CLUTCH NIGHTMARES

Hi all you 5.0ers - I've got a major problem with with 91 LX. The car is completely modded with the best of everything and has an FRPP Boss 363 engine. When the performance shop finished the job, I took her out for test drive and found the clutch way too heavy in effort required. I knew it would seriously detract from me using the car regularly, especially in traffic situations.

So, my shop recommended we switch over to a complete McCleod system, saying the effort would be considerably less. Unfortunately, the effort required was considerably more, getting even heavier as the pedal went closer to the floor. The other issue is that the clutch would fully engage a fraction of an inch off the carpet.

The shop has been going back and forth with McCleod for several months and they have reached this conclusion - the best engagement with be only about 1/2" off the floor, and sorry Charlie, but the effort required is VERY heavy. So where does this leave me. The shop is will to install and completely new clutch system with all attendant accessories at their expense, so at least I won't have to fight that battle. But they want me to select which clutch, which hardware, etc. They're the experts and it's now being thrown on me,

So, any and all members, got any recommendations what I should put in my car now? My requirement haven't changed from what I originally expressed to my shop - lower effort, adjustability in terms of where the clutch takes up, and obviously the ability to handle around 450 RWHP. This has been going on for over a year and I'd really like to drive my car again.

Desperate for answers. Thanks
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Here’s the problem. The McCleod system does not use a cable. It is fully hydraulic including the throw out bearing. People rave about them. But my highly acclaimed speed shop, working with McCleod support can’t seem to get it right. They’ve been messing with this for a year now. You have no idea how frustrating this is…
 
If it were me I would have asked the shop since they are working Mcleod support to have another hydraulic setup sent over to swap in Perhaps the first one is garbage?
 
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That hydraulic setup they sell sucks . There is plenty of bad reviews if you look around .

Maximum MOTORSPORTS full cable setup. Stock Ford fork and new pivot ball . When I had my twin disc McLeod in the car it was lighter then stock . Center force dual friction behaved the same .
 
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There comes a point where modifying everything gets futile
The stock cable and quadrant system is good for a 3000 pound plate
Your excess effort means something is bad wrong if the setup you have is hyd.
I am not familiar with the McCleod hyd system you mention
But if your wife can't drive it... well you are going to not get laid
The above posts all good esp the one about the pivot
Maybe the shop never inspected the pivot?
There are many ways to skin a cat when it comes to clutch pedal excess effort
 
Never mind about the pivot now that I realize it has a hyd slave
Switching concern to the condition of the bearing collar on the trans that the hyd slave slides on
Escorts and Tempos used to have a stainless repair sleeve to fix the gouged out (case half)
On your T5 you can just replace the collar if that is it
If that collar is not the issue replace all the hydraulics again
Leave the clutch itself alone
 
If it were me I would have asked the shop since they are working Mcleod support to have another hydraulic setup sent over to swap in Perhaps the first one is garbage?
From what McCleod is telling the shop, the problems I’m having are characteristic of their system. If that’s the case, why would anyone want it. Sounds like a whole bunch of misinformation and I’m tired of it. Need a Plan B
 
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Never mind about the pivot now that I realize it has a hyd slave
Switching concern to the condition of the bearing collar on the trans that the hyd slave slides on
Escorts and Tempos used to have a stainless repair sleeve to fix the gouged out (case half)
On your T5 you can just replace the collar if that is it
If that collar is not the issue replace all the hydraulics again
Leave the clutch itself alone
Judging from comments here and what I’ve read about McCleod, I should just scrap their whole system and go back to a cable setup. I’m no longer running a T5. Went to a Tremec for more strength and durability. Any opinions on what is the best mechanical clutch and cable quadrant for strength, with low effort and pedal height adjustability?
 
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Stock cable and quadrant is my vote
With a spare quadrant and pedal bushings in your toolbox
Once you get good at it you can change them in a jiffy
Unless you bought a 3000+ lb plate you should have no problem with the stock setup
 
Judging from comments here and what I’ve read about McCleod, I should just scrap their whole system and go back to a cable setup. I’m no longer running a T5. Went to a Tremec for more strength and durability. Any opinions on what is the best mechanical clutch and cable quadrant for strength, with low effort and pedal height adjustability?
Cable is easy and works. I’ve used bbk cables and quadrants, Steeda, Ford racing, etc and they all work fine. Only cable I’ve ever had break is a ford racing one.

Which clutch did they put in from Mcleod? I usually recommend a ram powergrip for cars in the 400-500whp range. They hold up and the pedal is easy, at least when installed correctly.
 
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Hey man. Give Hanlon Motorsports in PA a call. Bob Hanlon will help you get exactly what you need. I only ask that you purchase through them. They are great people and run a great business.

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They'll know exactly what you need to get what you want out of your set up. They provided and upgraded my tko600 and everything for the swap. I couldn't be happier. They've helped dozens of my customers and a few people here as well.

Please don't use them for answers and order elsewhere. They get tons of calls every day with questions.

Let us know how it goes.
 
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Hey man. Give Hanlon Motorsports in PA a call. Bob Hanlon will help you get exactly what you need. I only ask that you purchase through them. They are great people and run a great business.
I also only deal with Hanlon. Excellent people.

Before you pull everything apart, try doing a bottle bleed on the system. It sounds like a poorly bled system, and clutches are notoriously hard to bleed. It sounds like there is air trapped in the line, and when you press the pedal in, it's compressing the air, and not fully disengaging the clutch. Not fully disengaging is why it's engaging fully half an inch off the floor.

I've used the every brand of cable there is. I recommend the BBK one, because it's adjustable on the bottom, and the bracket gives you the most header clearance.

Kurt
 
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Or better yet, drop the money on a Motive Products bleeder. It's not that expensive, and it will be useful the rest of your life. That will guarantee you get every last drop of air out of the system.

Kurt
 
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Judging from comments here and what I’ve read about McCleod, I should just scrap their whole system and go back to a cable setup. I’m no longer running a T5. Went to a Tremec for more strength and durability. Any opinions on what is the best mechanical clutch and cable quadrant for strength, with low effort and pedal height adjustability?
That hydraulic setup they sell sucks . There is plenty of bad reviews if you look around .

Maximum MOTORSPORTS full cable and quadrant setup. Stock Ford fork and new pivot ball . When I had my twin disc McLeod in the car it was lighter then stock . Center force dual friction behaved the same .
I answered this . I had this exact setup with a tko 600 at over 600 to the tire at the time
 
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I love my McLeod hydraulic conversion,It's only been 3 years but at this point I would never go back to a cable system.
I think a lot of bad reviews come down to three things,the ability to follow simple instructions,improper install,and skill level.
 
I love my McLeod hydraulic conversion,It's only been 3 years but at this point I would never go back to a cable system.
I think a lot of bad reviews come down to three things,the ability to follow simple instructions,improper install,and skill level.
What do you suppose his problem is old man river?
I agree it should work well or they would not be selling them
That is why they went hyd in the first place (cables when worn bind and they weigh more than brake fluid)