I need a new clutch(hopefully under $200) for the 80 running gear I just picked up. I have a 23lb flywheel and have removed all the smog junk so basically stock with header/exhaust. looking for a reasonably priced clutch and your feedback on what you think of them. I have seen the ebay gripforce ones that people swear by and others tell to stay away from, then stories of exedys(only $100 new) that slip when new.

 

I've been happy with my CenterForce Stage II clutch/pressue plate setup. I also
have an 80 stockport 12a and run the 82 flywheel (23 lbs). Works great and really
grips good. Very smooth action too.

I think I got it from Mazdatrix at the time. It may be a bit more than your $200 budget,
but its worth it I think.

 

Good flywheel. I'm about to try one of these in the GLC. One thing you may not have known about these '81-'82 flywheels is the friction surface was extended out to 225mm. This means you can get yourself a 225mm disc and enjoy the benefits of slightly more grip than the original 215mm discs. However you must continue to use a stock size 215mm pressure plate. Don't worry about the 5mm of disc overhang as it does nothing detrimental. Only peejay would say the slightly higher inertia of the larger diamemter disc is something to avoid.

One option you may have is if you can get your hands on an early 225mm pressure plate with the higher up rivits and short spring fingers (this is how you tell which version it is from the top), you could then purchase a long pressure plate bolt set from RB or Mazdatrix (the '83-'92 set for their light steel flywheels). These kits contain long bolts and aluminum spacers (along with short thick bolts for the counterweight (which you won't need until you upgrade to a light steel flywheel and rear auto counterweight). The spacer and long bolts account for the difference in step between '82 and older / '83 and later NA flywheels.

I've done this mod before. I'll dig up some pics...

 

typical '81-'82 flywheel

225mm old style RB HD disc and 225mm pressure plate with three rivits higher up away from the flywheel, as you can see. Stock components work just as well.

RB long bolt set for light steel flywheel

Short spring finger pressure plate (this mod may be possible with the later long spring version, but don't quote me)

aluminum spacers providing the step

 

And for those of you who wish to stay with a 215mm pressure plate and try a 225mm disc on your '81-'82 flywheel, here is kind of what it will look like.

The 5mm lip of disc overhang is not problematic.

 

so could i just buy the hd clutch disk from racing beat and slap it in? $135 is under my budget but wonder if the stock 80 pressure plate would be up to snuff?

 

nice info and pics Jeff. thanks!!

Stu Aull
80GS (and maybe a lighter flywheel in the future...)

 

can an 83-85 Pressure Plate Be able to work on a 79-82 Flywheel with clutch?

I know that the 83-85 pressure plate stick out more than the 79-82 but if I add a spacer can it work without any problems?

I saw the picture above and was just wondering if it can be done.

 

I know the older kind with short spring fingers and higher up rivits does work, as seen above with long bolts and spacers. Will the later kind like what you have work? I don't know. I haven't tried to yet.

 

The only reason I ask is because I have a Centerforce Stage II Clutch kit that i have but it came out of an 84 Flywheel. I hate to not use it on mine.

 

can anyone answer my question about the racing beat h/d clutch disk? will this work with a stock pressure plate? If so I could put it together for a good price. jeff20b what you think mate?

 

It works. I tried it last year. The friction point was higher up than I was expecting. Adjust your rod and it will come down.