428 Clutch question

[427Rick]

I'm new to this forum, although I'm not new to Cobras. I've had mine for over 30 years.
I'm going to pull the T-10 out and rebuild it this year and I decided I want to upgrade my clutch. It's a 428 with the 11 1/2 inch long style pressure plate.
My question is, does anybody make a diaphram style pressure plate for this application, and if so, what else will have to be changed to accomodate it.
I want to shorten the pedal throw necessary to release the clutch, without increasing the effort required to push it.
Can anybody help out with this?

Thanks,
Rick

[blykins]

There are 11.5" diaphragm pressure plates out there...McLeod and RAM both have them. Depending on the disc, you will not have to change nothing else.

Where is the clutch actuating now? How much clearance do you have between the bearing and the plate fingers?

[427Rick]

I have no clearance between the bearing and the clutch fingers, and the clutch doesn't release fully until the pedal is nearly to the floor. I can change the setup to get more travel, but then the pedal effort goes up considerably. I want it to operate like the clutch in my Mustang. Easy and quick.
I'll check out the Ram and McLeod websites. Thanks.

[Dwight]

Rick call these people


Dwight

SPEC Clutches & Flywheels: Auto Parts, Domestic, Import, Truck, Racing, Drifting :: Products

[Rick Parker]

A few years ago I had a McLeod pressure plate that was exceedingly stiff. I called and spoke to the people at McLeod and they asked me to send it in. They removed one of the springs in each set of 3 and changed the levers and some other parts. It came back and works perfectly, and my leg is grateful.

[blykins]

A lot of pressure plate issues is because of the master cylinders that come with the different cars. You really need about a 3/4" master cylinder or else you will have a very hard pedal.

Both McLeod & RAM have excellent pressure plate clamping forces, in the fact that they're not overly strong. Most of the clutch kits these days hover around the 2300-2400 lb clamping force mark. No clutch kits today with 2800-3000 lb forces like the ones of the 60's...

I have had multiple issues with Spec and Centerforce, although I have relationships to sell them. McLeod & RAM have given me the least amount of trouble and they are very high quality pieces.

Rick, if you need any help making a decision, I can put you in touch with the owner of RAM or the head tech guys at McLeod. I can be of assistance as well.

[RICK LAKE]

RICK427 Rick, what kind of power is this monster have for output? I am looking at the torque reading, best guess?? IN the old days as other have said with high HP and torque readings, 2,800-3,200 pressure plates and you need 2 feet to work it.
Today a twin disc is the way to go. McLeod Street twin is great. It will hold 700-800 ft of torque and about the same HP. The clutch is quiet and soft with the pedal.The new Mustangs, Vipers, Vettes, and even GTO of Holden run them. Holding power, you will not find a better setup with basic discs. I have only run 1.5 season with mine and being hard headed can't understand why I didn't go to this setup when they first came out.
I got my kit from Brent B here. The setup was easy to do. The kit comes with centering tool and everything. My flywheel is a 184 teeth with multi clutch setups drilled for it. I can run an 11.5", 11.0", or 10.5". I don't know what kind of condition your flywheel is in, and if it can be resurfaced. Also what is the weight of it?
McLeod comes with a 22 pound flywheel and kit. Motor will rev a little quicker, less pedal pressure, and holding is there. Brent will give you the best price on the kit. Better than Jeg's, PAW, or Summit.
I have a 79 TA I am restoring and going with a street twin setup. The pedal pressure is lite enough even the other half can drive it. Good luck with your choise. This will be the last clutch you will need in this car unless you have an oil down from a rear main seal. Rick L.