[bluestreak]

Guys-

I am just shy of the 17K mile mark on my 04 STi and from time to time I like to visit this long stretch of brand new, perfectly level road out in the sticks. This has been ideal for timed runs using my G-Tech Pro accelerometer with no traffic and long enough to make two 1/4 miles runs consecutively.

I have had no problems whatsoever in my launches (5-6K, foot in poop method, no drivetrain issues), but my 2nd launch today it was weird. The launch felt butter smooth...no hard pull, no jittering while getting traction like normal, but I still clocked a 1.791 60' and 13.125 1/4 mile time(at 4,600 feet elevation). I never adjust my DCCD for launches, but always leave it in Auto mode.

I went back to the launch spot to see if I had deposited some rubber (No tire squeal noises) and the road was free from any tire skidmarks. I launched again and the same smooth reaction, followed by what smelled to be the clutch.

Now don't misunderstand, I do not usually encounter this as my launches are not that hard. I can't help but wonder if my clutch is gone. At first I thought it may be the driveline, but I drove home without problems. The weird part is that I was able to shift on the way home and it felt pretty much normal.

At this mileage and based on the fact that I have only done about 8-10 heavy launches since I bought it new, am I to assume it's the clutch?

Finally, I have heard from different STi owners in the past that some generous dealerships pay for the first clutch within 36K miles under warranty, possibly along with brake pads...is this true? I have a good relationship with my dealership and they even recommended my Cobb Stage 2 system. I would like to get anyone's feedback before I go to "the well" so to speak. :wink:


Thanks in advance.

[12SecSTI]

Clutch seems ok to me.....you could pull a 1.79 with a smoked clutch

[bluestreak]

Yep...that's why I am wondering if the clutch is not GONE per se, but maybe GOING?

I can usually manage at least a 1.75 60' and a 13.05 1/4 mile without issues (Still trying to breach the 12 second mark with stock turbo at altitude) From what I hear, the G-techs are slightly higher than numbers you would see at a drag strip, so maybe I'm already there.

So, is 17K miles about the time the stock clutch gives up the ghost, with spirited use?

[12SecSTI]

normally they do, you be traping better times than that...i ran 12.90's on just tbe. whats your mph? also the stock clutch hose swells easily after a couple nice launches which will give its a soft feeling....a stainless hose would work pretty nicely....kind of like brake hoses work.

[bluestreak]

Good feedback 12 sec.

My mph on the 1/4 mile was 103.16 with an 8.31 1/8 mile at 83.96 Mph. 54 degrees out and about 12% humidity. I am close to 300 WHP, so I gotta be close to 12 sec territory. I would like to think I am pretty quick on my launch technique, but who knows.

Can anyone answer my question as to if they have had the dealer replace their first clutch under warranty, and whatb mileage have you had yours replaced at?

[12SecSTI]

its been rumored that you can get it replaced up to 36k...... check with SOA if you want an official answer.....i think its based on dealer discretion..

BTW you should get your 60ft a little lower and you should be very high 12's.... any wheel hop? try 30 psi or a bit lower in the tires...also dccd to auto

[stardust]

If you are doing this to your car I wouldn't complain about the clutch going! Please think about the stress that you are putting on your equipment, not only are you launching hard but you are launching hard twice in a half mile!

On a side note, don’t make purchasing this car that much more expensive for the rest of us by going to the dealer to fix this under warrantee, it’s your own fault.

[12SecSTI]

Ok the clutch will hold hard launches.... as long as you are not slipping it....stardust dont try to scare people away by thinking the clutch is weak...its not....oh yeah and it will not make it more expensive for the rest of us if he gets it fixed under WARRANTY... jeez some people

[bluestreak]

Originally Posted by stardust

If you are doing this to your car I wouldn't complain about the clutch going! Please think about the stress that you are putting on your equipment, not only are you launching hard but you are launching hard twice in a half mile!

On a side note, don’t make purchasing this car that much more expensive for the rest of us by going to the dealer to fix this under warrantee, it’s your own fault.

pixiedust:

If the clue train comes into town I think I'll get you a ticket, because I was not complaining about my clutch going...rather asking for some opinions that are actually helpful (thanks 12 sec!).

Further, you must be attention deficit because I think I portrayed that I am hesitant to approach the dealership unless my concern is warranted.

I have not made one warranty claim since I have had it the day it was new, so save your meaningless comments for the boyzz at Nabisco. :roll:

Nice GIF BTW...the Jedi lessons paying off huh?