Replacement clutch thoughts?

[Kitcat]

I am continuing to "rebuild" my Texas Motor Works Birkin from the ground up. On the way back from my mechanic's today for other issues, the clutch slippage got worse. Mechanic says all adjustment has been used, wh/I have verified.

 

So the question is, what to replace my 5 sp T9 transmission's clutch with? The stock Caterham clutch went 30K miles and is still as stout as the day I bought it. So perhaps whatever clutch Caterham uses? The Birkin uses a Tilton based annular clutch system wh/TMW advertises as having "nearly infinite life" (or 1K miles wh/ever comes first , I guess). Perhaps I will just call TMW and see what they recommend but thot I'd throw it out for comment here first.

 

The car was at mechanic's because the oil pan gasket was installed with washers between the gasket and pan resulting in a leak. Also the brake lines were loose and leaking, and TMW forgot to put in the rubber boot around the gear shift so transmission fluid was leaking there. And this after I had to redo the many wiring shorts, and almost endless niggling issues. The car has a total of 1K miles, of wh/I am responsible for 250 so I am unimpressed with the quality of their build. And, at this point, I am assuming the clutch was improperly installed, but that's just a guess.

 

But I digress, clutch ideas anyone?

Edited April 27, 2012 by Kitcat

[The Stig]

I guess part of the answer is another question. What do you plan to use the car for?

 

Having had cars with T9 transmissions and used both standard and Tilton clutches, they provide a very different experience all round. Standard is ideal for road use and some track work where fast changes or hard starts are not required and has a nice smooth take up and lighter feel. For a light car with not too much power, I dont see you need anytiing else.

 

The Tilton race-style clutches tend to be either on or off and horrible in traffic or for smooth starts without attracting the wrong kind of Attention! Good anti-theft device though unless you know what to expect!

[MHKflyer52]

Hi Kitcat,

Sorry to read about the issues your having with your Birkin.

Clutch assembly could be soaked in oil due to the oil pan gasket leaking which would also require changing it and causing the slippage.

Sure is a bummer but you will defiantly know your car when finished.

Keep at it and try to keep smiling.

[S1Steve]

Mike,

I agree with Martin's idea of the pan gasket leaking on the clutch.

I don't think our lite cars need a killer clutch.

 

Chin Up, Steve

[Kitcat]

Thx guys.

 

Stig-mostly track use, but track-days, not competition. So shaving tenths of a second is irrelevant. I like the nice, predictable feel of a standard clutch. And it will get considerable street use as well, I averaged 4K miles a year in my Caterham.

 

Maybe it will dry off, if Martin's theory is right. Or, maybe it has suffered premature wear due to all the slippage as a result of the oil? We shall see. I have a track day in a week. That will tell the tale.

[yellowss7]

Mike, sell the Birkin and buy a Caterham.:leaving::seeya:

 

I'm picking mine up tomorrow for a trackday on Lightning on Sunday.

 

Tom

[wemtd]

mike

If you pull the engine to look at the clutch, make sure the clutch plate is installed in the correct direction. As i recall, if the clutch plate is installed backwards (which could otherwise be forwards) there is interference with the flywheel.

I suspect i've got the same clutch and gear box as you in my birkin and am currently over 7K street miles without any clutch issues (yet).

 

my sympathies for your unintended build.

Paul.