In a Clutch
Centerforce offers three new high-performance clutch options for S550s
By Steve Turner
Photos courtesy of Centerforce
The beauty of the original pony car is that it has always embodied the nature of automotive enthusiasm. People not only love the car and what it symbolizes, but they love to customize the car and make it their own. For those of us with a particular lust of speed, that customization most often means more power.
Of course, adding more power often means finding the weak link in the system. Once you start pumping up the power with bolt-ons, power adders, and tuning, the factory clutch might not have enough clamping force to harness all those new ponies. Fortunately, there are several aftermarket solutions available, and Centerforce now has three new clutch options for the latest Mustang GTs.
For warmed-up street cars, Centerforce offers the familiar Dual-Friction clutch, which offers increased clamping force with a light pedal effort. It is available for GTs with stock transmissions (PN DF023500) and those with upgraded transmissions featuring 26-spline input shafts (PN DF148500).
If your Mustang is pushing the envelope of streetable performance, Centerforce offers the multi-disc DYAD clutch. Using more discs to share the load, this design allows the DYAD to corral a lot more performance while still maintaining a modicum of driveability. It is also available for stock (PN 04234805) and upgraded transmissions with 26-spine input shafts (PN 01148500).
“It utilizes Centerforce’s patented multi-disc design: the clutch disc that rides on the transmission’s input shaft is engineered with nubs that drive the second disc. A steel floater plate between the clutch discs helps provide smooth, quiet operation. These features combine to provide a torque-holding capacity of over 1,300 lb-ft at the flywheel, which is included in the kit,†says the company. “The Dyad DS comes fully assembled with premium ARP hardware. Also, each Dyad includes a detailed inspection/test form, giving the owner all the specifications about their new clutch. In summary, the Dyad DS is engineered to handle most high-horsepower scenarios while still maintaining a stock pedal feel.â€
And if you are already set to make the push toward the racetrack, Centerforce offers the SFI-approved DFX single-disc system (PN 01023500, 23-spline; PN 01148500, 26-spline) that features paddle-style discs and aggressive friction materials to harness all your power when you dump the clutch.