Clutch/PP premium OEM replacement 18 & up

[barron64]

Any recommendations for a premium replacement for stock dual disk clutch and pressure plate? No need for upgrade in clamping force as engine is stock. Just looking for smoother engagement and better feel than OEM unit.

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[EFI]

McLeod RSTs are a popular stock+ replacement option.

 

[sms2022]

Factory clutch is actually pretty good imo but does not slip at all so it shifts pretty harsh and will chatter slightly when hot if you don’t slip it manually. I’d say just slip it more especially if you already want to change it.

My one gripe is that it slips when cold but once it heats up it grabs hard so it catches me off guards on that first shift sometimes.

 

[barron64]

Anyone have any experience running the McLeod RST and comparing to oem? I have read that a lot of the lockout issues we experience with the MT82, is related to stock clutch not disengaging fully.

 

[Eyesac]

I replaced my failed dual mass flywheel with an RST (and the lightweight flywheel they come with) and it does clutch things just fine, but it's an "un-sprung" clutch and it drives and sounds like one. If you're looking for OEM manners, vibration free, quiet, chatter free, the RST is not. I'm not hating on it, I like it. Slips great, love the light flywheel, just a little bad manners...

 

[Eyesac]

Anyone have any experience running the McLeod RST and comparing to oem? I have read that a lot of the lockout issues we experience with the MT82, is related to stock clutch not disengaging fully.

I had lockout. Post RST install, I don't have lockout, but I still have 3rd gear problems (will still munch 3rd, could be worn syncro). But I still think the clutch doesn't disengage all the way, which I don't think is clutch related issue, and more throw out bearing self adjustment issue. I almost wish I could go back in there and shim it.

 

[barron64]

I replaced my failed dual mass flywheel with an RST (and the lightweight flywheel they come with) and it does clutch things just fine, but it's an "un-sprung" clutch and it drives and sounds like one. If you're looking for OEM manners, vibration free, quiet, chatter free, the RST is not. I'm not hating on it, I like it. Slips great, love the light flywheel, just a little bad manners...

So the twin disks that come with the RST, are solid and not sprung?

 

[Cornflake]

Went RST as well. Way better than the OEM. Have not had a 3rd gear lock out since. Changed the clutch assist spring, then added a MGW shifter, Then replaced the clutch line to stainless.. Everything helped but never fixed the lock out that would happen at High RPM sometimes.. Always feels great when you end up missing 3rd at 8000 rpm.. Put in the RST clutch... Everything perfect since. I wish I would have started there to begin with.

 

[Eyesac]

So the twin disks that come with the RST, are solid and not sprung?

Correct. One benefit is feels like all the driveline slop these cars have is gone. But it doesn't dampen a thing...

 

[RiotfunK]

I know what you mean. Was just at Ford dealer to have them look at mine. Said everything was fine. It’s a chunky gearbox and was having issues in 3rd gear after releasing the clutch and would get lockout when shifting into 4th. It feels like the gate moves under heavier loads. And really need to wait a second after putting it in gear and releasing the clutch.

I swapped to the Steeda perch and spring and it makes a big difference in feel and so did the weighted shift knob.

The oem one perch/spring was awful. I’m going to switch to motul DCTF, and mgw in the next few weeks along with a stainless clutch line. My Ford dealer wouldn’t switch out the fluid. They’re strictly Ford stuff. They do great work, but only stock stuff. I’m gonna go RST or similar in the future when I need it. But I think the shifter is one of the biggest issues on these transmissions in regards to the lock out and positive engagement. Only manual trans I’ve ever had where the clutch and gearbox feel different every time I drive. And I’m shifting around 5-6k max most times when I rev it out. Trying the smaller stuff first before I have to tear into it. Each lil bit has been helping.

 

[Eyesac]

Any recommendations for a premium replacement for stock dual disk clutch and pressure plate? No need for upgrade in clamping force as engine is stock. Just looking for smoother engagement and better feel than OEM unit.

I realize you've not really gotten a lot of suggestions so far. When I asked this question initially for myself (before I went RST) a couple people suggested really racey stuff like the Mantic and Ram, but for $2k+ for a clutch, I just wasn't that interested. I mean a Ben Calimer stage 1 transmission is $2800. I hope you get some suggestions, and when I get around to a reman trans I'll likely be asking the question again... Good luck!

 

[barron64]

I realize you've not really gotten a lot of suggestions so far. When I asked this question initially for myself (before I went RST) a couple people suggested really racey stuff like the Mantic and Ram, but for $2k+ for a clutch, I just wasn't that interested. I mean a Ben Calimer stage 1 transmission is $2800. I hope you get some suggestions, and when I get around to a reman trans I'll likely be asking the question again... Good luck!

I agree. I don’t need a $2k clutch for my needs. The oem replacement is pricey enough at around $800 if you shop around I don’t mind spending a little more if it gets a more refined clutch. I like what I have read about the McLeod RST…If it had sprung disks it might be exactly what I am looking for. Price is good for full kit with flywheel also. Hopefully more will chime in with their experience with other brands.

 

[NightmareMoon]

If you just want a better feel, maybe just try one of the lighter pedal assist springs?

5 minutes to repalce and it really helps the vague engagement feel issues on the platform at the expense of slightly more pedal effort.

 

[sms2022]

I know what you mean. Was just at Ford dealer to have them look at mine. Said everything was fine. It’s a chunky gearbox and was having issues in 3rd gear after releasing the clutch and would get lockout when shifting into 4th. It feels like the gate moves under heavier loads. And really need to wait a second after putting it in gear and releasing the clutch.

I swapped to the Steeda perch and spring and it makes a big difference in feel and so did the weighted shift knob.

The oem one perch/spring was awful. I’m going to switch to motul DCTF, and mgw in the next few weeks along with a stainless clutch line. My Ford dealer wouldn’t switch out the fluid. They’re strictly Ford stuff. They do great work, but only stock stuff. I’m gonna go RST or similar in the future when I need it. But I think the shifter is one of the biggest issues on these transmissions in regards to the lock out and positive engagement. Only manual trans I’ve ever had where the clutch and gearbox feel different every time I drive. And I’m shifting around 5-6k max most times when I rev it out. Trying the smaller stuff first before I have to tear into it. Each lil bit has been helping.

The shifter is the problem in 90% of these cars. Once I switched to a tranny mount shifter, both my mgw full shifter and ftb bracket on the stock shifter stopped the nibble I was having going into 3rd and completely cured lockout.

I did the stainless clutch line, remote reservoir, and new clutch fluid just for good measure but the shifter was 99% of the improvement.

These cars are also really sensitive to air in the system and if your car never gets really hot you might not notice it but I had to vacuum bleed mine to get the last bubble or two of air out and it did make a difference when hot. test it by pumping the pedal about 50 times while sitting at the stoplight and then see if it shift smoother for the next couple of shifts.

 

[sms2022]

If you just want a better feel, maybe just try one of the lighter pedal assist springs?

5 minutes to repalce and it really helps the vague engagement feel issues on the platform at the expense of slightly more pedal effort.

Yep the steeda spring I traded a member on here for (thanks Tony) is awesome.

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