New Clutch recommendations?

[David Hodgkins]

I'm thinking of ditching the racing clutch and aluminum flywheel for my FMS 302, (340 HP). I still have my original flywheel.

Do you have any recommendations?

:)

[Mike N]

Why the desire to change? What type of clutch lining does your current set up have?

I put a RAM HD clutch in mine when I first built it and it only lasted until just after I had the motor dyno tuned then I drove through it in 3rd gear. Then I put a SPEC stage 2 in it with an aluminum flywheel and have been very happy since. The stage 2 is a Kevlar faced clutch and it is a little grabby but nothing like a carbon clutch. Once I got used to the bite on the clutch it drives just like the HD. Not like the stock Ford clutch by any means but fine it my opinion.

[David Hodgkins]

Mike, Here's my clutch/Flywheel setup:

http://thefactoryfiveforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=10389&d=1340239895

It's very grabby, and fine for the track, but not so much fun for the street...

:)

[frankeeski]

Dave, TRE is right around the corner from you in Costa Mesa. They carry SPEC clutches and I, like Mike, grabbed one of the Spec-Stage 2 for my rebuild. I have heard great things from Antny about how he likes his so I pulled the trigger. Time will tell but for the price you can't really go wrong. The Quarter Master clutch is a great piece, but it's a bit much for street driving. It always sounds like it is going to fly apart when you push the pedal in.
http://treperformance.com/i-1000-ford-mustang-1986-1995-5-0l-stage-2-spec-clutch.html

[Mike N]

David I think maybe the word "extreme' marked on the pressure plate is a clue as to why you want to change :D

[tjmotter]

I started with an Exedy stage 2 and hated it (too stiff) so I moved to a Centerforce dual friction and absolutely love it.

HTH
Todd

[efnfast]

Why would you ever want to not use Gordon's setup? (at least I'm assuming you got it from him because that's what I'm using the same Quartermaster racing clutch as well). It's an awesome clutch - holds power well, doesn't need a lot of travel, and is very snappy on the shift. Best clutch ever.

[David Hodgkins]

Alex, if I used the clutch the way it is designed I'd be laying rubber at every stoplight. I can't just ease it into gear. So I want to get a street-oriented clutch.

Can someone tell me if a King Cobra would work? It's only rated to 315 hp?

:)

[Gale K]

How about a stock Ford Mustang clutch or similar replacement clutch?

[Bob Cowan]

I'v been using a Centerforce dual friction for the last 6-7 years. I beat on it pretty hard at the track, but also drive it on the street a lot. It's got smooth operation, light pedal pressure, and it's very durable. I'm occasionally tempted to try something else. But I don't because this works so well.

[frankeeski]

Can someone tell me if a King Cobra would work? It's only rated to 315 hp?

:)

Dave, Spec-Stage 1 is good to 410 Lbs. of torque. Stock pedal feel and with a $220.00 price tag you really can't beat it.
http://treperformance.com/i-999-ford-mustang-1986-1995-5-0l-stage-1-spec-clutch.html

[Bob Cowan]

Well, I need to update my previous comment. I developed a significant vibration this week. After some investigation this evening, I found this:
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a256/bobcowan/smallclutch.jpg

It's a little fuzzy, because it's a pic of the video screen on my See Snake. The bolt at the top is an ARP clutch bolt. The teeth to the right is the ring gear on the fly wheel.

Over the next few days, I'll get the clutch out and see how much damage is done.

[David Hodgkins]

Dave, Spec-Stage 1 is good to 410 Lbs. of torque. Stock pedal feel and with a $220.00 price tag you really can't beat it.
http://treperformance.com/i-999-ford-mustang-1986-1995-5-0l-stage-1-spec-clutch.html

Thanks Frank, I'll check into it. Now if I only knew someone with a lift...

:D

[Bobasaurus]

I've been using a Spec Stage 1 for about 50K miles including donor time. It has been great and holds my supercharged 5.0 just fine.

Bobby

[frankeeski]

Now if I only knew someone with a lift...

:D

I may know a guy. Bring it on bye when you're ready.:cool:

[Someday I Suppose]

David, I was looking at the Spec Stage 2 for my build, and the Stage 1 is probably perfect for what you want. I King Cobra clutch would probably hold the power for you as well since the car is so much lighter then the Mustang.

-Scott

[Mike N]

One note on the Spec stage 2. When it says allow 500 miles of driving to bed it in they aren't kidding. The clutch will slip when you first install it if you have a high torque output motor and use it. Mine needed about 350 miles or so before it didn't slip at all.

[Kevin Kearney]

David-

I've had a King Cobra behind my Boss 302 for 12,000+ miles with no problems.

Kevin

[frankeeski]

David, Give me a call when you have a chance. I may have a line on a clutch for you that won't cost you anything and should be much better for street use.

[David Hodgkins]

OK Frank; I'll call you this week. Thanks!

:)

[frankeeski]

Well, David came bye yesterday and tore the car apart to adjust the clutch to see if it was just a throw out bearing out of adjustment. Bad news, sounds like the issue persists.

Lets get some parts ordered Dave and get that thing fixed once and for all. Make sure you get the right spline count for the clutch and the lift is always here at your disposal. Sorry it didn't solve the issue.

[QSL]

So that must mean another breakfast is in order to let the car cool down again? :)

[frankeeski]

Mmmmm! Breakfast.

[David Hodgkins]

Quick update, I'm buying a new clutch today. Decided to go with Frank's recommendation as they are local to me. I'll post another update after the purchase.

:)

[frankeeski]

I hope you like the new clutch. If not, I am going to have to carry the burden of blame. Let me know when you're ready to install it Dave.;)

[David Hodgkins]

Frank, I had to order it due to being 26 spline. I'll find out later if it will be here this week. I have the original flywheel still so no resurfacing needed. So it's looking like a 2 day project, wouldn't you agree? I have some family in Chino Hills and could stay there overnight...

:)

[David Hodgkins]

The new clutch is here. Just in time too. The current clutch is starting to creak when I push in the pedal. It won't last much longer...

Frank, are you up for another breakfast/wrench day?

:)

[frankeeski]

Let me know.