CLUTCH which one ???

[waggy]

I have a early 1994 Griffith 500HC, fitted with a T5 gearbox..

I need to replace the clutch after 59k miles, never been replaced since new, so not bad for a griff.

The current clutch is quite light compared to other griffs Ive driven and want to replace it with a similar clutch, I dont do Track days so dont need a heavy high performance clutch.

After looking at clutches available the only one that says its suitable for a 500 griff is

https://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/car-parts/transmi...

They do a cheaper clutch for a griff 4.3 or 4.0,

https://www.racetechdirect.co.uk/car-parts/transmi...

Is the difference due to the Gearbox fitted ( T5 or LT77 ) or the power output.

Any suggestions would be appreciated...

Alex

Edited by waggy on Monday 18th June 10:47

[FlipFlopGriff]

Mines light as well and was done by Powers Performance about 3 years ago. I think its an AP but not sure. I know its a 500 clutch (in a 430BV with a T5 box).
FFG

[waggy]

Thanks FlipFlopGriff , after a bit of investigation, AP do two types, 350ftlb or 270ftlb

Im guessing the 350ftlb is for heavy use such as racing or track days , and the 270ftlb is for general use.

are there other makes that fit the Griff 500 with T5 box... that are 270ftlb or there abouts

Alex

[FlipFlopGriff]

No idea but I'm sure Dom would help you, well maybe. I'd personally go for the 350 as 270 seems low - mines about 290 bhp and 320 torque so both well above the 270.
FFG

[waggy]

Confirmed that the standard one is CP2345-8 which is 270lbft as fitted to my car. TVr parts Q0025

The friction plate CP2346-4 fitted to all 500s TVR parts as Q0101.

You can uprate pressure plate to CP2394-14 350lbft but is very heavy to use. and designed for track days or sprint cars.

Think I will stick to standard one, it has never slipped and taken some abuse. The only reason im changing it after 59k is that it got contaminated from a leaking slave cylinder. When I looked into the Bellhousing from the inspection hole the whole clutch is covered in brake fluid. and my reservoir was completely empty. I filled it a few months ago when I noticed level was low and when I rechecked it last week it was empty. also the gearchanges were getting sticky. surprised it drove ok with no fluid in it.

Therefore will change Slave cylinder, pivot pin, release arm, release bearing, clutch pressure plate and friction plate. should give me another 24 years.

thanks

alex

Edited by waggy on Tuesday 19th June 07:31

[steve-V8s]

If you are changing the Cylinder check that you are getting the same internal bore size. Some suppliers will sell something that looks identical but has a larger bore which makes the clutch heavier. With a Helix clutch and a larger bore cylinder I can report that the pedal does get a tad heavy.

[waggy]

Thanks for the heads up on that.

Im going to use TVR parts and they dont quote the bore, just says " Q0010 standard fit for Griffiths and Chimaeras with T5 box"

what is the correct bore size , have seen mentioned 0.75inch or 1 inch, dont want to get wrong one as defeats the object of a light clutch.

Alex

[steve-V8s]

To be honest I am not certain. I bought one from TVR car parts when they were in Devon, so some years ago, it made the already heavy clutch noticeably more so. I seem to recall them saying that the original part was not available. Would think if you directly asked the question they would tell you.

The other option would be to replace the washers in the original, that way you know what you have. Rimmers seem to have a reasonable range of rebuild kits.