TheSamba.com :: View topic

Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:11 am

Hi I'm new here and was hoping to get some advice regarding clutch systems for performance engines. I am considering a daily driver 2017cc and do alot of driving in the city. Was told a clutch system for a performance engine is heavy and not suitable for any city driving. Is this true?

I run a stock 1200cc and the light clutch helps alot in the daily peak hour traffic jam. I want to know if there is a significant difference between a Kennedy Stage 1 and my current clutch system?

Thanks so much.

------------------------------------
1966 VW 1200
*Fire is a good servant but a bad master ](*,)

Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:29 am

You should have no problem with a Kennedy Stage 1 (1700 lb.) pressure plate. :)

Wed Jul 01, 2009 10:53 am

Stage 1 is cake on a daily driver. I had one for years of driving on Long Island.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 12:57 pm

I run a Stage 1 pressure palte and a stock disc w/ my 2007cc. It is noticeably stiffer, but not un-bearable.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 1:29 pm

Stage 1 diaphram cluch pressure plate is easy on your left foot.

Wed Jul 01, 2009 11:01 pm

Mint Jams wrote: ... Was told a clutch system for a performance engine is heavy and not suitable for any city driving. Is this true?

I want to know if there is a significant difference between a Kennedy Stage 1 and my current clutch system?

There is a significant difference between Kennedy Stage 1 and a stock 1200 clutch. It takes quite a bit more pedal effort for the Stage 1.
There is a cure here:

http://www.thesamba.com/vw/classifieds/detail.php?id=801962

Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:00 am

I have a kennedy stage 1 and a 4 puck clutch. How much hp can a stock disk handle. I want to go back to a better engaging clutch.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:01 am

spyvsspy wrote: I have a kennedy stage 1 and a 4 puck clutch. How much hp can a stock disk handle. I want to go back to a better engaging clutch.
Get a ACE Copperhead. Very drivable and hooks like a MF. The hotter it gets the better it hooks.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:36 am

Thank you for taking the time and contributing here.

The only reason holding me back from building a large engine (2017cc - CPR) is the heavy clutch on my daily driver.

Thanks a lot Bruce for the lead. I'll surely be getting those getting long clutch arms if i decide to go ahead with the engine.

Glenn, did you mean that using a ACE Copperhead with stock is an alternative to the stage 1?

Cheers!

------------------------------------
1966 VW 1200
*Fire is a good servant but a bad master

Thu Jul 02, 2009 5:53 am

With... that's what i'm running with a 2180.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:17 am

I don't know where the misconceptions come from:I'm running a Stage III and turbo disc from ACE on a stock pedal set-up.My lady friend can drive the car no sweat.Maybe you guys should walk a little farther than the fridge.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:23 am

Can we compare the ACE Copperhead to the Pro Grip Clutch Disc? Claimed that pro grip has unique surface that has space age thermo-dynamic lining for high horsepower demands, and yet has the feel of a stock disc.

Am I comparing apples to apples?

Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:34 am

i've been running a kennedy stage 1 (1700) for years and driving it to work for years, too in traffic. the clucth pedel feels the same as a stock clutch.

My wife has driven it plent yo of times with no problems with left leg fatique...

I agree.. maybe you should try to walk a little big more to build up some strength in your legs..

Thu Jul 02, 2009 6:54 am

I love ya all! It's just so hilarious getting different views. I was a little worried about the left leg especially here in the city where traffic lights are installed every 100m, or less. .... BUT ...... with the kind of support and encouragement received from this thread, I've made up my mind. I'M GOING FOR IT GUYS!!!!! I'm getting my first big motor (2017cc). Plan to get it from Anibal Chico of CPR. Any other recommendations if he's not one of the best builders already .....

------------------------------------
1966 VW 1200
*Fire is a good servant but a bad master

Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:00 am

I've worked on a few CPR engines and they are nice. but I had Art Thraen of http://www.aircooledengineering.com/ build my 2180 and its the best engine i've ever had.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 7:55 am

Thank you Glenn. Just sent him an email with my enquiries. :D

[/b]

Thu Jul 02, 2009 12:33 pm

back in the early 90s I could not afford the KEP stage I so I used a stock 68-71 bus clutch which was rated at 1700 (9 spring) for 1/2 the price and was an OEM part. I still run one in a mild 1915 that still hooks up in a heavy bus and has light pedal feel.

I wanted to buy a new one but every place I go tries to sell me a regular bug clutch (6 spring or diaphram type) Does anyone know where to get a real 1700lb bus clutch??

Thu Jul 02, 2009 2:53 pm

I run a stage 1 on my 1776 daily. Not much difference but I also squat 440 for 8 reps.
Yet I do feel the difference. You might eat a cable every year or two if you drive it everyday so just toss an extra in your Glovebox.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:00 pm

HERC wrote: I run a stage 1 on my 1776 daily. Not much difference but I also squat 440 for 8 reps.
Yet I do feel the difference. You might eat a cable every year or two if you drive it everyday so just toss an extra in your Glovebox.
...and the hooks on the clutch pedal as well.

Thu Jul 02, 2009 3:03 pm

Yep.. 8)