AO

Absolute power... absolutely corrupts!

Let this be a warning to all you 5-speed boostards! I got my G-Tech last week, so on Saturday I decided to take it out for a 1/4mile test run (previous to this I was using Tony's G-tech which he was so gracious to let me use).

The tires must be getting down into the harder compound because they just spin like crazy in 1st and 2nd - can't get a good launch. But what got me was when I hit 4th, the rpms went up, but the speed didn't! I'm running the GTS clutch, but I think I may have to go to Carl's setup which Tim Murphy is running with good results in his 600HP monster!

I think I may have also F'd my T.O. bearing because on Sunday and today, on a couple of occasions it felt like there was something binding the clutch pedal. It would only go down 1/3 of the way. If I tried it a few more times, it would finally let me depress the pedal.

So... I guess I get to put another whole new clutch on the list of winter maintenance items.

So if you are boosted and thinking about upgrading your S4 or GT clutch to the GTS clutch, I wouldn't do it. Just move up to Carl's racing clutch.

Jim R.

Ouch!

I did the same thing to my stock GT clutch last year. I was able to nurse it for several months with carefull application of the loud pedal.

So far, so good with the kevlar replacement I put in. I guess if the GT or GTS unit gets some "abuse", it will not hold up.


Jim

AO

It's fine with moderate application of the fast pedal, but any hards shifts, and... well you know. Like you said, I can probably burse it for a while, but depending on how ling that T.O. bearing lasts in there, I may end up doing it sooner than later. Just when I was thinking about getting some 18x11's meat for better traction... Oh well, it's just money.

pmotts

I think Kevin Michael did the same thing.
I haven't attempted too many WOT starts and especially not multiple WOT starts in succession. I wonder if this would be an issue at the track where you have plenty of time between runs?

I am surpried the TO bearing would fail, isn't this a fairly new one?

Jim R.

My GT clutch was fine until the 18"x11" wheels and 295's. The 255/17" combo would just spin at will, so there was no real nasty force on the clutch. Down the slippery slope you go.........

Jim

Gretch

Yep, I have a complete new clutch set up on the bench.........just waiting for the one I have in the car to go south. Keep us posted on the racing clutch experience. If the disc fits in the GTS pressure plate, I may get one from Carl to have on hand. Murph suggested I have an old clutch plate re-pucked in Kelvar.....Is that what Carl does?

AO

I think what I'm probably going to do is get the SPEC stage 3+ clutch pack which appears to include the Friction, PP, bearing, and special tool. List price is $1149 (GTS version) with a 15% discount for the month of September. Should bring it down just under $1k and it will give me 700 ftlbs!

Here's the link. http://www.specclutch.com/

Rick Carter

Andrew,
This is great, keep finding the weak links; although clutches are much cheaper than trannies, make sure the tires don't hook up too well. IIRC Marc T. fried the clutch in the white car doing a 1/4 mile run.

Scott M.

Thats why I stick to 265's on my stroked GTS. Sort of like a fuseable link. If something is gonna give, I'd rather it be the tires and not the (________) fill in the blank.

Will Andrews car be ready for the Frenzy?

H2

These ain't exactly 1/4miler cars, even though they make a good showing, are they?

H2

AO

The car will be ready for the Frenzy, but I don't think I can make it. My wife has decided she's not going to take the kids with her to Japan = babysitter duty. And don't even suggest that i bring them along. Not gonna happen. I'm still trying to talk her into taking them, but I don't think it's in the cards this year.

heinrich

Wait a minute.....

Andrew if the throwout bearing fried, how is the cause the extra torque? Wouldn't torque kill the clutch surface or the splines? The throwout bearing shouldn't take any extra strain from extra engine torque?

AO

Here's my best run so far (red) the back line is Tim Murphy in his Murf SuperShark!

AO

I think they are somewhat unrelated, unless I generated too much heat and fried the bearing... ?

Tony

That sucks Andrew. I think Carls clutch will do the trick.
Its going to be so cool up there anwyay, you wont have traction no matter what you do.

BTW...This post brought to you by the letter "D"