pressure plate / TOB failure

[JustinSchick]

Like my post to the SHOTimes lists said, if it ain't one thing it's another...

I believe my TOB / pressure plate is on its way out. Although the clutch pedal doesn't seem any harder to depress, getting it into gear is much harder than it used to be. I also sometimes have a nice whirring noise after I start it up, that goes away with higher RPMs. During the oil change on Saturday I checked the differential fluid level. It was low, but after being topped off the shifting hasn't got any better. I'll probably start rounding up parts soon and wait for the inevitable. I replaced the clutch with the stock setup from Josh T. (before he started the whole SHONut biz - 3 years ago was it?), rev. B bearing and all. At that time I noticed the TOB was toast and half of the pressure plate fingers had broken off, yet there was still a lot of friction matierial left on the clutch. I'd assume this one will come out looking the same. My question is, does the ceramic bearing cure this problem? Is the weak link the TOB, pressure plate, or both? Assuming near-stock HP levels, which setup out there will give you the longest life?

TIA,
Justin

 

[RStalveyARFF]

it has not been proven yet, but Josh thinks in theory, the ceramic TOB will prevent excessive wear of the fingers. As for the hard shifting, have you checked your MTX mount? That can cause much of people's hard shifting.

 

[JustinSchick]

The tranny mount was replaced when I did the last clutch job, so I think it'd be ok. I don't drive my car THAT hard! =)

Am I remembering correctly that the ceramic part is actually an insert, and that you need a stock TOB to accompany it?

I'm having a real hard time deciding between the 'el cheapo route (stock setup like I did before) or dropping a load for a HiRevs, or better. What's the consensus on stock vs. HiRevs vs. Grizzly vs. Dual Friction vs...?

Thanks,
Justin

 

[philw349]

The ceramic bearing looks like a regular throwout bearing (it isn't an insert) it has some friction resistant materials in it. In any case it costs $74 extra bucks or so (over stock), it's a big experiment to see if it lasts much longer. I think one of his cars went 125,000+ miles on a clutch with one so thats gotta be good.