DeTomaso Mailing List: February 1997, Message #164
     



From: MikeLDrew@aol.com

Subject: Re: Clutch Adjustment

Date: Wed, 26 Feb 1997 16:56:16 -0500 (EST)



All,



When it comes to stock clutch setups, you literally CAN'T get enough travel.

At their best, disengagement is only about 30 thousandths (if I recall

correctly from a past Las Vegas tech session), while clutch makers usually

specify 60 thousandths as a minimum.  My car in its original configuration

was set up for a 'hard' pedal almost immediately, and required continued

fiddling to maintain optimal adjustment.  If I ever let it get to the point

where the first 50% of pedal travel was just useless motion, the clutch

wouldn't disengage enough to allow me to get into reverse with the engine

running!



Here's another plug for Pantera-specific parts.  Pantera clutch disks have a

thinner marchal (that's the wavy sheet-metal portion) than Mustang units.

Therefore, you CANNOT use a stock Mustang clutch in a Pantera (well, perhaps

if using a hydraulic throwout bearing, but let's not go there.)  It's

tempting to go to your neighborhood speed shop and buy a high-performance

Mustang clutch for half the price of a clutch from Pantera Performance or

Hall, and it will install with no problem.



It just won't work right.  Oh, you might be able to drive the car, but you'll

probably get less than 20 thousandths clearance, and be dragging the clutch

with every shift, quickly devouring your mega-dollar synchros.  No, when your

clutch packs it in, just put a crowbar in your wallet and spring for the

right parts the first time out.  You'll be sorry otherwise.



(Again, based upon multiple discussions at previous Vegas tech sessions.)



Mike