Clutch advice options

[Tim H]

Hi Guys,

I am looking for some advice on clutch options, my car has some judder only when on an incline, but on the level it is a treat, as mentioned on here before about the pick up pipe dropping of into the sump pan due to vibration and that is the last thing anyone wants to happen to any motor! so thinking ahead what are the options? I see on some of the specialist web sites they do a recon clutch £650, then there is a upgrade heavy duty option for about £1100.

Has anyone any experience of these options?  Also has anyone fitted the new style clutch cylinder as the original is not available did this improve the clutch?

Thanks for all for the advice / Info is appreciated...

 

[mike_sekinger]

Who is providing an upgraded V8 clutch?  Are there details on their website - perhaps post up the link.   

My only experiences on upgrade options for the AP clutch were from AP directly, who no longer have the parts available to make those.

[Tim H]

Hi Mike,

SJ have several clutches on there website.

Uprated clutch link below

https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and-accessories/SJ082Q0019.htm

I also e mailed AP in Coventry to see what range they did for the Esprit V8. 

With what I experiencing judder / vibration on incline setting of, would this make you think the clutch is on its way?

Thanks for the advice 

 

 

 

[mike_sekinger]

I've not seen that clutch before, so will inquire of SJ for the clamp force and spec.

If you clutch is juddering under load, then it would imply it is close to the end.

[Tim H]

Thanks Mike appreciated.

[Tim H]

Mike,

 

Could you keep e up-dated on the response from SJ and your thoughts.

Appreciated

 

[Erikl]

I always thought the vibration was from normal engine operation, not something like clutch judder?

[Tim H]

I only get the vibration when doing a hill start, on the level the engine / clutch take up is smooth. 

 

Thanks

[mike_sekinger]

Hi Tim,

Seems that there are no specific increased clamp or release load figures for the upgraded Helix option.  Just a statement of it being `30% stronger`

If you are running standard power, then I would be leaning towards sticking with AP.

Mike S

[Tim H]

Hi Mike,

Thanks for the response I appreciate it, I think I will be going with the AP as I am running std engine. I did e mail AP about the clutch options they do for the esprit but did not get a reply.

Kind regards

Tim

 

 

 

[mike_sekinger]

SJ came through with some more details on the Helix upgraded clutch.

There are two upgrade options:

Torque capacity                          Cost (GBP)

524Nm / 385 lb ft                        1210.64

625Nm / 460 lb ft                        1290.45

I believe that SJ stock only the lower of the two.

[tricky12]

Hi Tim

what was your final decision and have you fitted it yet?

[Tim H]

Hi Richard,

I have not fitted the standard clutch option yet, I am going to change the slave cylinder first, I am sure you cannot get the original one and one part of my query was has anyone fitted the style that SJ supply? I wonder if part of the problem could be the slave cylinder? 

 

Thanks 

[Wanderor Cross]

Anyone ever end up running the SJ Clutch I am looking now at replacement options myself

[Erikl]

JAE have a solution they came up with for the twin plate but I guess yours is single plate.  I would see what they say, save a bit on shipping.  The GBP/dollar ratio is very attractive right now however! 

[Wanderor Cross]

Mine is a twin from what I can see, sadly JAE doesn't list prices for the input shaft or clutch they offer where as SJ does and I've dealt with them a few times and they are always helpful.

 

I really would like to go through my transmission at the same time even though it's fine and just make sure I never have issues with it. But being clear on if it's just an input shaft upgrade option or if there are other items is still something I'm working on.

[Erikl]

Let us know, I am in GA too and thinking about the GTO option, maybe we could save a bit on shipping. Get the LSD too,

Also, perhaps we could work together to find some one to rebuild the gear boxes?  I have not looked really seriously yet but some casual looking around yielded nobody that could or would do it.

I dont think your clutch is stock then if its the twin.  I think that came on the very late V8s?

 

[Wanderor Cross]

Nice, always great to meet another GA Esprit owner.

 

I keep finding conflicting information on the twin disc use, even some claims Lotus started the twin disk sooner as well as converting some of the originals.

But this looks really similar to my twin discs from my other cars so I'm hoping I'm not wrong.

 

I would be down to save on shipping and yeah for the transmission I'm not sure who to find as I just moved here from AZ but I'm going start looking. So far I'm thinking if I can find someone who has worked on Porsche transmissions they might be willing to try this one.

[Erikl]

I talked to Goldcrest in Kennesaw.  They were not willing. They rebuilt and installed a LSD in a 915 from one of my 911s a few years ago.  Did a great job.

There is a couple of places on the north side that do Elise work.  Maybe they would do it.  I have the manual and a couple folks have said it is not to bad, but I dont want to do it twice. 

[mike_sekinger]

@Wanderor Cross Post an image of your clutch pack.  It should be easy to tell if it`s a stock twin plate or not.

Given the choice between a Helix from SJ or the ClutchMasters unit offered by JAE, I would go with ClutchMasters all day long...

[Wanderor Cross]

I already put the Slave housing back on without taking a picture, but I am going to work on pulling the trans hopefully this weekend if I can get the lift repaired.

I will ask JAE for a price then on the Clutchmasters clutch.

Edited July 27, 2022 by Wanderor Cross
Correction

[mike_sekinger]

The beauty of their clutch offering is that is consists of one sprung friction disc and one solid.  This makes operation smoother and a little less digital.

 

[Wanderor Cross]

1 minute ago, mike_sekinger said:

The beauty of their clutch offering is that is consists of one sprung friction disc and one solid.  This makes operation smoother and a little less digital.

 

That does sound better, I already reached out for a price.

Steve with SJ just got back to me I am waiting for JAE but I will probably order the input shaft and clutch from JAE based off your recommendation because let's face it we all know here that you can be trusted and you're kinda a guru with these cars.

Good news is depending on how much I have left over I should be able to send you my PCM now for tuning since I will have everything torn apart lol.

[andyblackman777]

Which one did you go with in the end? Might be looking at a new clutch myself..........

[andyblackman777]

Seems like the options are Complete AP original clutch, new AP friction discs and refinished plates,  Helix from SJ Sportscars or the JAE one......