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My M3 E30 is still using the original clutch from the factory. I was close swapping it when the engine work was done but I still kept the old one. It is time to swap it now to a lighter one. Does this clutch make sense? No, but why not to learn new things... |
Weight: 13lbs, 6kg!
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Some info about smaller and lighter clutches from powertraintech.com:
Specification for the clutch:
- Quartermaster 5.5" V-Drive clutch. It was bought used in pretty good condition.
- Organic 5.5" rally discs. Thickness 0.200"
- Custom light flywheel
- Concentric Howe 8288 clutch release bearing with remote bleeding setup
- OEM starter ring gear, swapped from the OEM flywheel.
Complete flywheel and clutch assembly, total weight as shown here: 13lbs (6kg)
Howe 8288 Concentric clutch release bearing:
5.5" Organic Rally Clutch discs:
Transmission is now out. Old OEM disc, flywheel and pressure plate are in good condition and can be reused.
Here are some measurements: OEM Clutch vs new Lightweight clutch
| OEM | New | |
|---|---|---|
| Weight, complete assembly. Disc, flywheel and pressure plate | 34.59lbs (15.69 kg) | 13lbs (6kg) |
| Distance from Bellhousing surface to release bearing surface | 61.88mm | |
| Release bearing freeplay | 0.125" (3.175mm) |
Here's the clutch installed for the release bearing measurement. Distance from engine block to clutch fingers is 61.88mm. This is needed for the installation of the release bearing.
Release bearing is now installed. The release bearing inside diameter was increased so that it can slide over the output shaft sleeve, just like the OEM bearing does. You just can't remove the sleeve, it needs to be there and bearing has to slide over it and guide the release bearing. Holes were made for the release bearing studs.
Ring gear was removed from the old flywheel.
01/30/2012: Transmission is now in, it was the easiest install ever. The bellhousing was installed first separately, followed by the transmission.
As a centering tool I used a tool for a 1987 Chevy K10, available from any parts store. Dorman Clutch Pilot tool #14522, price about 5USD. The tip was too big but luckily the tool is made out of plastic and can be modified easily to 12mm. The modified tool will work also with OEM clutch.
02/03/2012: The clutch has been bled and it works! Haven't driven it yet since my floor mounted pedal installation is taking longer than expected. Freeplay is set to 0.125", this should give enough clearance when the discs wear.
02/10/2012: Car was started today and clutch works. Haven't driven it yet since I need to bleed the brakes. No noises and clutch releases fine. Looking good...
02/11/2012: Car was driven today and so far all good. Engine revs up quite well now due to light flywheel. Clutch releases smootly, can be slipped if needed (Small multidisc clutches shouldn't be slipped to avoid heat build-up) and driven like a normal car. Only thing is the input shaft and gear noise when idling at 900rpm. One contributor is of course the solid hub discs without the springs. Need to check few things before I can take it out for a longer run.
02/15/2012: Clutch is working great, no issues. Idle has to be increased to reduce the noise. Fluids were changed to Redline MT-90 and temperature sensor was installed so that I can monitor the temperatures.