The end of my Comptech Power Grip 2

[ub2slw]

Purpose:
Need input to help me decide to rebuild the CTPG2 or install a new clutch (Centerforce/Exeddy/??) with a lighter flywheel into a BBSC track car. This will be an 80-90% tracked car, so retaining “stock-like” pedal pressure, not having chatter, and not having the on/off action is not a primary concern. In fact increased pedal pressure is preferred (to keep the g/f from driving it

Background:
Niello installed my CTPG2 in 11/02...While the car has been in Mark B's hands he has informed me that I'm now at the end of its "expected life." (I don't slip it...okay so I had ONE really bad slip, but I did drive it like it was supposed to be driven BTW: I have about 15-18k miles on the clutch)

Testimony:
For the most part I've been happy with the CTPG2 (other than the fact that I had a lot of trouble getting it into first and reverse on cold mornings, but after taking it up the hill to Comptech (Niello couldn't figure it out) Shad and his crew "fixed" the problem...(had something to do with adjusting a spring...I didn't get specific details, but I don’t think they opened the tranny, so the spring must have been adjusted in the master or slave cylinder) I use the term "fixed" b/c what I've been told is what they did MAY produce additional problems and increased wear on DIFFERENT parts by increasing the travel distance into the bore, etc....(again this was mere speculation, however it has caused some MAJOR concerns, thus my quest for (possibly) a different clutch)

Reasons that would persuade me to swap out the CTPG2: (order of preference)
A lighter flywheel/clutch combo (what’s the MOI and lbs on the CTPG2)
Increased quality/durability/life expectancy
Comparable or reduced replacement/rebuild costs
Not having to worry about what CT did to “fix” the above mention problem

 

[sjs]

I'm sure others here will have opinions on specific options but you might start by speaking with each of the major vendors who frequent this site for their recommendation and then ask for specific testimonials on those.

I'm a bit surprised that you are at the end of "expected life" in so few miles unless that one slip was worth 50k miles. If the CT unit is only good for ~20k driven hard but properly I wouldn't own one. (Assuming it is adequate for the HP of the engine) But I suspect it is generally good for much more.

 

[ncdogdoc]

.........I'm a bit surprised that you are at the end of "expected life" in so few miles unless that one slip was worth 50k miles. If the CT unit is only good for ~20k driven hard but properly I wouldn't own one. (Assuming it is adequate for the HP of the engine) But I suspect it is generally good for much more.

It has been expressed by both vendors and end users on this board that the CTPGII has probably the shortest expected lifespan of any aftermarket clutch. Contact Chris at SOS for his thoughts, as he has run most of the clutches out there, including the PGII.

Having said that, I think the best would be the Tilton triple plate carbon fiber clutch, but what a price for a clutch that probably will last as long as you want to track your car.

 

[ub2slw]

I'm a bit surprised that you are at the end of "expected life" in so few miles unless that one slip was worth 50k miles. If the CT unit is only good for ~20k driven hard but properly I wouldn't own one. (Assuming it is adequate for the HP of the engine) But I suspect it is generally good for much more.

I had only one REALLY bad slip where it revs got in the 6.5-7k range and the car had LITTLE forward movement, i don't know....However MY assesment of my driving habits/style would dictate that I SHOULD expect increased wear through rev matching (which I do ALL the time), but I didn't expect to use the clutch so quickly (I should note that, I've attended 1 track event, I don't drag the car, and the clutch has been in the car with just simple I/E/H (no BBSC)

 

[docjohn]

Don't feel bad my PG-2 clutch lasted ~25k miles before it seezed up on track at the glen last year,So what did I do ,,I got another one.If this lives as short a life I will try something different.I like it though because it is very quiete and easy to use and has a good brand name- Sachs.

 

[ub2slw]

I've been happy with my CTPG2, the lighter flywheel REALLY made a big difference. So....I guess I'd really only change if there was a significantly lighter unit that had better holding capabilities and lasted longer...So far I've seen the comparison chart on SOS and the CTPG2 was the lightest 24.4 (IIRC) but how does the CTPG2 weight compare to a Centerforce with SPEC-1 Flywheel or the Titlon 7.8 flywheel (anyone have MOI #'s for the CT or SPEC-1 Flywheel?)

I was just surprised that even WITHOUT a SC i got 20k out of the clutch (I just called Niello and it was installed 11/08/01 @ 95,015 and I've got < 115,000 on the clock now.) I'm sure that with the addition of the SC it's just going to GO through the clutch/clutches (hmmm, maybe I should change my driving habits.....nawww)

Don't feel bad my PG-2 clutch lasted ~25k miles before it seezed up on track at the glen last year,So what did I do ,,I got another one.If this lives as short a life I will try something different.I like it though because it is very quiete and easy to use and has a good brand name- Sachs.

 

[Yellow Rose]

ub2slw - there is no reason not to use an OEM clutch.....as long as your footwork is not sloppy. I have had an OEM on my NSX several years with no problems at all. Mine is supercharged, transmitting approximately 400 HP from the flywheel to the clutch with not a chatter at all. I have had a rebuilt Centerforce clutch that had a spring malfunction. I will never go rebuilt again. The current clutch has about 40k miles on it. When we had the tranny out a couple of months ago, the clutch looked great. It will easily go another +20k miles.

Mother Honda!

 

[sjs]

Well I'll just hope that the CTPG2 is not as bad as people say since that's what is in my CTSC car. After all, many people seem to think the OEM dual-disk is only good for 30k yet I've put more than that on my '93 since installing the turbos, and it already had 50k+ on it then. Just lucky I guess.

 

[NA1 #2853]

I hope so too, SJS, i bought the CTPG2 because i was offered it brand new for less than the exedy clutch, and i could not pass it up. But then again, 30k is like 4 years of driving for me. hehehe

-Ray

 

[len3.8]

I have the CTPGII as well with the 4:55, I will be sure to look at in in a couple of weeks when I remove it to replace it with a clutch that will sustain higher HP. I will most definitely report the wear that I have on it after about 2500 miles. I like the smoothness of the clutch and the way it engages. I also had a stubborn clutch when it was cold. I had redline as the fluid of choice in the trans. If I let the car warm up I wouldn't have the stubborness. After about 3 mins. It would be ready to go. It was only stubborn after it was cold as in temp, or had been sitting for a long period of time.

 

[WOODY]

i also have the stubborn 1st and reverse with mine. i would be curious what the "spring" fix was as mine will be opened up shortly. will also check ~4000 mile wear