Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums Modifications Duratec Performance Clutch question

I know the grizzly and Ram clutches use stock Luk / Ford pressure plates. If they are changing disc materials without changing clamp force, can't you end up with mis-matched components?

I've always wondered - my grizzly clutch is pure kevlar pucks with a stock pp. Since kevlar has a lower coeffient of friction (by quite a bit) than standard clutch linings - did I trade off longer life/better heat resistance for less holding power? Or are the limits of clamping force already well above where these engines are going to be at?

{Even though my clutch is still good, I think just for peace of mind (especially with all the failures recently!) if I did it again, this is one spot where I'd stick with SVT spec oem equiptment from a Ford dealer. Sure you may pay a few hundred more - but if it aint right you know it'll still be a warranty fix from Ford.}

OEM is 295 dollars. Pretty cheap, I would like to know if the pressure plates are the same in the aftermarket clutches as to OEM. I know there made by the same manufacture. LUC

To partially answer my own question:

from the 3000GT forum:

Q.<>: What are the thermal/physical characteristics of KEVLAR vs. CERAMIC clutches? ...technical details; wear, high-temp stability, glazing, holding power that each has over the other...?

A.<>: Kevlar stands up to heat well, supposedly better than standard organic clutch material. I think Kevlar has a lower coefficient of friction than standard organics, so can slip more with same pressure plate loading. I have used Kevlar clutch disc with same pressure plate on my 79 TA (10 second 3500 lb car with slicks) and found the Kevlar version slipped, so had to go back to regular organic disc.

As for Luc PP's, I don't know about RAM, but the guys at Rochester Clutch and Brake (Grizzly) told me thay ordered my pressure plate direct from the local ford dealer.

Thanks, at this point I am trying to solve a mystery of my own. How about this theory. I have a ram clutch with kevlar pucs sized up with a fidanza flywheel with less surface area because of the holes through the insert. slips? Upgraded to metallic puc it also slips? Today I am going back to the ol steel flywheel turned and grinded to see what happens. Just wondering with the use of the fidanza flywheel and stock pressure plate and kevlar if thats why my setup is sliping. Stay tuned

Tell me about it I'm still going through hell with this Grizzly clutch.

Had a new slave cylinder put it, everything was fine for a day and now it is slipping like crazy.

Transmission being pulled AGAIN on Thursday to see what the prob is with the clutch. (4th time)

I'm probably just going to tell them to put an OEM clutch in instead of dealing with all of Grizzly's bs. This has nearly driven my ass insane.

I've driven my car for 7 days out of the last 2 months :rolleyes:

-neal

ditto man I am up to 3500 how about you

Hmm - with so many T=0 failures on both setups (Grizzly & RAM) you've got to wonder if maybe Luk (the common thread between them) sent out a bad batch of pressure plates. Or are you all using the fidanza flywheel too?

I wish you all the best of luck, maybe keep track of the results of all your names/problems/resolutions - if there is a common link maybe you'll have a case to get some $$$ back?

Dustyn: After this next bill it will put me around $4700 b/c of this damn clutch. Four thousand+ dollars is alot of money for a single dad in college. Absolutely crazy.

The thing is my stock clutch really wasn't that bad. Since my tranny was out for 3rd gear syncro replacement I went ahead and put in a Grizzly clutch. Thought I was doing myself a favor. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess :rolleyes:

Scott: Stock flywheel.
As far as taking them to court...I'm tempted. I believe I have a liable case...just dont know if it's really worth the time or money. I guess I'll just call and ***** some more tomorrow.

-neal