New Clutch, Flywheel, problem

[TrueCustoms]

Hey guys, I just put in a new Spec Stage 1 cluch and a Spec Aluminum flywheel yesterday. On the way for a test drive, it felt different, which i expected, just getting used to not being on the stock clutch. But i drove it all yesterday and just getting it moving from 1st now lunges and jerks alot from a dead stop, and it shakes when i downshift. It seems the only way i can keep either of these things from happening is by dumping the clutch instead of easing into it. Also last night pulling into my driveway i swear i smelled burnt clutch, but hopefully it was just my imagination or just the clutch breaking in. Does this all sound normal for a new clutch and alum flywheel? or am i in trouble?

 

[Redfire03GT]

Having an aluminum flywheel makes your driving conditions a bit different than stock. You will need to give it a tad bit more gas than before to get the car moving in the same fashion as before the swap. Although you should be able to pick up rev's quicker. As far as a burning clutch, that can depend on a lot of things. You may have to ride the clutch a bit more during acceleration from a stop and on a new clutch, I imagine that will probably cause it to burn a little. I personally wouldn't be too concerned but I would pay close attention to it.

 

[TrueCustoms]

Yeah, on the old clutch and flywheel, i could basically let off the clutch from idle and give it gas to get a smooth roll from a stop, but this clutch/flywheel wants a bit more gas, like around 2000 rpms to get moving without shuddering. But, when i give it more gas, i definately smell clutch burn. I think i will go out and dog it a little today in the name of science, just to see if that helps it break in at all. I assumed i would smell SOME clutch the first day, but i drove it for about 2 hours yesterday and an hour today and still have that burnt clutch smell. I talked to my mechanic and he said "oh, we always recommend all ford parts in fords, we always get problems with aftermarket stuff in ford transmissions" he said that it was normal for aftermarket clutches to chatter and shudder like this. He says this after he tried his hardest to get me to put in a Ford clutch so they could mark me up on prices and i said no and went out and got my own clutch and flywheel. Oh well, im just worried that something was installed wrong and im just letting it go and it could potentially screw up my clutch. That is why i want your opinions.

 

[DerekStangGT]

its the new clutch and flywheel seating themselves together. when i first got my stg II clutch installed, it shuddered VERY badly from a stop. it eventually goes away after a few thousand miles. if it doesnt ever go away, then you have a problem i.e. a warped flywheel. dont worry bout it

 

[DerekStangGT]

uh oh, i just read your last post. DO NOT GO OUT AND DOG THE CAR!!!!!! please give your new clutch at least 500 miles to properly break in. dogging it could be detrimental to it's longevity

 

[5spd GT]

Part is spec doing that during break-in, and part of the "giving it more gas" is due to the aluminum flywheel. I personally wouldn't put an aluminum flywheel on a daily driver.

 

[blackink00]

spec is know for chatter. i hate spec and would never put one in my car

 

[TrueCustoms]

Well, after driving the car all day, i got the hang of givin it more gas and stuff, but i'll take derek's advice and just give it a couple thousand miles. I dont really smell clutch that bad anymore, so maybe it has burnt what it is going to burn. I did notice that it kind of shutters when i am downshifting at lower speeds as well. This the same kind of problem?

 

[DerekStangGT]

Well, after driving the car all day, i got the hang of givin it more gas and stuff, but i'll take derek's advice and just give it a couple thousand miles. I dont really smell clutch that bad anymore, so maybe it has burnt what it is going to burn. I did notice that it kind of shutters when i am downshifting at lower speeds as well. This the same kind of problem?

its all related just give it some time, the spec clutches are pretty strong if installed and adjusted right. it might take a good 3k-5k miles to properly break in. just give it at least 500 miles before you unleash the ponies