OEM replacement clutch rating? (Page 1/1)
Modesto MAY 08, 09:24 PM
Somewhat surprisingly, the kevlar clutch kit that was installed 20k miles ago on a stock 2.8 is already due for replacement (don't look at me, I've only owned the car for the last 100 miles!).



The car is getting a 3.4 with ported exhaust manifolds and a Crane 272 cam. Will the OEM replacement be good enough (LUK 04088)? Or should I step up to a Centerforce I rated at 272 ft lbs? I realize I will only be making around 200 ft lbs but the Centerforce was the lowest rated clutch I could find that actually posted numbers. Thanks!
pmbrunelle MAY 09, 12:13 AM
I have the "84-86 4spd 9.75" HD Clutch Kit" from Fiero Store, and it hasn't slipped with my 3.2 V6 with boost peaks of 12 psi... but it's an almost brand-new setup. Pedal effort is OK.

fierosound would suggest the Bully Stage 3 for a souped-up Fiero. Him and two of his friends have it.

Ratings are not always easy to come by, so I tell myself that if a given clutch worked with an engine having so much torque, then the same clutch should work on my engine if my engine has less torque.
Modesto MAY 09, 01:45 AM
I looked at that same kit but read some horror stories about them here on the forum. Of course there were positive reviews as well, as it seems you're having a good experience, but more than I wanted to risk knowing the Centerforce was cheaper and rated more than high enough.

The trouble is, the Centerforce will still be around $250 when I can get the OEM replacement for under $100... If I can't get any figures on the LUK I'll do the Centerforce just to be safe, but no one likes spending money when they don't have to.
Patrick MAY 09, 02:19 AM

quote
Originally posted by Modesto:

The car is getting a 3.4 with ported exhaust manifolds and a Crane 272 cam. Will the OEM replacement be good enough (LUK 04088)?



This doesn't really answer your question... but seven years ago I installed a LUK 04088 clutch kit in my Formula (with a slightly modified 2.8). It's my daily driver, and I autocrossed it for three years as well, and the clutch still has excellent grip. Whatever clutch you go with, make sure to resurface the flywheel.

Modesto MAY 09, 09:45 PM
That does help, I'll see if I can call someone on Monday. I'd feel a lot more comfortable with actual figures.
Will MAY 10, 11:11 AM
I don't remember the number, but it was a Valeo...

In the last year or two I had to install a new clutch in the Storm Trooper; I used the stock replacement kit that CarQuest had available. It came with the 9 11/16" disk used in S10s instead of the 9 1/8" disk used in Fieros and FWD vehicles. That package will probably be fine with a stock iron head 3.4... after all, that's what it's supposed to deal with in S10s.
Dennis LaGrua MAY 11, 07:13 PM

quote
Originally posted by Patrick:

This doesn't really answer your question... but seven years ago I installed a LUK 04088 clutch kit in my Formula (with a slightly modified 2.8). It's my daily driver, and I autocrossed it for three years as well, and the clutch still has excellent grip. Whatever clutch you go with, make sure to resurface the flywheel.



x 2 on the Luk clutch. Installed a few and never a problem. I believe that was the brand that GM used. For stock and slightly modified 2.8 /3.1 /3.4 engines they should work fine.

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wftb MAY 11, 08:15 PM
I still have the OEM clutch that came with my engine/trans package from the wreckers. I put about 60,000 KM and when I changed engines I ordered another OEM clutch. When it came in, I sent it back because there was no noticeable difference between the old one and the new one.

Another 50,000 KM now and it still works like new. I have read lots of horror stories about aftermarket clutches here on PFF. I think OEM is just more durable.

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86 GT built 2.2 ecotec turbo
rear SLA suspension
QA1 coilovers on tube arms