[DeTomaso] clutch???

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 11/18/08 10 00 16, rtaspl at aol.com writes:


> what size is the clutch in a 1972 pantera? 
> 
>>>The stock clutch was an 11-inch Long unit.   The Pantera does NOT use a 
standard 351C clutch, although a 351C clutch will bolt right up to the Pantera's 
flywheel.   I have been told (but can't verify) that the Pantera used a 427 
FE clutch pressure plate, and a 351C clutch disc that was manually 
disassembled, the marchal hammered flat, then it was riveted back together again.

Plenty of people have tried the shortcut of cramming a Mustang clutch into a 
Pantera.   What often happens is that the fingers of the clutch strike the 
inside of the bellhousing, making a hell of a racket, and eventually breaking the 
bellhousing.   The "solution" is to misadjust the clutch linkage so that the 
clutch is partially depressed at all times.   This fixes the clearance 
problem, burns out the throwout bearing, and leads to clutch slippage and early 
failure of the clutch.

Forget about buying a "cheap" clutch.   Just buy a proper, dedicated Pantera 
clutch.   There are numerous different options available.

McLeod stocks various Pantera clutches as standard catalog items, including 
stock three-finger and diapraghm style pressure plates, as well as 
small-diameter racing clutches and full-size twin-disc clutches.   Although they can be 
purchased anywhere that deals in McLeod, nobody is going to have the parts on 
the shelf except for a Pantera dealer.   Pantera Performance Center carries the 
McLeod line.

Centerforce also makes Pantera clutches; several of the other Pantera vendors 
carry their stuff.


> where is the best and then the cheepest place to git one.? motor is mostly 
> stock hp.???
> 
I have a stock-style McLeod clutch from Pantera Performance Center, with an 
uprated clutch disc.   There is a very small price increase for the uprated 
disc so I see no reason to skimp on it.   The cost was very reasonable--basically 
within a few dollars of what a similar clutch for my Mustang cost.

Mike



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