Clutch Thoughts

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Our thoughts on clutches…

We are getting an increased number of phone calls in regards to purchasing the correct clutch for their GTM.
Here are our experiences:
Mendeola’s shop test mule is a Porsche 914 with a Stage 1 SDR and LS2 crate motor. This combo has been run and certified on Turn Key Engine Supply’s Dyno @ 453 HP to the rear wheels. We always road test units with more power than they’re rated for (Stage 1 SDR, 450 HP at the crank, 400 lbs. ft. torque).

The best clutch that we have found for this application is a warmed over unit from Kennedy Engineering. The pressure plate is the 11” GM truck unit with a stronger diaphragm. The disc is an 11” woven copper organic with Kennedy’s heavy-duty sprung hub. Its static torque rating is 716 lbs. ft. - plenty of clamping force for GM’s new “E-Rod” motor. And this thing comes off a stoplight like an ice cream truck. Super smooth – no issues!

Keep in mind, this is not a light combination, but it’s also the reason it’s so drivable. Light flywheels and clutches work fine, but without that extra stored energy (inertia) they’re a little tougher coming off a stoplight.

Our experiences:

Every car must have an “adjustable” clutch pedal stop. “Over” traveling the pressure plate fingers is extremely abusive to the Belleville spring (diaphragm).
Organic woven discs are much smoother engaging. Metallic and puck based hard discs will handle more power for a given clamping force, but only by sacrificing driveability. They chatter.
Proper “free” play at the pedal in mechanical clutch linkages will assure smooth activation and increased throw out bearing life.

Mendeola Powertrain
PH: 619-710-8800 EXT.109/FX: 619-710-1640
www.mendeola.net

[dreabrown]

Great info. Can you provide a part number and ordering info on the KEP unit? Thanks.

[riptide motorsport]

The cart before the horse!

[dreabrown]

Get the cart (and all associated parts) ready for the horse's arrival! It's go time. Tired of fishing for the full details.

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Great info. Can you provide a part number and ordering info on the KEP unit? Thanks.

KEP-GMP11 -pressure plate
KEP-S11 street organic disc

[Mendeola Transaxles]

The cart before the horse!

That's right we gypsies always make the cart before the horse.gypsy.jpg

[sressue]

Is the stock LS throwout bearing used?

[Mendeola Transaxles]

Is the stock LS throwout bearing used?

No, the stock GM throwout bearing is not used.
We supply the throwout bearing with the FFR/Mendeola SDR.