[DeTomaso] clutch question
JDeRyke at aol.com
JDeRyke at aol.com
Sat Mar 17 18:32:01 EDT 2012
So whats wrong with the clutch you now have? IMHO, many people get
themselves into trouble trying to innovate a clutch when there's no performance
advantage. All one needs is a clutch that doesn't slip. And a stock unit has
been shown to be able to hold much more power than most street engines can
develop. I also suggest you call the vendors for their recommendations rather
than trying to piece together an assembly of any kind and save $10.
Second problem is set-up: there is BARELY enough motion/throw/disengagement
distance for a stock single disc clutch in a Pantera. With everything new
and perfect- including the under-dash linkage- one can get maybe 0.040" of
clearance between the disc and the flywheel, with the pedal fully matted. Most
Panteras will have less- some far less. This can easily be checked with a
flat feeler gauge thru the bellhousing hole. That 0.040" equates to a max of
0.020" clearance between the pressure plate, disc & flywheel. Less than this
has been shown to increase drag on the transmission synchros during each
shift, which are in the thousands of dollars to replace. Unless you do
something about increasing the disengagement distance, it simply makes no sense to
ADD a second disc and double the synchro drag. GM found it necessary to use
a double-disc clutch in some of their 454 Corvettes due to the massive
torque. Do you plan on running a big block? There are a few of these, and most
haven't found the need for a dual disc clutch.
Good luck- J Deryke (still running the OEM 1972 clutch disc & pressure
plate, thank you)
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