Kevlar Clutch Test Results for F355

Awesome, thanks for posting Dave!

 

excellent info, thanks for sharing! Who did your Kevlar resurfacing?

 

Nice firsthand info (rather than internet rumor). Thanks!

 

My 348 has a kevlar clutch disc... the mechanic who did it told me I should not have to replace the clutch for at least 10 years or 50K miles.
The drawback I see compared to a typical clutch is... theres very little to no transition (slip) when the clutch is gradually engaged, when the clutch disc hits the pressure plate, ITS ON! Its almost concerning me as possibly overstressing the crank or other parts of the drivetrain & tranny.

 

I will have to concur with aeroengineman...... I have had nothing but good experience with kevlar discs in the past on my p-cars..... !!!

My discs were redone by 'centerforce' along with a pressure plate rebuild and balance!

 

Thanks for the love,

The key to a successful Kevlar clutches life is using an SC 80 grit stone when grinding the flywheel. From Valeo, they are turn down using a single point tool, but after repeated heat cycles, the flywheel is too hard to use a SP carbide tool, and must be ground. It’s quite an extensive process to do it correctly, as you can only take .0002” off per pass. My experience with the 355 has taught me that it usually requires somewhere in the .008” to .015” total material removal to smooth the surface imperfections out.

Kevlar has a much higher coefficient of friction than an organic lining material, which is why you generally have a longer lived part; more of the energy is transferred to the wheels rather than making heat. Some concerns over what this extra “grip” will do to the related drive train components is valid, but can easily be addressed with a smoother flywheel (i.e 80 grit), and in the 355 / 348 DM flywheel absorbing the shock load.

Overall, the Kevlar setup is a better way to go, but the optimal install would be to purchase a new Flywheel / pressure plate combination, and have the flywheel immediately surfaced .004” as prescribed above. What this accomplishes is the best overall combination from the beginning of the components life. Preparing the components in this fashion could quite conceivably be a combination for a 60,000 plus mile clutch.

What would be interesting is to Dyno test before and after to see if there was any appreciable increase.

J

 

Another point worth mentioning is these parts were not cleaned prior to the photos. There doesn’t appear to be any dusting from the clutch wearing down. A completely new set of benefits to the bearings and other power train components.

J

 

Thanks again for all the great info Dave T! Another project added to my 355 backlog

 

I installed a Kevlar clutch on my F355 2 years ago and after several thousand miles I haven't a complaint.

 

What's the cost for the kevlar clutch kit?

 

EXCELLENT! Did you keep the marcel or eliminate it?

 

I need a new clutch this summer, so if there is any way that you can find and post the company (and contact info) that did yours, I/we would would be very grateful!

Although this sounds like an awesome alternative to the OE part, I wouldn't get something like this done unless it were from a place that is pre-screened at the very least by another Ferrari owner or friend.

Thanks!
David

 

What perfect timing, right?

 

OUTSTANDING stuff! Thanks for sharing the info.

 

Great info....Can someone supply the name of the place that can make kevlar clutch plates and resurface the flywheels correctly?

 

I do that. My company is located in EUROPE-SLOVENIA it costs 120€+Vat and shipping if anyone is interested (can also ship to USA).
www.sinter.si

Cheers

 

Here is one pic.


This one is made with different procedure and a bit different compound than the one you had tested. That is how you squeeze some extra friction coefficient oft of it.
(With this clutch you don’t have to modify flywheel or any other parts. You just put it in and go)

We also produce these clutches for European FIA historic cup.

Cheers,
Michael

 

Do I need to send you a worn-out Ferrari 348 clutch and some money to get that beauty?

I want it! Walk me through the steps that I need to travel to get it, please.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

+1............... I have an old 355 disc that needs this stuff too !!!

 

Me as well!

 

Ok.
I think that the best way would be if you contact our US dealer. He is selling our KARTING brake pads in USA. I phoned him and explained the situation. So you are welcome to contact him and he will be happy to help. This is the best way, because we are sending him brake pads very often and he has a lot of experience with importing the goods to USA. You will need to ship old units to his company and he will organize renewal with us (So you won’t have to worry about custom papers and import taxes). In case you want, you can also do it directly with us, but he told me that it is quite expensive to get the goods true customs.

Mr. Adam Price
International Karting Products
3830 E Huntington Dr.
Suite 15
Flagstaff, Az. 86004
Phone: 928-527-9490
Fax: 928-527-9702
E-Mail: [email protected]

We also produce paddle clutches for racing.
(In this case we also need used clutch)
PIC:

 

Want to know info on Kevlar clutch on a 355 F1.
Recomended on a F1 system?
Where to send the disc and related parts for resurfacing and grinding and balancing..
I'm located in So ca. area, anyone local? Turnaround? Want to time it during a major, so i have about 4-5 days..