This isn't about a Mazda RX8 but the logic should still be the same for our Mitusubishi 3000 GT. Both have about the same power and weight. We race our Mitsubishi in Chump Car and 24hr Lemons endurance ROAD races.

Since our clutch and tranny packed up finishing second place at Rockingham Chump Car race I am wondering what the best option for clutch replacement is.

Against my advice the previous team members had installed a stage 4 clutch (which has now died) instead of an OEM clutch which I felt was unnecessary given that the NA engine is bone stock with no mods. We don't drag race, we road race. I have been trying to also make the point to my team members that you don't use the clutch to slow the car you use the brakes. Given our stated use of the car I figured a stock clutch plate was enough.

Educate me, I have an open mind, I don't have a lot of experiences with clutches. I just know that the clutch we killed was expensive, has a heavy pedal, had an odd engagement point, we had issues getting it properly adjusted and it lasted 8 races.

 

It's lemons/ chump car man. Go with a stock clutch.

 

Stock clutch.

 

been using stock clutch with ms flywheel for the last 60k miles, i do track days every couple of monthes and car see regular spirited driving, first stock clutch died at 35k miles from pilotbearing problem and took the oem flywheel with it

 

We had a tuned 3000gt vr4 with a spec stage 4 clutch and it drove like crap. That clutch was good for drag racing only...
I'd say go with a stock clutch or a stage 1 if your engine is NA. Better than wasting money and you'll probably end up being faster as well.