Replacement clutch ideas?

[Kitcat]

Since my engine is out and being rebuilt, I had my mechanic look at the clutch he put in 4 years ago. He says its time for it to be replaced and, while I am at it, do the flywheel and pressure plate, and throwout bearing. We put in an off-the shelf pedestrian unit 4 years ago and it wasn't ideal. So I am wondering what people are using for track focused purposes that might be a little more stout?

 

I have a Zetec powered S3 with a 6 sp Caterham transmission.

[Croc]

Really? You had 180hp (thereabouts) and a standard clutch could not carry it? Flywheel should be ok, no? Your wear seems pretty extreme even by track standards - 50 track days at most. Did you have the correct street clutch to start with?

 

Good idea to do it now though. Learned that lesson quite a few years back...

[Kitcat]

Not sure if we had the correct clutch to start with. I know we were desperate and found one that fit. I suspect my driving "style" is tough on clutches (and other car parts:)). Anyhow, we have had no luck finding a replacement clutch, lightened flywheel and throw out bearing. These would seem to be standard replacement parts, no? But nothing at Beachman Racing, Sevens and Elans may have a lightly used semi-competition clutch available soon, I just emailed the newly resurrected Rocky Mountain Sports car place. Am I the only one wearing out clutches?

[yellowss7]

Mike are you sure you are not using that third pedal as a "Dead Pedal" :smash:

[yellowss7]

Mike will these work? I've purchased a few parts from these guys. Good service. Tom

 

https://www.burtonpower.com/catalogsearch/result/?q=zetec+clutch

Edited April 8, 2019 by yellowss7

[Kitcat]

Thx Tom, if I can't find what I need stateside, I will check Burton out. I was advised by RMMS that the standard clutch can handle 140 lbs torque tops, and my engine puts out a bit more than that.

And please, never use the word "dead" when referencing my driving style:).

[Kitcat]

I guess what I need to know is what clutch/flywheel spec the Caterham 6 sp uses? It does not use the Ford Focus Zetec SVT spec clutch. Since the T9 transmission is popular in Caterhams, is the Caterham 6 sp a compatible spec with that (interchangeable)? If so, I should be able to Google an up-rated clutch/flywheel for the T9 and use it.

[Lucky-7]

Hi, For what its worth, when I replaced the clutch in my 89 Esprit, I had went to an outfit called Buffalo Clutch. I used to work at as a mechanic for a drilling company up there and I had some issues with off the shelf clutches. Guys would just tear them up. I discovered this place a few years before when I worked as a mechanic at a small mom and pop shop. The owner, had a customer with a 427 Corvette that kept blowing the clutches up. He finally got sick of it and went to Buffalo Clutch and had a custom clutch built. I put it in and never had to replace it again.

 

I called them and told them what I had and if it was possible to build a clutch for me.

 

Here is what they built me..

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15178&stc=1

He offered me 3 choices, the original fiber disc, a 12 button cerametallic disc or 16 button cerametallic disc. I had them put 16 cerametallic buttons on the disc. 8 per side. He explained that the 16 would engage a lot smoother vs. the 12. The disc is 9 inch by the way and 8.5mm thick.

 

They also rebuilt the pressure plate, all for $288!

 

I'm sure they can do whatever you would like. They are very easy to work with and can do anything related to clutch's and brake linings.

 

716-892-2828

Kenny

[wemtd]

If it helps i have a performance (not race) clutch from Clutch Masters in my car.... (stock duratec, T9, aluminum flywheel)

but my driving doesn't match yours.

[Kitcat]

Thx Paul, the combo of SVT and 6sp Caterham transmission seems to create a bit of a unicorn system. And your T9 compatible clutch, etc., definitely doesn't fit. Josh, at the newly reconstituted Rocky Mtn Motorsports/USA Caterham suggested Raceline in the UK. So I contacted them and they are checking their stock, etc. They at least knew exactly what I needed.

 

Yes, I am afraid my driving style takes a toll on my car....

 

The fact that replacement clutches are a seldom visited issue seems to be another example of how these light weight cars are easy on "consumables" (tires, brakes, etc.).

[JohnCh]

I am using a Raceline supplied AP Racing HD clutch and pressure plate on my Duratec. No complaints.

 

-John

[CarlB]

My car has a Zetec and a T-9. When I got my car it came with a Spec clutch and Flywheel. They do not list the clutch on their web site. I believe George Alderman would have installed it. Their web site is https://aldermanmachine.com/

[Locofinn]

I used a Clutchmasters aluminum flywheel with a solid disc four puck. Custom clutch was made for me for around $400 (I think). These cars are so light I have no issues with this.

http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15568&stc=1http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15569&stc=1http://www.usa7s.net/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=15570&stc=1

[Kitcat]

We ordered a Clutch Masters clutch also. First one they sent didn't meet spec so they redid it (delay, delay, delay). We had the flywheel resurfaced. Works like a charm now, though is much stiffer than before.