Clutch selection for Pantera

As you probably know, Centerforce sells a 10", a 10-1/2" and an 11" clutch, mostly for Mustangs. All but the 11" will require redrilling of the flywheel since the others are both smaller than our OEM 11" Long clutch. I'm told that Centerforce also sells an unadvertised 11" for Panteras that bolts onto our flywheel. That may be the 11". Some clutch covers, notably the Long type and sometimes the B & Btype, that have protruding ends & weights on the levers that can strike internal ribs in a Pantera bell housing. I've never heard of an interference issue with a centrifugal type like Centerforce, though. Just be sure you have "return" rights on the clutch you're buying; bolt it on and attach the bellhousing with a couple of bolts, then slowly rotate the engine. Any interferences will be very noticable! Also check your bellhousing first: there are many Panteras out there that have "machined" bell housings from previous owners not knowing of this issue. Note- this IS worth the trouble- you'll be amazed at the reduction in pedal effort with the Centerforce. And unless you have a monstrous amount of torque, it will hold just fine- 500 horse Panteras run the 10-1/2" clutch without trouble. Maybe not forever, but....

As you probably know, Centerforce sells a 10", a 10-1/2" and an 11" clutch, mostly for Mustangs. All but the 11" will require redrilling of the flywheel since the others are both smaller than our OEM 11" Long clutch. I'm told that Centerforce also sells an unadvertised 11" for Panteras that bolts onto our flywheel. That may be the 11". Some clutch covers, notably the Long type and sometimes the B & Btype, that have protruding ends & weights on the levers that can strike internal ribs in a Pantera bell housing. I've never heard of an interference issue with a centrifugal type like Centerforce, though. Just be sure you have "return" rights on the clutch you're buying; bolt it on and attach the bellhousing with a couple of bolts, then slowly rotate the engine. Any interferences will be very noticable! Also check your bellhousing first: there are many Panteras out there that have "machined" bell housings from previous owners not knowing of this issue. Note- this IS worth the trouble- you'll be amazed at the reduction in pedal effort with the Centerforce. And unless you have a monstrous amount of torque, it will hold just fine- 500 horse Panteras run the 10-1/2" clutch without trouble. Maybe not forever, but.... THe long-throw slave is vital IMHO. UNless you can get 0.040" feeler gauge between the flywheel & clutch disc at full pedal travel(use the hole at the top of the bellhousing), your trans synchros will drag and wear... and you REALLY don't wanna know the cost of a ZF overhaul!

I suggest you phone Centerforce directly to verify the part numbers. They have engineered a clutch specifically for the Pantera; it is DIFFERENT from ordinary 351C Centerforce clutches. The part number is similar; it just has a suffix to denote it as Pantera-specific.

Allegedly, SOME Pantera vendors stock this clutch, while others use the (cheaper) setup for the 5.0 Mustang, which also works, I suppose. But why not get the one engineered for the job?

Armed with the proper part numbers, you can then either buy from Centerforce direct, or from your vendor of choice; ensure you're getting the desired parts, of course.

It seems to be that drilling of the flywheel may be required--my memory (fuzzy on this point) tells me that Centerforce also offers a ready-to-go flywheel....

I've got a Pantera Performance clutch in my Pantera and like it, but have a Centerforce in my Cobra and LOVE it.

Mike Drew

Stroker, I put a 11" centerforce clutch for a mustang in my 1973 Pantera with no problems at all. Centrforce will not sell to the public. I tried to buy one from them for my Mangusta. They told me to call Hall Pantera. When I called Hall Pantera and told them what I wanted, the guy said "$695. for a clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing and hub". When I asked what the hub was, he told me "I don't have time to answer your questions" and he hung up on me. So, I bought my clutch from Jeg's for about $250. The choice is up to you but I am very happy with the Centerforce clutch in my Pantera. I've had it in there for about eight years with no problems as long as you keep the slave cylinder adjusted right. Good luck.

Thanks to all for your input. I made several calls and here�s what I�ve learned. I called Centerforce and they do indeed have a clutch that they say has been �engineered� specifically for the Pantera. The PN is DF-0210575. According to Centerforce, it is only offered if you also buy their flywheel, PN 700250-48. I asked what a price and description of what made it unique to Panteras. They referred me to distributors for price but said that what makes it unique is for �them to know�. I called JEGS just to see and they were able to quote both parts ($388 and $235 respectively where as the stand Clutc and P-plate is $280) and were willing to sell either. CF also suggested Hall who wants $700. I�ll pay for useful features but this smells more like a unique part number than a unique part. Anybody else have any experience (good or bad) with installing ordinary Cleveland clutches in their Pantera?

Stroker,
Where did you find your A3 heads? Are they really as good as I hear? And of course, about how much did they set you back. Thanks,
Al

Having dealt with Gary Hall over the years, I have always found Gary acceptable to answering questions and explaining things pretty clearly.
There are a few at his shop though that are pretty arrogant and act as though they're doing you a favor by selling you parts.
Deal with Wendy or Gary, you will be treated like a customer and not an inconvience to them.

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Originally posted by Gary Herrig:
Stroker, I put a 11" centerforce clutch for a mustang in my 1973 Pantera with no problems at all. Centrforce will not sell to the public. I tried to buy one from them for my Mangusta. They told me to call Hall Pantera. When I called Hall Pantera and told them what I wanted, the guy said "$695. for a clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing and hub". When I asked what the hub was, he told me "I don't have time to answer your questions" and he hung up on me. So, I bought my clutch from Jeg's for about $250. The choice is up to you but I am very happy with the Centerforce clutch in my Pantera. I've had it in there for about eight years with no problems as long as you keep the slave cylinder adjusted right. Good luck.

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Originally posted by Stroker:
I�ll be doing an engine swap shortly and in anticipation of considerably more torque, would like to upgrade the clutch. I was considering a Centerforce dual friction model DF700000 (though I may opt for the Centerforce II CFT260000). Centerforce says its for 72-74 CJ 351Cs. This is an 11� unit for 1-1/16�-10 input shaft. Some of the Pantera aftermarketers caution against using �Mustang clutches� claiming that there will be engagement/disengagement and even clearance issues with the ZF bell housing. Is this just what you say when you want to get $400 for a $280 clutch? Some of those marketing �Pantera� clutches even state that their package will require re-drilling the flywheel??? Why not just sell the right clutch? Can anyone shed a little light on this? Is there anything unique about Pantera clutches compared to any other 11� Cleveland clutch? I have also been advised to consider a long through slave cylinder, especially with the diaphragm clutch. Any need or merit in doing so?

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I think that everyone has forgotten the old stand by the McLoad #360-505. There are not counterweight arms so it will clear the housing. I have always used this clutch on all of my application. My Pantera has 530 hp and have never had any problems. The one disadvantage is the the pedel pressure is stiff, but not unbearable to drive, for all of the wooses.

Just my two cents. I always use a McLeod, work just fine.

[This message has been edited by Lloyd Butfoy (edited 06-26-2001).]