What Clutch?

RalphA · 09-11-02, 09:53 AM

I have a GTD40 with 350bhp 302 to a 369 renault transaxle. Currently i'm running an AP triple plate clutch as I used to sprint the car. This is either on or off, but I now want to run the car on the road and need to 'feel' the clutch especially when in traffic. Can anyone advise me of a suitable road going clutch to take the power/torque without slipping and a supplier? Thanks Ralph

Frank Catt · 09-11-02, 09:59 AM

Ralph, we use single plate AP clutches in most of the club competition cars, with a modified clutch thrust bearing. Contact me if you want part numbers. Frank

john2sian · 10-02-02, 07:45 PM

Frank
I could do with those part numbers for the AP clutch plate, cover and bearing....
Thanks
John

10-04-02, 09:39 AM

Contact Roy Lane at Techcraft as the most used club AP agent. He will know just the parts you need. On the release bearing you can fit the AP bearing to the old renault item with just 5 minutes of lathe work. If you have access to a lathe, that is!

With the 4 paddle single plate friction plate you will get some judder on pull away but I haven't heard of these slipping even after some excessive use in sprints and hill climbs. They are very useable on the road.

Malcolm

10-04-02, 06:17 PM

Should anyone care to contact me as Frank suggests I will be more than happy to tell them how I made my own adaptor very easily and effectively. I took some photos of mine when I made it so can email these out if required. It isn't exactly F1 style engineering!

However please note I am not a trader (cheap or otherwise!) and am not interested in making parts for customers!

Malcolm [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Frank Catt · 10-05-02, 01:55 AM

It takes us about two hours to make and fit the clutch adaptor!, contact Malcolm for a cheaper option as he can do it in 5 minutes.
We no longer use the four paddle clutch driven plates, and yes, Roy Lane at Techcraft can supply all the bits. Remember that if you wish to fit the AP clutch in replacement of the Renault unit, the flywheel has be redrilled for both dowels and bolts. Frank

10-15-02, 05:07 AM

To Ralph A,
Sorry this reply to you question very late but only just looked at this particular section. I use a full cover and plate specially re-sprung and lined by i think Fleetway clutches for Maseratis + 105E Anglia thrust bearing with perfect control in all respects.5000+miles of hard circuit racing with no slip, judder and instant bite but as smooth as a babies bum for the road.Save you a fortune as well.Easily takes power+.
GTA.

10-15-02, 05:09 AM

To Ralph A,
Sorry this reply to you question very late but only just looked at this particular section. I use a full cover and plate specially re-sprung and lined by i think Fleetway clutches for Maseratis + 105E Anglia thrust bearing with perfect control in all respects.5000+miles of hard circuit racing with no slip, judder and instant bite but as smooth as a babies bum for the road.Save you a fortune as well.Easily takes power+.
GTA.

RalphA · 10-16-02, 04:46 AM

Many thanks to Frank and GTA for your help. I took up Franks suggestion and went with an AP fibre type clutch. Just got to modify flywheel to get rid of triple plate mounting!! Any one want a triple plate clutch? Thanks everyone - Rgds Ralph

Tony Jasper · 10-31-02, 06:01 PM

The AP Racing release bearing is very robust & as Frank says, it takes quite a bit of engineering to make a carrier. The problem with the AP bearing is that the outside turns instead of the inside race. This means that the Renault carrier cant be used. There is a Ford Escort Mexico 1600 bearing which I have used instead. This is the right way round & is half the price of the AP. You have to break off the unwanted nylon plate. Very light machining of the Renault bearing carrier is required as the Renault nylon moulding is about 1/2 mm too small & not quite concentric. The Ford bearing does not look as robust as the AP, I doubt if it will last 60,000, but as I've only done 2000 miles it's not a problem to me. If you cant get part numbers, I'll dig them out for you.
Tony

11-01-02, 02:48 PM

Sorry Tony but can't agree with you about not being able to use the normal Renault carrier for the AP bearing. Also it still only takes a short time to turn and fit together! There are four out there now with no problems. If you are in the Farnborough area, pop in and I can show you as my box is out at present. Don't beleive all you hear as there are normally many ways to skin a cat! Indeed, you have come up with another idea to solve the problem, which can only be good for all owners of 40's.

Malcolm