So, my clutch is going bad and I am thinking of going to a diaphragm clutch from three finger.

Does anyone have any experience with a good reasonable diaphragm clutch kit?

I don't think that I am going to do the work myself, I have never done one and I got a quote from the local guy I have taken her to for a diaphragm kit for $275 to be installed with flywheel turning and all said and done for $800.
He had 6 hours of labor, in that.


Thoughts?

 

From my experience, a long style pressure plates with a single disc clutch has more clamping force than diaphragms. If you go to a dual disc clutch like the McLeod RST, then a diaphragm lightens the clutch pedal, but the dual discs give you more holding power. It all really depends on how much torque you are producing as to what clutch will work for you. In my experience, even though some clutch manufacturers advertise horsepower ratings, it is really the torque level that causes clutch slippage and thus failure not rpm.

P.S. Love your car!

 

Thanks on the car.

I am not familiar at all with clutches. Local guy I am using suggested it over a 3 finger in it now. With the cost, I am not looking to do it again and right now, I don't have the time to take on the learning on how to do it and actually do it, this one will need a guy as I will be rebuilding my residual and proportioning valve.

any URL example of a good set with a diaphragm? Wife drives it too do a nice feel for her will add millage to our fun. Though, she wants her own....

 

well I guess I want a better in a good/better/best as I am not doing it, so I need to conserve some $$. Maybe once I learn and have more time, I will go best. I wish I had the time and knowledge as I would get a great clutch.

So, I need a "better" diaphram kit I guess.

 

so I will be all street riding 300 - 350 hp. I will want to rip it up at times too.

Anyone help out diaphragm clutch kits that will do well here.

 

A diaphragm clutch will probably work fine for you. A long-style (3-finger) clutch will have more clamping force, but a modern diaphragm clutch will be easier to modulate and will lighten up the pedal. If you go with a diaphragm clutch. you'll need to make sure the shop removes the under-dash clutch assist spring. With that spring installed, the clutch pedal will feel very weird and will want to snap to the floor.

 

Thanks for the heads up. I am still on the fence. Thinking of the wife driving.

 

Hard to go wrong with a Centerforce. The Dual Frictions have a crapload of holding force with reasonable pedal pressure. Friction material makes a huge difference as well. A light diaphragm spring with a sintered iron clutch has a crapload of grip, but isn't the most street friendly.

 

I run a 86-93 Centerforce dual friction clutch in mine. I did change to a T5 setup with a cable clutch and it works great. Don't know if that'll help but......

 

You say 300-350hp...how much torque? Is this a 302 or a Windsor stroker? A Centerforce or other off the shelf performance clutch will be fine for a 302 because it does not make much torque but spins rpm. When you start gettting in the 400-500ft*lb range of torque, you will start smoking single clutches. Just something to think about. FWIW,, I like driving with a diaphragm pressure plate much better than my 2800# long style. No leg cramps. Thank you lord for dual disc clutches and floater plates in a diaphragm pressure plate!