Larry Parker

I just installed a center force clutch in my S2
and have yet to get on it (I just built the motor)
Has anyone had good luck, bad luck with this clutch? also if you did have bad luck? How long was it until you riped on it? (be honest)
Thanks

yoyoguy2

i haven't had one, but a friend of mine has a talon tsi (turbo awd) and he says they suck in those cars. well, to be correct, they're great for 20k miles then they die. don't know if they're the same in our cars, several people around here have got them and i haven't heard any complaints so maybe not.

just what i've heard...

Danno

I had the upgraded 'Cup' clutch kit installed my car by the previous owner. He claimed the shop said the original clutch had the rubber-center that failed (I thought only the NA cars had the rubber clutches?) Anyway, It was fine until I started doing power-upgrades. With bigger turbo, MAF-kit and some drag-racing, it simply couldn't deal with the increased load. Total mileage: about 40k-miles.

To replace it, I had a Centerforce Dual-Friction clutch kit installed. So far, it has held up to additional power upgrades. It's only 1/2 worn and current mileage on it is 80k-miles. So I estimate that the Centerforce clutch will last 4x as long as the 'Cup' clutch.

On the installation side, some of the components such as the ring-like return-spring on the weights look a little delicate, so you have to be careful when installing the pressure-plate. It also looks like clearances can be tight, you need to be really careful about banging the thing when you're installing the engine or torque tube.

Bill

I have 5k miles on my Centerforce clutch. I am very happy with it so far. Only a very slight increase in pedal effort and zero clutch slip. It can get a little grabby when driving in the bumper to bumper traffic we get here in Nor Cal.

Pay attention to the break-in proceedure recomended by Centerforce.

My car dyno's in at 275rwhp.......and looking for more.

Der Cupmeister

We have had a dual friction Centerforce in our na for 60k miles and we love it. Had the clutch out for other work so we were able to inspect it. Very little wear so far, really hooks up well, a little more vibration in the gear shift lever than the rubber disk.

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

Tom Pultz

Before I installed the Sachs clutch I considered the Centerforce but the shop that did my clutch would not warranty the work unless they supplied the parts, and they don't use Centerforce.

I'm curious how many springs are in the spring disc and what the hub looks like. Did you take any pictures? Also, do you get a lot of transmission noise with this setup? I do with the Sachs spring disc.

The only problem I have heard was one guy in an S2 who lost the lining after about a year.

Loki

I've heard bad things about the ring on the pressure plate breaking(probably installers fault) and good things about longevity. I went with the Sachs and a higher clamping force pressure plate. I have yet to spin the clutch and hope to get more than 40k out of it. I replaced the original at 41k, it was slipping under full boost(disc worn to the rivits).

Chris
'86 951 48k

Danno

"I'm curious how many springs are in the spring disc and what the hub looks like. Did you take any pictures?"

There were some photos here: <a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/cgi-bin/rennforums/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=18&t=001812" target="_blank">Center Force Clutch Pictures and Others </a>

On the back side of the pressure-plate springs, there's a circular ring-shaped spring that pulls the weights back towards the center when RPMs drop during shifting to make for a stock-feeling clutch pedal. Then as the revs build, the weights pushing on the springs gives 90% more clamping force than a stock clutch and 70% more than a 'Cup' clutch.

Aside from custom or dual-plate clutches with HEAVY clutch pedals, you simply can't get this kind of clamping pressure. Anyone know what clutch is that guy in San Jose with the 540hp 3.1l Milledge engine is running?

Robby

I've been trying to learn more about clutces for these cars- I had to replace mine a few months after I bought the car <img src="graemlins/cussing.gif" border="0" alt="[grrrrrrr]" /> I was hoping for an upgrade, but couldn't afford it- too unexpected- my mechanic was like Tom's- wouldn't warrant ANYTHING unless HE supplied it- he had JUST had a local guy w/dark blue '89 951 bring him all parts to install his- the rear main seal failed immediately, and the WHOLE thing had to be redone- only charged him $100 labor the 2nd time Of course, back then, he only charged $36/hr anyway, but that was ONLY 2.5yrs ago. Anyway, I asked him to get me a Cup clutch, as it was the little springs that had screwed up on mine- he said the dealer had never heard of one I was a little irritated, and wish I had pushed for the Cup clutch- anyway, I'm now looking for something stronger (at LEAST the cup clutch), as I'm hoping to get my engine rebuilt if I can ever get another job

**************************************************Anyone know what clutch is that guy in San Jose with the 540hp 3.1l Milledge engine is running?**************************************************

I talk to him (Kurt) every now and then- I need to e-mail him, so I'll ask him about it- I've meant to ask before anyway- I want to say that JM got it for him, but could be mistaken...

Larry Parker

Thanks guys....

I have a centerforce in my Honda crx autoxer
and I love it in that car...................

I wish I could have put in a 4 puck race clutch
But im not sure if its made for the car.......
We have one on one of the moriss dampers test car
the talon, and it fuggin rips!! drop the clutch
(almost instant engagment) In the woods with a set of gravel tires and it slams you in the seat!


I have some great in car fotage you guys like to see some?

Robby

[quote]Originally posted by Larry Parker:
<strong>I have some great in car fotage you guys like to see some?</strong><hr></blockquote>

YEAH- I would...

BTW- I e-mailed Kurt, but he hasn't responded yet- it's only been a couple of hours- he MIGHT even see this thread and answer it himself...