Clutch Recommendations

[izzy]

What types of clutches do you guys think work the best for our svos? The guy who i bought my svo from says he had the clutch replaced about 10k miles ago. So far ive put on about 20k and its still seems to grab fine. Question though, do all svos have a stiff *** clutch pedal (rumor i heard) or is it just mine? I don't think i have a real heavy clutch but the pedal is definitely harder than some of the V8s ive driven and a whole lot harder athen some hydralics (obviously), the old owner said it is some type of SVO motorsport clutch and something about 250 hp holdage, ring a bell to anyone?

Anyway, types of clutches? Are the Centerforces compatible well with svos, i heard you really dont want one of those because its hell on your tranny? I am planning to rebuild my engine sometime in the future to an all out race(but still drivable) stroker engine with probaly 300+ hp (at least i hope so ) and problably put some tremec internals into the ole' Borg/Warner T-5 and i want a good clutch. I am told the dual friction is just too much, what about the Centerforce I or II?

Also, has anyone heard of a hyrdalic clutch conversion, not that i have but definitely interested, and if so, requirements please?

Thanx for any recos

[svobud]

The SVOCA recommends SPEC. They make a very nice quality product that alot of members use in their SVOs....and they graciously donate to the Reunion.

I do believe SVPU carries their products. www.svpu.com

[svono50]

Izzy,

The Motorsport clutch (no longer available I believe) was the same clutch offered in the SVO's, so it wasn't an upgrade to our cars. As for the HP it could hold, it was more than 250hp. I was using it in my car @ ~270hp and 1.7x 60 ft times on slicks in my SVO w/o issue.

Just recently my replacement Motorsport clutch gave up the clamping ghost with my new hybrid turbo install (I hate when that happens ). I replaced mine with a SPEC stage II clutch and an aluminum flywheel and can give them a huge double thumbs up! The stage II clutch feels like it has good clamping load, softer pedal than the Motorsport clutch and it has a smooth take up on the street. I would recommend it.

As for your stiff *** pedal, it could be related to the condition of your tranny's input bearing retain's sleeve. While it could be the pressure plate, it probably isn't since the plate gets softer with age. The factory sleeve is aluminum and well known for getting grooved with age and increasing pedal effort. When I put in my Motorsport clutch several years ago I replaced my retainer/sleeve unit with a steel version (available from several sources), because my original aluminum piece had very deep grooves worn into it that interfered with the movement of the throwout bearing's movement. The steel sleeve had virtually no wear when I put in my new clutch. For $40-50, it is a wise upgrade with the tranny out.

[bigwingsaleen]

clutch choices

I ran a Centerforce II in my car for about 5 years, the STIFF clutch pedal was a pain in the a*#.

I just installed the SPEC stage II and I ditto Ted's "TWO THUMB's UP". Lighter pedal pressure makes the car more fun to drive again! AWSOME PRODUCT, can't say enough good words about it.

[KevinK]

clutch

The Motorsport Clutch should be still available. I did a look at the Burd Ford online site, and the 86 (same as MS) is listed for like $65/$75 for the clutch and pressure plate.

[indiana dave]

I've had the Motorsport clutch & pressure plate in mine for 15,000 hard miles... drag racing, autocrossing, and opentracking (well just once) It still holds strong, and will grab enough to peel the tires when shhifting into third.
Pedal pressure is lighter than my last stick shift... a quad 4 oldsmobile.
It's not heavy enough to bother me in traffic.
I wouldn't hesitate to recomend it to anyone.

Also, look into adjustible clutch quadrants to reduce pedal pressure...

[KevinK]

Ditto. I replaced my 84 oem clutch at 12K about 1994. Oil on the clutch when new. Chirping thrd is no problem. The MS seems like a nice choice. If you're pushing 250 hp, you might want to give it some more thought.

[gbeaird]

The Motorsport clutch is getting hard to find, but is still a good choice. We put one in about two years ago when our factory clutch went south (actually, it went north, south, east AND west). I called Summit Racing and had them look for one. They had it in stock. They actually had more than one, as the disc I received had a big gouge in the edge. They replaced the disc with no questions asked. It has been holding up nicely to the torture a G Stock autocross car can give it.

DEVINITELY replace the input sleeve. Our aluminum one was pretty clean, but the new one still seemed to make a little difference in the feel. Paul Becker at SVPU, or Jim Wehlan at Motion Dynamics can help you out there.

And if you don't have one already, don't forget to get a new clutch quadrant cable. No need to install it with the new clutch, just put it in your glove box so you have a spare WHEN the old one breaks. :-)

Gene Beaird
86 2R SVO
Pearland, Texas

[izzy]

Quadrant

Thanx for all the help guys, i think i will considering that SPEC clutch a little bit more now. My clutch now is actually holding pretty well but when i tear the car down within these next couple of years, i will definitely be swapping the clutch out.

Question (dumb): What exactly is the quadrant? Is it that piece that comes plastic stock with all mustangs and mustangs only that make the clutch cable adjustable by simply lifting the pedal up and then pressing the pedal in? I heard those break all the time and that there are some aftermarket ones being sold that are actually made out of metal, aluminum i think. Is that what a quadrant is? Anyone got pics?

thanx

[vrinner]

I need to replace the clutch in my 86 race car. Do you think the SpecII can handle all out racing all the time?

[SvoTy]

Originally posted by vrinner
I need to replace the clutch in my 86 race car. Do you think the SpecII can handle all out racing all the time?

Yep, but if you dont think it will David Norton can set you up with a Stage 3 that will hold almost anything that you can throw at it.


Ty

[vrinner]

While I'm at it, any thoughts on using an aluminum flywheel?

[SvoTy]

Originally posted by vrinner
While I'm at it, any thoughts on using an aluminum flywheel?

I do not have one but everybody seems to like them a lot. I think it would be a big help on a roadcourse. I know that the SPEC units can be rebuilt with a new face if you were to ever have to resurface it.

Ty