New clutch break in period Miata?

[ConeBoner]

Finally installed my Exedy OEM clutch in Miata after four months on no AX. Manufacturer suggest a 500 mile break in, yet some forums say anything between 0 to 1000 miles. This is my AX car only, totalling 3000 miles since 2009. I really want to beat on car at the AX tomorrow but would hate to glaze new clutch. Opinions?

[slowautoxr]

I don't know if I've ever broken in a new clutch. I've installed a new clutch on a Saturday night after the original started causing problems. Saturday was the 1st day of a 2 day event that weekend.

[TouringBubble]

Clutches are like brakes ... you need to give a little time to bed in the material so the disc surface conforms to the flywheel. Depending on how you drive, this could take 50 miles or 500 miles.

It should be fine to autocross, but I'd suggest against hard launches.

If you do a lot of driving in traffic, 100 miles is plenty of break in for most clutches. If you are on the highway a lot with little shifting, then go with that 500 suggest by the manufacturer.

[jledford]

I guess it depends on how you want the clutch to work. When I used to drag race DSMs back in the day the best way to break in an ACT 2600 for maximum grip was a 5500rpm stutterbox launch out of the driveway after the clutch install.

Now the clutches only lasted 10k miles or so, but they never did slip at the drag strip.

[kilgojr]

5500rpm stutterbox launch out of the driveway after the clutch install.

Now the clutches only lasted 10k miles or so, but they never did slip at the drag strip.

oh the good ole days. LIKE BUTTON

[ConeBoner]

Thanks guys!