feels like a brand new clutch Griffy - enjoy it.

alrighty then, I understand now and have decided to go OEM stock replacement. I only have an intake and exhaust sys. upgrade so far. I'm rebuilding my head with a P/P soon but I don't think the little gain I will see there will be sufficient for a clutch upgrade afterall. Thanks for the info!!

I'd cry if I get stuck in L.A. traffic with a stage 3 clutch....

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and a massive left leg....

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Buddy for what you have and for your near future plans the best clutch yourself is an OEM replacement, for the cost of it and the life it'll give its the best value.

i do agree, thanks!

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You have two legs... use em!