[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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