I need your expert knowledge once again. I have a 85 4 speed with a 3.4 DOCH swap in it. What brand/type of clutch kit(disk, pressure plate, bearings, etc) do I need in order to replace it.? I assume it isnt the stock 2.8 clutch kit. Your feedback is most appreciated.
I need your expert knowledge once again. I have a 85 4 speed with a 3.4 DOCH swap in it. What brand/type of clutch kit(disk, pressure plate, bearings, etc) do I need in order to replace it.? I assume it isnt the stock 2.8 clutch kit. Your feedback is most appreciated.
Most guys with basic manual swaps seem to be using the Spec Stage 3 clutch assembly. Your engine is putting out 215 HP so you should be OK with that .
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Thank Dennis LaGrua and PMBrunelle for your input. Both of you mentioned the Spec Stage 3 clutch. What is difference between the Stage 3 and the Stage 3 + ? My clutch appears to be slipping so I am having the mechanic replace it. My mechanic is not a Fiero Guru but he did ask to get the correct clutch kit so he could install it. Since he will be replacing it, what other items should I replace while he is doing doing this? Do I need to replace the Pilot bushing and Release bearing as well? How do I know if they need replacement?
I also would recommend the Ram clutch. If you want to order it directly from Ram or Summit or Jegs, it's probably a lot cheaper.
I have one of those bolted to my 4.9. It's only about 220 HP, but it's probably in excess of 300 lb.ft. Works just fine.
Spec? I had a Spec 2 bolted to a 3.4 pushrod. I hated it. The 3+ may be a different story, but it's also expensive.
Edit - If you have a 4 speed (I missed that the first time), you will need a different kit. I don't know the Ram part #. But Fiero Store has it here. https://www.fierostore.com/...spx?s=54005&d=79&p=1
[This message has been edited by Raydar (edited 09-27-2021).]
Thank you Raydar for your quick response. In your experience with the spec vs RAM, what was it about the spec 2 you didn't like? I have no idea what clutch is in my car. The previous owner had it installed, I hear a lot about the Spec stage 3 clutches and the 3+. May others in the forum can chime in? Difference between the Spec 2 and 3? I just need a good reliable clutch that can compliment the 3.4 DOHC.
I edited my post. I didn't realize you had a 4 speed. It's a different clutch. My Spec 2 (not a 2+) would chatter when it was cold, and would slip when it was hot. I hated it. I have had two Ram clutches. (The 2nd one was due to an application problem on my part. The clutch itself was great!) As mentioned before, it uses an organic lining. If acts just like a stock clutch, but has a much greater surface area. Since the DOHC is not known as a torque monster, you should be okay. I'm about to swap a 3.4 DOHC, and will likely use my original Ram clutch, that I still have, if it will work with the F23 that I'm using.
Raydar Thanks for the follow up info. Much appreciated. It looks like the RAM clutch just might do the job. Going to wait for the other members to give me info on the spec stage 3 or 3+. Then I will decide, but good to know the RAM will do just fine.
Originally posted by Raydar: I have one of those bolted to my 4.9. It's only about 220 HP, but it's probably in excess of 300 lb.ft. Works just fine.
My Ram clutch (for the Muncie 4-speed) was definitely slipping with [benchracing] 318 lb*ft. I then detuned the engine to [benchracing] 291 lb*ft, and the slipping was almost all gone, with just a hair of occasional slippage.
The torque capacity might not be identical for all users.
Also, I don't think that I broke-in my Ram clutch properly.
After 12000 km of mixed-use driving (cruising, city, highway, dragstrip), the "Valeo" writing was still visible on the clutch disk friction face. Maybe with a better break-in I would have had better results, but I thought that 12000 km would have been enough.
Originally posted by svocal: what other items should I replace while he is doing doing this? Do I need to replace the Pilot bushing and Release bearing as well?
Fiero transmissions don't use pilot bearings.
The release bearing should be included in the clutch kit, along with the installation tool. This was true of the Ram and the Spec 3+ clutch kits that I received.
PMBrunelle, Thank you very much for your reply and input. Much Appreciated. One more question. Regardless of the clutch kit that i will purchase, do i need to change out the flywheel?
It is customary to either resurface the existing flywheel or to simply replace the one you have (can be purchased beforehand).
Resurfacing the car's flywheel implies more downtime (while the flywheel is off at some resurfacing shop) with the car stuck on a lift; I don't know if that's an issue for the kind of mechanic/shop you intend on dealing with.
If you choose to buy a replacement flywheel, DON'T get one for the 1985 V6 Fiero (for externally balanced crankshafts). Instead, either get a flywheel for your 3.4, or for the 1988 V6 Fiero (neutral flywheels).
The clutch kit, however, should match your transmission.
[This message has been edited by pmbrunelle (edited 09-28-2021).]
Originally posted by pmbrunelle: ...either get a flywheel for your 3.4, or for the 1988 V6 Fiero (neutral flywheels).
This is essentially the same flywheel that was used on any 3.1 FWD manual application. It is not an uncommon piece. They usually are not very expensive.
Yeah... don't use your 85 flywheel. It will be waaaay out of balance.
This is essentially the same flywheel that was used on any 3.1 FWD manual application. It is not an uncommon piece. They usually are not very expensive.
Yeah... don't use your 85 flywheel. It will be waaaay out of balance.
Yes. I purchased a flywheel for a 91 Beretta 3.1 for both my 87's 3.4 and my 86's 3.1 Lumina APV van engines. Got the 86's out of Rock Auto. Made by SACHS. Seems like it was about $50.
Just noticed yours is a DOHC. Mine is an F series 3.4. Don't know if that makes a difference in flywheels, but Raydar indicates they use the same flywheel.
Just noticed yours is a DOHC. Mine is an F series 3.4. Don't know if that makes a difference in flywheels, but Raydar indicates they use the same flywheel.
When the Fiero Factory first started doing 3.4 CamaroBird motors in Fieros, the flywheel of choice was the 3.4 DOHC flywheel. Tells me they are all very similar, if not identical.
