Really Upset with "Clutch Masters"
 

I have been using Clutch Masters for about 4 years. Mostly for N/A and some turbo Rx7's. As some of you already know we have a 1973 Rx3 bridgeport Nitrous car runnig 9.13@142 mph. I installed a full race stage on the BP Rx3. we took the car for some test and tunning and in a time shot the car went into a vibration, aborded the time shot and look inside the tranny bell housing and saw the pressure plate about to EXPLODE.
I called Chris (Owner of Clutch Masters) and explained what happened. He said don't worry we will build you a better one, stronger. All along a buddy of mine wanted me to change to ACT( Advanced Clutch Technology) when I say buddie I mean he is making well over 675rwhp on a turbo FD engine and uses ACT. ok I received the Pressure plate and we were ready for the Pan American Nationals. On Saturday Night we qualified for team USA with a 9.28@141mph. On Sunday the pressure plate started to act up. the car was in gear but the car would not move(stayed in neutral) seconds later the pressure plate would grad and the car will yerk forward. I checked the slave cylinder to see if it was sticking, but it was ok. We let the car cool off. At 2pm they called for team USA and team PR for the first round of elimination. We took the car to the burnout box, the same thing the pressure plate will not release while the car was in gear. I look at my brother and told him to abord the round. just when he was going too, the pressure plate started to work. He staged and launched half way up the quater mile THE PRESSURE PLATE EXPLODED!!! pieces flew as far as 200 feet into the grass away from the track it was a total bell housing clutch bomb. I thank GOD we have a heavy dutty scatter shield and it protected my brother from sure death. Even with the shield the engine starter hit my brothers leg and broke it. I will be making some serious phone calls today Ill keep everybody posted. I wrote this thread so people could be aware of Clutch Masters. I will never ever use them again so people beware and take my unfortunate situation and learn from it. By the way alot of body damage to the Rx3 and tranny..

That blows!!!!!!!
Glad your brother wasn't hurt. Good luck with the new setup

Judge Ito,

I'm sorry to hear about what happened. After the track we went out to the diner and one of my freinds mentioned the accident but I had no idea who it was.

This just made me realize, once again, that racing is a very serious sport. Safety is key. It's good that the car was well prepared safety wise.

It was nice meeting you. See you soon.

Anthony

Ito,

I'm also sorry to hear that! Thanks for all the help with my build up for the N/A. I'm now glad we chose ACT, although I doubt we will be pushing over 230 hp ;)

Good luck!

Im just glad that your brother was not seriously hurt. Thats the most important thing. Pursue this further. When someone is that close to a potentially fatal injury because of a failed part. Somoene must pay for the accident. You need anything let me know.

i saw the accident! sorry to hear about it!!!!!!!

Damn, I seen him get out of the car in a hurry, I thought it was a fire. Glad to hear he's ok

yeah i saw the accident too! it looked like the clutch went at least a 1/4 mile in the air:eek: :eek: :eek: :eek: glad your brother escaped with only a broken leg could of been much worse!

That's just fucked up :mad:

Sorry to hear it Judge Ito :(

It was great to meet up with you guys at Atco last time, glad to hear your brother is ok too :) I've had a clutch fail on me, but fortunately not a Pressure Plate! Out of interest, what kind of box are you guys using?

Did you see I went 1.36 in the 60'? Not bad on an 8.5" slick and a mazda box eh? ;)

Cheers,
Angus (a777)

I think something like that would make me change clutch manufacturer's too. Hope your brother has a speedy recovery.:)

Hey Angus where ya been?? I hope you had a good time traveling around the World. Man 1.36 is really awesome on a stock gearbox with 8.5 slick congrats. We have a G-Force on the Rx3, Hey Angus where does pics at?

Thankx

Hope all is well with you brother.

Ouch!

Damn that sucks, glad your brother wasn't hurt worse than he was.