Hydraulic Clutch/hydraulic throwout bearing?

[EBarnes]

I am planning on going with a hydraulic clutch. I'm wondering if there is anyone who has tried a hydraulic throwout bearing. I'd also like to hear feedback on going the slave cylinder route, as well as brands.

I'm initially planning on about 300-320 hp and a t-5.

Thanks! Going to find that t5 this weekend I hope, then get the engine and tranny in.

[xlr8or]

I prefer the hydraulic slave setup better and its much easier to deal with if something goes wrong.

Mike Forte offers a very nice setup with the bellhousing. http://www.fortesparts.com/product_info.php?products_id=207

[Stengun]

Howdy,

I'm going to run a hydraulic throw out bearing in my Spyder.

I also have a hyd. t.o. bearing in my F-150 and after 350,000 miles it's starting to leak

Paul

[John Card]

Ditto what Scott said. I used the Forte's external slave setup on Mike's recommendation. If it has a problem, it's easier to access - with the bearing, you're pulling the trans or motor or both. If the bearing setup leaks, fluid could kill your clutch. Those two reasons alone were enough for me to go external.

[tcoon]

Just a word of caution about the T5. we use those in the challenge series and have had a lot of failures with 3rd gear. And that's with 235 RWHP. 320 hp is pushing the torque limits of that trans. You may want to consider the T5Z or TKO 500. I have used both in the challenge car with no failures in 3 years of racing including endurance racing. Most other competitors have had several failures with the straight T5.

-T

[loeffler1]

It's pretty inexpensive to beef up the T5 with an alloy kit. Good for about 425 HP I think.

Bill

[EBarnes]

So glad I do these forums. Excellent point John!

T & Bill, I am building the engine to the new spec racer specs. I plan to put it in my coupe and track it, and build a challenge racer. Then swap the engine, and put something bigger in the coupe.

So... What & where to get the "alloy kit"? I have read the T5 is easy to rebuild.

But... is this allowed in the spec rules? I know the ratios are mandated.

Else a TKO500 I think.

I appreciate the data point too Paul!

Thanks guys!
Eric

[loeffler1]

Eric

I bought my upgraded T5 from Astro Performance, I think they are located in Florida. I got a great deal on it as I bought it at the end of 2008 when the financial woes hit and the folks at Astro wanted to get some units sold. I suspect that you can buy a rebuilding kit there also. They should be pn line, I think that is where I found them, Good Luck.

Bill

[John Card]

So... What & where to get the "alloy kit"? I have read the T5 is easy to rebuild.

But... is this allowed in the spec rules? I know the ratios are mandated



If you keep quiet, who's gonna know? :D


Seriously, I don't know why they would care if the ratios are the same. They're glad to get people to come out - they're not going to nit-pick.

[EBarnes]

I used the Forte's external slave setup on Mike's recommendation...

It looks like there is a push and a pull option. Which did you go with John, and what was your rationale?

[xlr8or]

I've used his pusher slave setup with billet clutch arm on 3 cars now and never a problem. It's compact and easy to setup.

[EBarnes]

As long as I have the attention of you guys... Related question - clutch?

I got a deal on a TKO600, Lakewood scattershield, etc. Just needs a clutch.

Using it in my coupe for track days. Any suggestions on clutches?

I am trying to keep the costs down, but I don't want cheap!

Thanks again!

Eric

[xlr8or]

Which tko? 10 or 26 spline? How much horsepower? There's lots of options out there. Talk to Mike Forte and he can put together a package deal with the external slave setup.

[John Card]

It looks like there is a push and a pull option. Which did you go with John, and what was your rationale?

For the T-5, Forte only sells the push version now. He probably hasn't taken the other one off of the website. Mike said that the push models seal better and have less issues. The pull version has the exit shaft on the pressure side and the seal around the shaft tends to leak more - supposedly. I just followed Mike's advice.

[EBarnes]

Which tko? 10 or 26 spline? How much horsepower? There's lots of options out there. Talk to Mike Forte and he can put together a package deal with the external slave setup.

Sorry, I've been flying the past week!

It's a TKO 600. I decided I'll figure out the T5 when I get the challenge racer to swap the motor into (I want to keep the coupe, and put something larger in it eventually). But that will be years.

So still as initially said, 320 hp or so on the output. And 26 spline.

I've heard good things about Centerforce, Ram, and mixed reviews about Spec. I pick up the transmission Thursday, so I'll also find out what flywheel it is.

Thanks guys!
Eric