Clutch...clutch...clutch....

[panozracing]

Ok, its done. I made the change. I took a nice McLeod Clutch and upgraded to a Pro system. I am currently working on the winch install in the trailer. This thing is like a switch. On or off and no modulation. Removed 10lbs. off the rotating assembly and decreased the torque load on the motor with the smaller diameter. We will see how it works labor day at PBIR.





If anyone is interested in the Clutch/Flywheel I removed here is the details.


I just had the McLeod unit inspected by an authorized dealer and it’s all in great shape according to promotion powertrain (www.promotionpowertrain.com). It also has the upgraded 5 strap downshifting road race upgrade and the aluminum/iron pressure plate road race upgrade to save weight. I checked and the pressure plate (special upgrade RR edition) I have is $639 and the clutch friction plate is $200 plus the $329 anderson lightweight flywheel. All with less than 20hrs on them. They will go up for sale very soon on ebay but would like to keep it in the family. I will sell seperately but would like to sell together. I have new bolts for the pressure plate to flywheel included. New pkg. was $968 but current prices are more. I would like to get $600 for it considering the low hrs. that seems very fair. I will consider any offers though.

360048-5A - http://www.mcleodracing.com/products...mcl?rsku=15840

AF-SLFW50 - http://www.andersonfordmotorsport.co...chk=1&Itemid=1

Unit works fine. A little tricky to install but I think I have it figured out. Handles over 700 FWHP.















I also have a Mighty Deamon 650cfm carb with about 3hrs. of use including the AN and braided SS dual pickup lines. It was too much HP for the NASA ST1 class I run in. It was on a 427 stroker Windsor motor that put out 600 FWHP. I sold one of these just like it to another Panoz owner for $450 so that is what I would like to get for this one as well.

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by panozracing

Ok, its done. I made the change. I took a nice McLeod Clutch and upgraded to a Pro system.

Nice Brian, looks like the same clutch I am using but with a flex plate and button instead of a flywheel. How does the flex plate mount Brian? Is it fully sandwhiched in between the clutch and the crank or does it mount on the periphery of the clutch?

Remember when you get to the track that downshifting will not be as easy with the reduced mass on the back of the engine, as it will decelerate a lot quicker, making life harder for the synchro's. Just requires good rev macthing which I am sure you will find no problem once you have it sussed.

Will be interested to see how you find the clutch and what if any impact it has on your lap times. Have you had the engine running as yet? Should be a lot crisper on the throttle as well?

Kel.

[panozracing]

The flex plate and the button plate are stacked and bolted together just like a traditional flywheel. If you dont have a flex plate how does your starter work?

Anticipating the downshifting issues I had the tranny rebuilt using the newest thing. Carbon fiber lined brass synchro which is supposed to help a bunch grabbing and helping get into gear. we will see soon enough :-)

I have not started the motor yet. That is this weekend. I had a bear of a time getting the tranny seated and wasted hours in and out with the tranny (been there before). Its all good now and excited to see what happens.

[Rich F]

Brian,
I think you made a great choice.
Put a similar set up with the Q-master Extreme V double disc rally clutch set up. Used the original flex plate that came with the GTS and put new discs and a pressure plate on. Also used the Q-master hydraulic throw out bearing / slave cylinder. As you pointed out it's on or off...no in between for engagement. Went to Harbor Freight and bought a 3,000 lb winch with remote for $120.00 for loading. While the motor was being rebuilt I had the trans done as well. Replaced the lower cluster with a newer style 1 piece cluster. Had the inside REM polished and did new synchro's bearings etc.

I'll be at the track (NHMS) Monday to run the car this Monday. I'm really hoping for a good solid day

Hope yours works out well for you. I really believe that your new clutch will perform extremely well.

Rich

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by panozracing

Anticipating the downshifting issues I had the tranny rebuilt using the newest thing. Carbon fiber lined brass synchro which is supposed to help a bunch grabbing and helping get into gear. we will see soon enough :-)

I have not started the motor yet. That is this weekend. I had a bear of a time getting the tranny seated and wasted hours in and out with the tranny (been there before). Its all good now and excited to see what happens.

Yes, seating the trans can be a bit of a mission Brian with tripple plates. You really need to be careful not to force them or you can distort the clutch plates. A trans/spline specific clutch alignment tool is a must for this job.

I am very interested to hear from you on how the carbon lined synchro's perform Brian. What sort of price were they? Assume your usual trans shop installed these for you? Was this tier recommendation for dealing with the new clutch?

Kel.

[panozracing]

The carbon fiber synchro's are $70 each. I did 2-3-4-5 gears so it was $280 plus labor. My tranny work is done by www.promotionpowertrain.com

They recommended the upgraded synchro's to make shifting smoother not because of the triple disc clutch. They actual are mostly a drag racing shop so they don't see the triple clutches that often.

I will give a full report in a couple of week.

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by panozracing

The carbon fiber synchro's are $70 each. I did 2-3-4-5 gears so it was $280 plus labor. My tranny work is done by www.promotionpowertrain.com

They recommended the upgraded synchro's to make shifting smoother not because of the triple disc clutch. They actual are mostly a drag racing shop so they don't see the triple clutches that often.

I will give a full report in a couple of week.

Awesome, thanks Brian.

[panozracing]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...#ht_500wt_1143

auction ends Sunday.....dont miss out.

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by panozracing

The carbon fiber synchro's are $70 each. I did 2-3-4-5 gears so it was $280 plus labor. My tranny work is done by www.promotionpowertrain.com

They recommended the upgraded synchro's to make shifting smoother not because of the triple disc clutch. They actual are mostly a drag racing shop so they don't see the triple clutches that often.

I will give a full report in a couple of week.

Hey Brian, how did the clutch and new synchros work out? Any impact on lap times?

Kel.

[panozracing]

The clutch and synchros are great! The pkg. is much better for racing. I didnt notice any difficulty downshifting (maybe the synchros helped since I was expecting issues with the lighteded flywheel/cltuch). I have always blipped the throttle and those new carbon fiber lined sybchros so maybe that is why? The positive engagement of the clutch is almost immediate acceleration and almost felt like you got rear ended a little. Big fan. Around the pits is a little tough especially with hot slick tires. Really got to give it some throttle. Overall best pkg. I have driven yet. The tranny felt very CRISP. Finding fifth gear was never better.

Unfortunately I must have not shimmed the starter correctly and the gear assembly came out and flew around inside the bellhousing damaging all the bolts on the clutch and ejecting out the side of the bellhousing. Not to mention some nice war wounds on everything inside the bellhousing :-)

Its all good. Wish I new how to get the starter to work right. I know you have to measure and shim for the depth but how do you measure the ring gear backlash when you cant get inside the bellhousing to measure it? I am ordering a new starter today. Tired of push starting the entire weekend. Going racing this weekend and need it RIGHT already. I also want the lightest starter I can buy.