single disc or dual disc??? ARGH!!

ok, I have wasted hours searching and reading... but I cannot find a straight answer ANYWHERE on this!
I pulled off my inspection plate today, and cant see the clutch disc(s) at all, I wanna know what ive got without pulling the whole pumpkin out!

Does ANYONE know absolutely at what point they changed the 348 to a single disc clutch?? All I ever read is "early this" and "late that"!
Here's what ive got...
1991 348ts (US Version)
VIN: 90474
Build #: 07222 (May 1991)
Engine #: 27585

Can anyone tell me with absolute certainty which type of clutch I have?? Maybe someone has a car born about the same time that knows which clutch disc thiers has?? anything? anyone?!?!

 

The double plate-clutch was changed in favor of the single-plate clutch at the factory on 10/10/91.

 

BUT - Some earlier cars have single disc clutches. My 1990 ts (built 12/90) has a single disc clutch. Did it come that way from the factory? I don't know. But you can't go from dual disc to single disc without replacing the flywheel as well. The Owners Handbook for the 1990 348 USA version says it has a dual disc clutch.

 

To compound the confusion.... many early twin disc cars have been upgraded to a single disc system (flywheel, clutch, bolts) in order to make future clutch changes more economical.

The dual disc units are actually pretty stout. I changed mine after 30k miles (of me driving the car), and it probably still had 20% left. I swapped it because I was in the midst of 32 valves, new transmission, etc. etc. What's another few thousand bucks once you're a shriveled mass of weeping jelly looking at the shop's punch list ?

 

I have a 94 spider and its single plate (UK)

I've been told that the later cars were all changed to single - although don't quote me on that!

 

When the plate is off (plate with the mesh style holes in it) take a pen light look look towards the rear of the "pumpkin" first, you should be able to identify the flywheel. The flywheel is the furthest part from the engine. When you see the flywheel profile, moving forward, next you will see the clutch disc. looks like a "sandwich", two fiber friction parts with a marcel inbetween, moving forward you will see the steel floater plate, then another disc "sandwitch", then the clutch cover. Now the clutch assembly for dual disc is housed in a cage like assembly. Maybe your not seeing the parts because you need to turn the clutch a little to get into one of the "window" open areas.
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I'm sure thats an easy call when you know what you're looking at, my experience with clutches is limited to the traditional front engine/rear drive clutch system. I can see the ring gear obviously and what "looks" like a pressure plate mounted too it, I cant see anything more toward the flywheel... I guess i'll try to crank the engine over a bit to see if any "windows" open up that allow me to see further back.

 

My car is a 12/91 and has the twin plate setup.

 

Can I ask why you need to know this so urgently? If clutch has gone it needs pulling, if it hasn't enjoy regardless!

 

Steve - I'm sure you've already looked and its a stupid point but, just in case, has any clutch work already been done on your car? Can you check service records for a clue?

 

I want to know how to budget for it since the 2 types have significantly different costs, and I would like to order the CORRECT parts before I take it apart, to reduce down time. I'm kindof anal about being prepared and doing my prep research based on facts rather than assumptions.

Yea, I looked, but it doesnt specify what type of disc it has/had, just that it was R&R'd. There is also a vague mention of a modification, but I believe that was the flywheel (dampening function removed).

 

If you want to cut costs, then pull your clutch early (instead of letting it wear out 100%) and have it relined for less than $100.

 

Can FNA or FOC help? Seems like they should be able to pull all kinds of info. Also, who did the work you referenced? Can you call them?

 

I would normally do that, but I do know that the disc(s) in there were relined last time the clutch was done... I just dont feel comfortable using the same clutch more than twice. My records indicate that the clutch has only been done once in the 69,000 miles I just rolled over too. I think thats enough abuse for one clutch, and likely the 17-year-old clutch that came in the car from the factory.

I'm actually now hoping I do have the dual disc, a fellow f-chatter has offered to hook me up with a sweet deal on all the parts, with kevlar discs!

 

Gotcha! I understand. Keep us informed on your upgrade!

 

Hi Guys,

I'm a new owner of a 1990 348 TS. It's my first Ferrari, and I'm learning as much as I can about it.

It has a twin disc clutch. However, just as an exercise, and hypothetically speaking, if I chose to do a single disc clutch conversion, what parts would I need?

Thanks!

 

you need a single plate flywheel and your sorted as far as I know.

 

My serial # is 90490 and mine is a dual disc clutch if that answers your ?.

 

And therein lies the problem. Try finding one! They are like the lost city of Atlantis.

 

Daniel,

Why is that? Any idea?

Mike in Kuwait

 

Dude, I have no freakin' idea. I would have expected the dual disc stuff to become extinct first, because it's basically older. I guess they'll come back on-line eventually, once Ferrari ramps up for remanufacture.

I know of one particular flywheel that is so outrageously priced that Hill Engineering in the final design stages of their version. It'll probably be 100x better too, if I know Paul. (no, it's not 348)

 

seen the odd one second hand, but not good condition for the price asked. Would be tempted if one did come up as it makes new clutches so much cheaper.

 

If I saw one on the net for sale, do you guys have any pointers on how to tell between a single disc flywheel and a twin disc flywheel?

 

Look much the same i think, part no you need is 146572. http://www.eurospares.co.uk/searchResult.asp?M=&Mo=&A=&B=&S=146572
single plate 146407 or even go for the 159129 as well.

 

"To order" on Eurospares means they don't have it in stock.