Clutch/friction plate failure x 2

I just pulled the clutch from my Dino for the third time. once for burning up the clutch when i first got the Dino, I loved to hear the engine sing and cruise slowly while feathering the clutch (won't do that again!!) and twice for a failed pressure plate. The pressure/friction plate has three sets of straps that support the plate to the housing one of the sets has failed each time. ( at times of extreme demand, high RPM shifting ). The manufacturer of the first set was Valeo and the second Borg/Beck ( B/B seemed more substantial). Any experience like this out there. I'm treating the Dino gently compared to what I put my '76 280Z through and never had such issues. Has any one sent the plates out for upgrading? are there race clutch sets for 246's?

Also, even though I pulled the clutch I can't get 2nd gear to release (it was engaded rather vigourously while clutch was on its way out), please someone tell me it is something simple.

Zannos

 

Call Ted Rutland. www.trutland.com

 

correction: www.trutlands.com