Clutch Kit Assembly

[JC]

I've just been looking at 9.5" Clutch kits for my SII etype OTS. There seem to be two on offer at places like SNGB, Martn R and Manners - Borg & Beck and PowerTune. I've heard of B&B, but not Powertune! (that are cheaper!)

Has anyone have any experience of Powertune clutches, or even better, able to compare the two?

Are there any other makes that I should be looking at?

Are there any alternative super-competitive established suppliers I should be looking at?

P.S. Can I share a great moment of happiness - the old release bearing split into many pieces when I inspected it!! It's always satifying to know that there really was a clutch fault, and not an hydraulic fault!!!

[abowie]

We've used many of the B&B units from SNGB over the years, and have had no problems with them.

I've never heard of Powertune. While they might be really good, having to replace a clutch on an E type is a lot of work, and a job best only done once.

I'd stick with the B&B.

EDIT. I note with interest that SNGB now offer a kit with a roller thrust bearing, rather than the traditional carbon bearing. Given that it is almost always the thrust bearing that wears out first in an E Type, I wonder whether this might be a better choice.

Caveat: I have no personal experience with the roller bearing units.

[Doug Buchan]

"EDIT. I note with interest that SNGB now offer a kit with a roller thrust bearing, rather than the traditional carbon bearing. Given that it is almost always the thrust bearing that wears out first in an E Type, I wonder whether this might be a better choice. "

Hello Andrew,

Would you know the part# by chance?
I can't seem to find it....

Regards,
Doug

[mgcjag]

I would beware useing roller release bearing........one restorer i know of stopped useing them due to failures....Steve

[steve3.8]

the old release bearing split into many pieces when I inspected it!! It's always satifying to know that there really was a clutch fault, and not an hydraulic fault!!!

A bit more to help make a decision !
I would check the slave action/free play out carefully when rebuilding ,as a the thrust bearing breaking up can be the result of it constantly riding on the pressure pad .
Powertune are a budget brand , universal joints are another budget line they trade in - i would'nt choose their clutch over a Borg & Beck.
The currently supplied Borg & Beck [ below]recently had a redesign , it now resembles the original Lockheed item--it's a quality item ---bought from Robey's.

[abowie]

https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#/UK ... aa601e215a is the "uprated" kit with the roller bearing.

https://www.sngbarratt.com/English/#/UK ... 4c73604d9e is, I think, just the roller bearing although it's not explicitly stated.

As I said above I've never used one and Steve says they fail. Nevertheless all modern cars use bearings rather than carbon, and the carbon ones both fail and wear prematurely.

[mgcjag]

The typical roller bearing in "modern" cars moves in one plane foreward/backwards.....the E type uses a clutch fork which moves the release bearing in an arc.....this is part of the problem. ....Steve

[JC]

Thank you all.... B&B, with traditional release bearing it is..

Cheers, John C