Working with the clutch fork is Lakewood's adjustable pivot ball, which is designed to allow additional adjustment of the clutch fork height to eliminate clutch release problems when installing a high-performance clutch. The pivot ball fits '79-'02 Mustangs and is recommended for use with Lakewood safety bellhousings.
Ram Automotive
Ram Automotive recently introduced its new street dual-clutch system for the late-model Shelby GT500. Ram used its race technology to bring a combination of friction and static pressure to hold extreme horse-power levels. The unique drive-system design allows precise location of the floater plate, just like in the Pro Stock clutch systems, yet virtually eliminates floater plate rattle. The street dual is capable of holding in excess of 1,000 hp with the base 300-Series discs, and it provides a smooth engagement for low speed cruising.
Ram also offers a host of clutches for Mustangs, ranging from premium replace-ments to serious street systems. Also avail-able is a hydraulic release bearing for Ford applications. The hydraulic bearings are designed for easy installation in applications with limited chassis clearance or when a consistent, lighter pedal effort is desired. The kits include the release bearing, mounting hardware, a replacement bearing collar, and a remote bleeder kit. Two models are available: one for the Ford T-5 transmission and one for the Tremec transmissions with a 1.425-inch-collar diameter.
Spec
Spec offers its Super Twin clutch assembly for street and track use in cars with extreme horsepower and torque. Applications include the new Shelby GT500 as well as 5.0 Mus-tangs, and Spec claims the clutches are built to handle 700-1,500 lb-ft, with near-stock driveability, tremendous life expectancy, a no-shimming/setup bolt-in installation, and maintenance-free operation.
An all-billet construction is designed to keep these units smooth and quiet, and the Super Twin is constructed with aircraft-grade aluminum and high-carbon-billet steel milled to 0.001 inch for perfect balance and actuation. Friction is provided by dampened, full-faced carbon graphite discs, though organic or full metallic options are available. A flywheel and track-spec hardware are included in each kit.
Spec recently released a Low Pedal Requirement (LPR) option for all '01-newer Mustang applications. The company claims its new pressure plate offers the same extreme clamping load as the standard unit, but with a 28 percent lighter pedal-a feel purportedly 5 percent less than the stock pressure plate. The LPR upgrade is available with all seven stages of clutch kits or as the pressure plate alone.
Also new are Spec's stock-appearing aluminum pressure plates, which are designed to allow for quicker revs, more horsepower, and increased engine reliability. They can be used with a variety of friction discs and are available for all Mustang applications.
In addition to clutch assemblies, Spec offers billet-steel and aluminum flywheels, which feature replaceable high-carbon-steel friction plates. The flywheels are rebuildable by Spec or the end user. Each unit is tuned with specific inertia requirements for different driving environments and modification levels.
Zoom Performance Products
Zoom has been making clutches for more than 40 years and offers several different clutches for '86-'08 Mustangs. The company's new ZVT (Zoom Variable Torque) pressure plate utilizes centrifugal force to provide greater clamping capability. Considering Zoom offers this technology for the Ford PowerStroke diesel, you know it has to be able to handle some massive torque. The company also manufactures its own line of lightweight aluminum flywheels.