New 4 spd install - Which style Pressure Plate should I use?

[7Dcuda]

About to install a new 833 4 spd from Brewers Performance, doing an auto to manual conversion.  Which style pressure plate should I use...the original 3 finger syle (Borg and Beck) or a diaphram style?  What are the pros and cons of each?  I know if a diaphram style is used you have to remove the clutch pedal overcenter spring.  Car is a mild 440 street buid (375-400 HP) with a posi 8 3/4 rearend with 3.55 gears.  Any info. on which style pressure plate is best and why would be greatly appreciated.  I dont want to go through the time and effort of doing the auto to manual conversion only to be unhappy with the clutch feel.  Thanks in advance!

[Cooter]

Well, For ease of driving in stop and go, I'd go with one of the badass Diaphram clutches like Centerforce, or Zoom....Borg And Beck (Three finger), style pressure plates seem to slip and still have the stiff pedal effort IMO...

[dodj]

Well, For ease of driving in stop and go, I'd go with one of the badass Diaphram clutches like Centerforce, or Zoom....Borg And Beck (Three finger), style pressure plates seem to slip and still have the stiff pedal effort IMO...

Diaphragm IMO. The reduced pedal effort makes driving around town much more enjoyable. You will probably need to remove the over centre spring under the dash.
If you like a really stiff clutch pedal, go with the original three finger type.

[vinb]

I have a B&B in mine,  it's a McLeod 10.95 set-up.

I don't have any problems and has a good pedal feel. Raced the Cuda a bunch of times.

I also put them in another E-Body & A-body..

Brewer's should have everything you need....

[ShelbyDogg]

All of the diaphram clutches I've seen will stick your clutch pedal to the floor when speed shifting or shifting fast under hi rpms.   Have friends that found this out the hard way.     

Ask Chryco about this.

I only use B&B.    Chryco recommends B&B/Long style.

[femtnmax]

Ask Chryco about this.
I only use B&B.    Chryco recommends B&B/Long style.

 

I have had several diaphragm style pressure plates crack the diaphragm.  Some did not have many miles on them, under 40,000.
My old 440 GTX had the 3 finger style. I could rip the pavement apart with that car. When adjusted correctly the 3 finger style wont slip  IMO.

[7Dcuda]

All of the diaphram clutches I've seen will stick your clutch pedal to the floor when speed shifting or shifting fast under hi rpms.   Have friends that found this out the hard way.     

Ask Chryco about this.

I only use B&B.    Chryco recommends B&B/Long style.

Had they removed the clutch pedal overcenter spring?

[HP2]

The three fingure clutchs will hold more torque, the diaphgrams will be easier on the left leg. I'd say go three finger if you regularly hitting the strip, diaphgram if you like to drive in parades.

[ShelbyDogg]

Had they removed the clutch pedal overcenter spring?

Yes.

The fault come from the diaphram clutch finger's  design. The fingers can be pressed too far in, going over-center. Under high rpms, centrifugal forces hold it in the released position till the rpms come back down.  RPMs aren't coming down anytime soon when speed shifting and holding you gas pedal to the floor.

If you have to use one of these because you have a weak leg or your wife wants to drive it;
1. Remove the over center spring on the pedal and replace it with a small one to hold the pedal to the stop.
2. Put something in to stop the linkage after moving just enough to release the disk. Could be something as simple as a block of wood under the carpet.
3. Tell your wife to start letting off of the gas when shifting.

[Chryco Psycho]

you will never find a diaphragm style in a car I build or own , Cforce is overrated junk , I have seen them fail in 3 days , they will stay on the floor on high Rpm shifts even with the overcenter spring removed .
 I use the B&B / long style from McLeod or the street twin for huge torque engines 

[slsc98]

Yipes! Tryin' for a "middle of the road" between "centrifugal" and the 3-finger, I went with a McLeod but, their 10.95" diaphragm (360710, 2400#).

Installed today (Sat) and plan on adjusting tomorrow; I am hoping anyone who has success "substituting" a lower-strength spring might chime in.

The clutch I just replaced was B+B 3-finger but, it was a strip clutch the previous owner kept in it.

Just hoping I didn't swing "too far" toward the other end of the spectrum!

TIA (and oh yeah, happy New Year, too) ! ! !

[Chryco Psycho]

these cars were designed to run with the 3 finger & do not remove the overcenter spring with a 3 finger , it helps release the clutch as well & overcenter the pedal to keep the throw out brg from turning all the time . You can remove the overcenter spring with a diaphragm but the pedal will not stay up off the throwout brg without some kind of spring there . I have had the pedal stay on the floor a number of times using a diaphragm in a Mopar & shifting at high RPM , Make sure you have a rev limiter, it is mandatory with a diaphragm clutch  .
 As I said before you will not find a Diaphragm in one of my cars for good reason !

[slsc98]

CP, 10-4!

2 questions:

1) How do I determine if there is (or is not) a rev limiter already on the engine (440 out of a '70 GTX and NOT original to my '73 Chally); and,

2) Where would be a good place to obtain a rev limiter? (if Brewer's doesn't carry them -- I didn't see them on the Brewer's site)

Since my last post, I did install the diaphragm AND HAVE removed the over center spring.

As I type this, my clutch pedal returns to the "up" posution very nicley; however; I can put my index finger under the pedal when it is at rest and easily bounce it up and down approx. 1/2" on my fingertip.

Is this okay or, does that fact that there is still a 1/2" of complete movement mean I am keeping the throwout bearing involved, even  when not pressing on the clutch with my foot?

Thanks for help (and patience). I just want to get it 'right' and have already spent $ on the McLeod diaphragm . . .

[Jamiez]

Rev limiters are usually part of the electronic ignition system.  Do you have an ignition module (MSD or similar) or a stock chrysler one?

[slsc98]

Rev limiters are usually part of the electronic ignition system.  Do you have an ignition module (MSD or similar) or a stock chrysler one?

'Morning!   I am going to have to look (I spent the last 2 weeks UNDER her!  ;-)

My bet is that it'll be stock (I always hope for the best but, prepare for the 'worst')