Standard Clutch Type

My advice would be to bite the bullet and buy a new lightweight steel flywheel and a new clutch rated for 500 BHP. Nothing exotic, just good quality parts. Do it now so you don't have to re-do it later.

-G

I would think that Don at Precision would have put the proper parts in there.
Will

quote:

I would think that Don at Precision would have put the proper parts in there.

Well, perhaps he would have done that.

But this is in regards to a new, built-up engine that wasn't there when Don did service.

I'd go with a new clutch assembly, but I'd just keep the OEM flywheel (properly surfaced).

Larry

quote:

I had Precision Proformance put in a new clutch while my car was being gone over after buying it. I was told that it wasn't a high performance clutch by Don, but that under normal circumstances that I should be good.

So, what clutch did Don put in? If it was a std. Centerforce clutch and pressure plate, it should be good for 450hp without issue. If that's what he put in, just resurface the flywheel.

If he put something else in, find out what exactly it is and if it's up to the task.

quote:

Originally posted by inhotwater:
Does anyone happen to know that the standard clutch is for the Pantera and what HP it can handle?..... The new setup should be putting out around 425-450hp.

One of the usual mistakes (IMHO) is to add a heavy duty or 'racing' clutch, then find out it makes the car no fun to drive in traffic due to the extremely stiff pedal. A std clutch is about 1800 lbs at the flywheel; by going to a 2200 lb heavy duty unit, you won't be happy unless you regularly do weight-lifting... 425 bhp is not very high; a std clutch, in good shape, can absorb around 550 bhp without slipping. But if you must, I suggest a Centerforce unit which is easier to push in by design. Oh yes- Centerforce's 'heavy-duty' assembly for a Pantera is also almost undriveable IMHO because of its extreme pedal force. Unless this is a dedicated track car, go with a stock pressure clutch- either a stock 3-finger Long type without weights, or a Centerforce diaphragm- which will need its own flywheel since the bolt size and pattern are both different. Expect to adjust the hydraulic and mechanical linkage a few times if you change anything in the assembly. I've found that a number of "slipping Pantera clutches" were from mis-adjusted mechanical linkage.

As a far as surfacing the flywheel and/or clutch plate, first- how do the unsurfaced components feel? if they work, I wouldn't bother changing them for no particular benefit. If you've got shakes and shudders in starting off, sure- surfacing fixes that. Otherwise, all it does is remove 2-3 lbs of cast iron. Again, a dedicated track car needs an explosion-proof clutch & flywheel- steel or aluminum. A stocker does not.

I have roughly ~530BHP. I went through 2 Centerforce clutches that wouldn't hold. These were the standard clutch/press plates that are rated at ~500BHP. I then went with a 3 finger long style McLeod. I was dreading the stiff peddle that I had with my early 72 and 3 finger clutch. I was a pain to drive with such a stiff clutch.
I was surprised when the new McLeod was as light as my centerforce. It also engages much nicer than the Centerforce did. Hard to explain, but I'm glad I went with the McLeod. I bought it from PI, BTW.
Will

Not knowing what Don put in is the problem. I remember him telling me that he was not putting in a HD clutch because it would cost more and was overkill at the time. My receipts don't show the brand of clutch - just a line item that says clutch replacement. Bob didn't know and I haven't heard back from him.

I don't anticipate doing any racing, burnouts, etc so I was hoping the "standard" (whatever that is) would be ok. My mechanic would have thought that the flywheel would have been resurfaced at the same time the clutch was changed which it obviously wasn't. We have since had it resurfaced and I'm ok keeping this setup as long as I'm not immediately going to have issues.

Not trying to cut corners, but I'm running out of patience and money that I'm willing to spend on this particular project.

Mystery solved. The "std" clutch Don put in was for a Ranchero. Needless to say I now have a Centerforce on order and will use my resurfaced existing flywheel. Thanks for all the responses.

Just curious. How did you find out? Is Don sending you a new Centerforce?
Will

Finally was able to get a hold of Don. Lets just say that I ordered the new clutch locally and leave it at that.