throw out bearing question

[alexmak]

please help me understand better the options that I have. FFR sends out a complete kit with a clutch pedal that needs a quadrant and a clutch cable for clutch to operate. Starting Jan 2020 Blueprint engines are installing hydraulic throw-out-bearings on TKO600 transmissions (I have BP's 347 engine with TKO600).

As far as I understand, I would need to buy a Wilwood Master Cylinder (https://wilwood.com/MasterCylinders/MasterCylinderProd?itemno=260-10372) in order to connect it to the hydraulic TOB I have on a gearbox (I assume the linked kit, and some fittings would work).


How good would this set up perform? How reliable are hydraulic throw-out-bearings? Should I consider going back to clutch fork, etc? This is going to be just a street car, with may be some spirited driving in between.

Edit: oops, I accidentally posted this to the wrong section. Can moderators move it to general Roadster section?

[edwardb]

Yes, it's as simple as not installing the cable clutch quadrant mod that Factory Five supplies and installing a master cylinder in that position instead. Then the added reservoir and plumbing to the throw-out bearing. You do need to have a master cylinder that's properly sized for the hydraulic throw-out bearing you have. It needs to be the right size to drive it far enough, but also not overdrive it. Which is one of the failure modes. It also has to be set up properly based on your bell housing/flywheel/clutch setup. Hopefully Blueprint gave you information about it.

You'll get lots of opinions about using a hydraulic throw-out bearing. Some will say they aren't reliable. Also will say if there's a problem the transmission has to be removed to repair. Unlike an external slave cylinder on a clutch arm or even a standard cable setup. Traditional throw-out bearings are typically pretty reliable. But they fail too and can only be replaced by pulling the transmission. Some thing for replacing a clutch. So it's not unheard of to pull the transmission for repair or service. But the hydraulic throw-out bearing does perhaps add another possible reason. FWIW, they are pretty much standard equipment now on OE's where a clutch is used. Like current Mustangs.

Having said all of that, I decided to give one a try in my just completed Gen 3 Coupe build. I have a Tilton hydraulic throw-out bearing on a Coyote + T-56 setup. The car has less that 40 miles on it (grr... lockdown...) but so far I am very impressed. My Roadster has the Forte hydraulic setup in a Wilwood pedal box and the exact Centerforce clutch as the Coupe. The pedal effort on the Coupe is considerably less. I'm surprised how much less. It has a nice smooth action. Another advantage of the hydraulic throw-out bearing is it's self-adjusting. Same idea as disk brakes. One consideration for me in taking the chance with it is the Coupe has a lot more room for the engine and transmission, and would not be nearly as difficult as a Roadster to drop the transmission. Not that I want to. But it would be easier. I'll see how it goes after more miles and driving seasons. But I'm impressed so far and would do it again.

[alexmak]

Thank you, edwardb

I've read in one of the threads about your decision to go with hydraulic TOB for your Coupe build, and it helped me to finalize the decision to proceed with it and not change the set up. I'm in touch with Blueprint regarding the set up information and will get it from them.


Yes, it's as simple as not installing the cable clutch quadrant mod that Factory Five supplies and installing a master cylinder in that position instead. Then the added reservoir and plumbing to the throw-out bearing. You do need to have a master cylinder that's properly sized for the hydraulic throw-out bearing you have. It needs to be the right size to drive it far enough, but also not overdrive it. Which is one of the failure modes. It also has to be set up properly based on your bell housing/flywheel/clutch setup. Hopefully Blueprint gave you information about it.

You'll get lots of opinions about using a hydraulic throw-out bearing. Some will say they aren't reliable. Also will say if there's a problem the transmission has to be removed to repair. Unlike an external slave cylinder on a clutch arm or even a standard cable setup. Traditional throw-out bearings are typically pretty reliable. But they fail too and can only be replaced by pulling the transmission. Some thing for replacing a clutch. So it's not unheard of to pull the transmission for repair or service. But the hydraulic throw-out bearing does perhaps add another possible reason. FWIW, they are pretty much standard equipment now on OE's where a clutch is used. Like current Mustangs.

Having said all of that, I decided to give one a try in my just completed Gen 3 Coupe build. I have a Tilton hydraulic throw-out bearing on a Coyote + T-56 setup. The car has less that 40 miles on it (grr... lockdown...) but so far I am very impressed. My Roadster has the Forte hydraulic setup in a Wilwood pedal box and the exact Centerforce clutch as the Coupe. The pedal effort on the Coupe is considerably less. I'm surprised how much less. It has a nice smooth action. I'm very impressed so far. Another advantage BTW of the hydraulic throw-out bearing is it's self-adjusting. Same idea as disk brakes. One consideration for me in taking the chance with it is the Coupe has a lot more room for the engine and transmission, and would not be nearly as difficult as a Roadster to drop the transmission. Not that I want to. But it would be easier. I'll see how it goes after more miles and driving seasons. But I'm impressed so far and would do it again.