Zetec clutch question.

[G2sound]

I am swapping my older ZX1 Zetec engine for a spankin' new crated ZX3. The new engine came with the OEM Ford clutch and Flywheel. I am using the lightened steel flywheel from my old engine and was wondering if the OEM clutch will suffice or if I should upgrade. If upgrading, what do y'all suggest?

 

FYI: Superformance S1 w/AEM stand alone ECU, Lumenition ITB's, otherwise dead stock.

[pi7ot]

I believe that the ZX3 was rated at 140 hp stock compared to 125 hp ZX1 stock.

You should not need to upgrade if you're not going to chase more power.

I would use a new clutch release bearing and disc though.

 

m

[focusinprogress]

the factory clutch is useable for a good amount of power. In my turbocharged focus zx3 I was making 240hp and the clutch held well for about 20k miles of hard use before slipping on me

[pureadrenalin]

South Bend makes a ridiculous clutch. Incredibly overrated, and you can throw a ton of power at them without any problem. The clutch in my SRT-Neon from South Bend is rated for 500 ft/lbs of torque. It grabs like hell, but is very, very driveable.

 

They build one for $370 that will hold 25% more torque. Which is quite a bit when you think about it. Not throwing a ton of power down, the clutch will last a very, very long time.

Edited November 4, 2010 by pureadrenalin

[G2sound]

Thanks for the heads-up on South Bend, I ordered a clutch assembly from them on-line yesterday (a bit to hastily... I have an aftermarket flywheel that will not fit the standard Zetec ZX3 clutch) then had to call and sort it all out today. They were great! They are building a custom one-off 8.5 inch clutch assembly for me at the same price as the off-the-rack part that I ordered! Highly recommend them for their service alone!