Recommended break-in procedure for new 328 clutch

I would just drive it like normal. We do not baby clutches. Even on our streetcars turning into racecars we just replace clutches then go race them.

 

That clutch was ready to go before you melted it, you should replace it with a Kevlar unit, Ive had mine for 45,000 miles and it still works like new, OEM 3x8 clutches are weak to begin with.

G

 

There is a "proper' way to break in a clutch and there is the "usual" way. The proper way is to do 400-500 miles of "grocery-getter" type of driving. IOW, a lot of stop/go that uses the clutch a lot, not highway driving. Highway driving does essentially nothing to break-in a clutch.

The "usual way" is, install the new clutch, drive it however you drive the car. If that means the first time you use the new clutch is at the drag strip, then that's the break-in!

I'd recommend the first method though I have always done the 2nd. There is no doubt that the first method will provide longer clutch life but I never had any problems with clutch longevity. Admittedly, I was never trying to get 100k miles out of a clutch so I never worried about it much.

FWIW, I routinely run my 328 to redline in 1st to second shifts (and 2nd to third if location/traffic allows). I also do the occasional drag strip start and the clutch has yet to show any sign of distress.

 

Believe it or not, I have never worn out a clutch in my life and this goes back to my first car in 85 (that I still have).

This includes my 308 that I have tracked extensively over the past 26 years.

 

Hello Dave, the clutch was installed in 2003 so I cant recall the exact cost, it was not that expensive or I would have remembered . The clutch feels very close to OEM, but with a more direct / solid feel, and boy do you get ALL THE POWER right to the wheels and the pavement, you will feel the difference for sure. Like I said 45,000 miles and 23 years later with no loss in feel or feedback as of yet, and no slipping. I dont have any issues with the clutch / throttle interplay whatsoever .By the way, I drive with just my socks on for the last 20 years or so.

G

 

Just socks? No tickets for indecent exposure?

Oh, right. It's California.

 

I'm just trying to picture someone driving a 3x8 wearing nothing but socks.

When I was younger, driving barefoot was pretty common in the summer. Now, like nearly everything that was fun, there are laws against it!

 

I have very small feet, ( 7.5 ) and so driving in socks makes the small pedal box area in the 328 feel much more roomier and the feedback and overall feel is great for me .

G