Modified 944 Turbo Clutch Choices

[djtalon]

All,

I have a modified, about 325hp at the wheels 89 Turbo. What is best choices for clutch ?


Thanks
Dave

[Tom]

You are right on/under the cusp of being able to use the stock clutch, but maybe a bit too close for comfort. I'd use a turbo cup disk (951.116.011.07, or Sachs OEM version of same) with a pressure plate that has a bit more clamping force than stock. Kennedy Engineering Products makes their own in various clamp levels. I understand they've changed their nomenclature lately, but just tell them you want the once formerly called the KEP1 (or tell them your power level). A cheaper (but also good) option is to call South Bend Clutch. They can modify the fulcrum point on a stock Sachs pressure plate to add clamping force. Just resist the urge to get one of their disks. With the turbo cup disk and more clamping force, you will have a factory smooth clutch engagement -- no chatter, jerking, shudder, etc. With literally every other disk I've tried, I've had shudder, despite endless assurances to the contrary by the people selling them. I'm sure there are performance disks out there that don't shudder, but there's no need to take the risk (and it's a big risk) since the turbo cup disk and KEP1 (or South Bend) PP will hold way more power than you are making, last a long time, and have factory smooth engagement.

p.s., some folks substitute a 930 disk, since it is cheaper, and it works as well for most. There have been rare instances where it doesn't engage all the way, however, reportedly when the crank has axial wear.

[djtalon]

Like a Spec Stage 1 or two ?

can you send link of turbo cup clutch kit?

Thanks
Dave

[Tom]

No, not a Spec!! The Spec I tried shuddered like crazy -- tore itself apart really. I don't have a link for a complete kit, but Paragon could sell you everything you need to do what I'm suggesting. I posted the part number for the disk above, which you can get anywhere, and neither Kennedy or South Bend have great websites, so you pretty much need to call them. Here are some links:

https://www.kennedyeng.com/

https://www.southbendclutch.com/

https://www.paragon-products.com/Pressu ... kep944.htm

[djtalon]

Thanks!
I think this is package.

https://www.paragon-products.com/Race-C ... itrace.htm



They also make 930 version as you mentioned.

Dave

[Tom]

Thanks!
I think this is package.

https://www.paragon-products.com/Race-C ... itrace.htm



They also make 930 version as you mentioned.

Dave

Yes, that's it. Paragon is great to work with too. They can supply anything you need for the job!

[Bill]

I put a Centerforce clutch in my car at 68k miles. The car now has 120k miles and the clutch is still functioning like new. My car has an 8 lb lightened flywheel and dyno’s at 380 rwhp with zero chatter or slip. The Centerforce pressure plate is quite unique as it has weights that fly out as RPM increases which increases clamping force on the flywheel (check their website). So the net result is the clutch pedal requires less force on your leg when applying, but increases clamping as rpms increase. When I purchased the clutch & PP in 2002, Centerforce rated the clutch to 700 hp, yet as I stated the pedal effort feels just a little bit firmer to apply than the stock 951 clutch. I do not know if Centerforce still makes this clutch for our cars, but I will definitely check when I eventually need a new one, as it has been a great clutch.

[Bill]

I could dig up the receipt for the Centerforce clutch for reference if needed.

[Tom]

I put a Centerforce clutch in my car at 68k miles. The car now has 120k miles and the clutch is still functioning like new. My car has an 8 lb lightened flywheel and dyno’s at 380 rwhp with zero chatter or slip. The Centerforce pressure plate is quite unique as it has weights that fly out as RPM increases which increases clamping force on the flywheel (check their website). So the net result is the clutch pedal requires less force on your leg when applying, but increases clamping as rpms increase. When I purchased the clutch & PP in 2002, Centerforce rated the clutch to 700 hp, yet as I stated the pedal effort feels just a little bit firmer to apply than the stock 951 clutch. I do not know if Centerforce still makes this clutch for our cars, but I will definitely check when I eventually need a new one, as it has been a great clutch.

Hard to know if they are still the same, but I can vouch for the clutch in your car. It felt every bit as smooth as stock. With these cars, I think the key is to add clamping force to the pressure plate but stick with stock-like friction materials on the disk.

[michaelmount123]

Wow. Great info from Tom. There's nothing like input from those who have 'been there and done that'. Good stuff.