• Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech

*VERY* dissapointed with my new FRPP King Cobra clutch

  • Thread starter Thread starter Craig Mack
  • Start date Start date Apr 14, 2004
Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Next
First Prev 2 of 4 Next Last
D

Daves4.6GT

New Member
Sep 17, 2003
163
0
0
Apr 15, 2004
#21
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #21
I had to get an adjuster for my Spec Stage 1, it was slipping a bit, so I did some adjusting and works great now.......Other than that, ive had nothing but good luck with my Spec (knock on wood).......I hear Mcleod makes a good clutch also.......

Dave
 

KaPPaBaLL

New Member
Nov 28, 2003
1,326
0
0
48
BAYAREA
Apr 15, 2004
#22
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #22
one word... McLEOD
 

showngo

New Member
Mar 16, 2004
58
0
0
canada
Apr 15, 2004
#23
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #23
break in new clutch???????????/whoops....

oh well
 
J

JayC

Founding Member
Jul 11, 2000
674
0
17
Southern Indiana
Apr 15, 2004
#24
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #24
BlackBadGT said:
Currently, I have a Ford Racing " Heavy Duty" clutch, or whatever they call it, installed. I bought the clutch kit for like $160, and dropped it and my car off at afriend's place while i went to work. A few hours later I got a cal at work: "dude, this new clutch is exactly the same as the stock one." The " heavy duty" kit had the EXACT SAME part numbers on the clutch disc and pressure plate as the ones that were being replaced (because they sucked!) I was pissed! The King cobra kit uses the same clutch disc, but a "more advanced" pressure plate. So, basically, you and I both upgraded to a stock clutch.
Click to expand...

Someone sold you the wrong clutch......the HD and the KC are not the same and do not have the same part #'s as the OEM clutch. Please stop spreading bad information.
 

StangLou

Active Member
Jul 9, 2003
1,264
0
36
46
Holly Springs, NC
www.geocities.com
Apr 15, 2004
#25
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #25
My Spec Stage II is just a hair tougher than stock to push in . I dont know why a Stage one would be so difficult. Even my g/f has no problems driving it. She test drove an '03 Cobra and almost had to lift herself off the seat to push that clutch in. I guess Im one of the few Spec success stories lol.

 
D

D.K

Founding Member
Jun 17, 2002
1,011
0
36
MD
Apr 15, 2004
#26
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #26
I have nothing but good things to say about my King Cobra clutch. I beat on it leaving the shop after install, and I've been beating on it ever since. It's been through at least 75 passes at the strip, and occasional daily driver duty in the year that I've had it, and it still grips like new. Granted, I'm not pushing insane amounts of power, but the King Cobra handles what my car throws at it just fine.
 

john_324

New Member
Jan 14, 2003
446
1
0
Washington, D.C.
Apr 15, 2004
#27
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #27
D.K said:
I have nothing but good things to say about my King Cobra clutch. I beat on it leaving the shop after install, and I've been beating on it ever since. It's been through at least 75 passes at the strip, and occasional daily driver duty in the year that I've had it, and it still grips like new. Granted, I'm not pushing insane amounts of power, but the King Cobra handles what my car throws at it just fine.
Click to expand...

So the King Cobra fits the 2002 with the 3650 transmission? I had thought it didn't...shows what I know...
 

mrvax

Stay thirsty my friends
Founding Member
Nov 29, 1999
5,225
3
79
SN Moderator: Orlando, Fl.
Apr 15, 2004
#28
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #28
Now let's see. I have 70,000 miles on my stock clutch and it still works fine. I'll probably never have more than 270rwhp. The only "abuse" the clutch ever sees is an occasional 5500-6000 rpm shift.

What is wrong with replacing it with the factory stocker?
 

Snarf

New Member
Dec 24, 2003
237
1
0
46
Lexington, KY
Apr 15, 2004
#29
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #29
Well from my understanding, for a guy in your situation [less than 300HP and easy shifts] the stocker is just fine. But once it wears out why not get a stronger and more resilient clutch that will last you even longer than a stocker for the same price as the stock unit?
 
D

D.K

Founding Member
Jun 17, 2002
1,011
0
36
MD
Apr 15, 2004
#30
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #30
john_324 said:
So the King Cobra fits the 2002 with the 3650 transmission? I had thought it didn't...shows what I know...
Click to expand...

Yup, it fits just fine.
 

Craig Mack

Busted Buffing the Bishop
Founding Member
Mar 9, 2002
801
0
0
Lake Mary, FL
members9.clubphoto.com
Apr 15, 2004
#31
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #31
Ok. I called the shop this morning and told them I was gonna head down there, and they said they'd take a look at it. So as I drove down there, the clutch grabs lower. I figure this is probably just becuase its cold and would start acting up again after it heats up. Well, after letting the engine warm up by driving a few miles, I punch it from a dig in 1st gear. As always, I go about 10 feet forward...but I credit this to the power of my SVT combined with the fast winding 4.10 gears. Anyways, as I shift into second, my entire rear end breaks loose and I go almost completely sideways. I let off the throttle and it twists hard back from the left to the right then straightens out. To make sure this wasnt a fluke, I punched it again from a 1st gear dig on a different road. This time, as I shift into 2nd, the tires just squeeled a bit, but I took off hard. This time I got to shift into third however, and It was weak. It didn't slip, but I felt nothing. No thrust forward when popping the clutch, just a mushy "bleh". So I tried it a couple more times, but this time shifting very slow and around 5500rpm and it held up.

So, I decided to turn off the road and head back home. The clutch didn't slip, and hooked into gear pretty well from first gear. I am still disappointed with the clamping force of this clutch, it is weak. But as long as its not SLIPPING out on me, I guess I will just see how things go. Maybe it got "glazed over" and got to "heal" overnight. I have heard of instances where people's clutches can get glazed over from a little abuse, but can be "healed" by easy driving and become fine. Maybe it had to go through a few heat cycles and sit overnight?

Whatever the case may be, the clutch is in "ok" operating order, and being that I cannot afford a new clutch I guess that's what I will have to accept. I'll have to watch my driving manners and realize that I can't really beat up on this clutch. Hopefully it will start clamping better, being that it only has ~1100 miles on it. I know that it has softened up significantly since when I first romped on it which doesn't make me feel good.

Anyways, keep posting your experiences with this clutch, and let me know. My next clutch will be at least a Spec stage II; I cant stand these soft, weak engagements.
 
B

blown01vert

New Member
Apr 14, 2004
1
0
0
Apr 15, 2004
#32
  • Apr 15, 2004
  • #32
craig, i don't know what to tell you other than stop being dumb with the clutch. if you think it is going out based on something they may have done then DO NOT get on it like that. also if you blow that clutch up with only 270rwhp range,stock tranny and just 4:10 gears then something is wrong with your driving habits. i mean you have to just be beating the hell out of it for it to go out so soon. if you kill this one then do all of the following:

1. spend real money for a clutch that is rated over 500hp (yes its going to chatter at first if not its whole life and grab hard as hell. and yes it may have stiff pedal effort)
2. buy all new flywheel, you can go with cheap nodular in your case.
3. have a FORD dealership with a mechanic that has much experience or PERFORMACE shop that does TONS of clutches.
3. use the WHOLE steeda adj kit i got you. not just some of it!
4. do GOOD break in time of 1000 miles driven in city conditions, don't leave ANYTHING to chance, let it get seated good.
5. vary your rpms at first 3000, then 4000, then 5000, then 6000 and only 7k when you get good miles on it.
6. yes you can take the rpms high but actually STOP for a second between gears and let clutch out SLOWLY.
7. no dumping of the clutch on street or strip for that time period.
8. if you have done all of this and you have a non faulty clutch you should enjoy it for a LONG time ,esp only having that little hp behind it.

one more thing, remember that your car isnt a drag car so be smart if you decide to use slicks PLEASE!
 

BlackBadGT

New Member
Apr 20, 2003
323
0
0
43
Pickerington, Ohio
Apr 17, 2004
#33
  • Apr 17, 2004
  • #33
JayC said:
Someone sold you the wrong clutch......the HD and the KC are not the same and do not have the same part #'s as the OEM clutch. Please stop spreading bad information.
Click to expand...
Bad info??? Unless some clutch bandit crawled under my car and changed the stock clutch one night while I was sleeping, they're the same part. From my reading, the KC uses the same disc, but a different pressure plate designed to reduce pedel effort (personally, I like a little pressure). The box I purchased said "Heavy Duty" and "Ford Racing" on the box. The part numbers on the pressure plate and on the disc were the same. I bought the clutch kit from Jeg's, so it's not like i bought it off some guy 2nd hand that thought he might have a HD clutch. Bad info? This is first hand information not something I heard from a friend of a friend.
 

twogts4us

15 Year Member
Apr 1, 2004
4,188
12
79
60
Dunedin, FL
Apr 18, 2004
#34
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #34
Craig Mack said:
Pedal effort is SIGNIFICANTLY lighter on the King Cobra versus the spec. Keep in mind I didnt have the Steeda Adjustable Quad with the Spec though, don't know if that makes a difference.

The friend who got me my deal on my King Cobra has ran two of them, and has had no problems with them, and thinks its an adjustment issue.

I am going to call my shop first thing when I wake up tommorow and let you guys know how things go, and give everyone an update.
Click to expand...

Agreed! My wife's 01 had the Spec 2...pedal effort was killer for daily driving. King Cobra is in there now and is just slightly heavier than stock. Also has Steeda (red) steep ramp, quick release quad, adj cable and firewall adjuster.
 

rcn4him

New Member
Feb 4, 2003
153
0
0
Milwaukee
www.advancedroof.com
Apr 18, 2004
#35
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #35
Who in the world would want to wait 500-1000 miles to break in a clutch??

I've done many clutch jobs with differrent brands on different street & race cars, How can you put 500-1000 miles on a drag car before you go racing?
At that rate my 21/2 year old 02GT with 4k miles on it, It would take 6 months to break in

If the jobs done right thier should be no further problems! By the way, back in 1987 I had a 85GT with 95K miles on her before I had to change the clutch, with many dragstrip passes thrown in
 
J

JayC

Founding Member
Jul 11, 2000
674
0
17
Southern Indiana
Apr 18, 2004
#36
  • Apr 18, 2004
  • #36
BlackBadGT said:
Bad info??? Unless some clutch bandit crawled under my car and changed the stock clutch one night while I was sleeping, they're the same part. From my reading, the KC uses the same disc, but a different pressure plate designed to reduce pedel effort (personally, I like a little pressure). The box I purchased said "Heavy Duty" and "Ford Racing" on the box. The part numbers on the pressure plate and on the disc were the same. I bought the clutch kit from Jeg's, so it's not like i bought it off some guy 2nd hand that thought he might have a HD clutch. Bad info? This is first hand information not something I heard from a friend of a friend.
Click to expand...

As you said yourself the HD is a FRPP product as is the KC ........so please tell me how a FRPP product has the same part # as a OEM Ford part? Some FRPP parts are in fact OEM Fprd parts but they DO NOT have the same part #

Jay
 

BlackBadGT

New Member
Apr 20, 2003
323
0
0
43
Pickerington, Ohio
Apr 19, 2004
#37
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #37
JayC said:
As you said yourself the HD is a FRPP product as is the KC ........so please tell me how a FRPP product has the same part # as a OEM Ford part? Some FRPP parts are in fact OEM Fprd parts but they DO NOT have the same part #

Jay
Click to expand...
You're kidding , right? Ford Racing Performance Products -vs- OEM Ford parts. They're made by the same company with a different label on the box! The HD clutch may very be an upgraded clutch for a T-5 or previous generation mustang, but it is the exact same part number that came out of my car. What are you missing here? Where are you getting your information, because I got mine directly from the numbers that were printed on the clutch and pressure plate. In this case, it looks like the HD clutch is indeed a repackaged OEM product so why would they put a different part number on the same exact part? For THE LAST TIME, I saw the stock clutch and the "HD" clutch side by side and the stock pressure plate and "HD" pressure plate side by side. I read the part numbers, and they are the same. I Have this clutch in my car. I didn't have the time or patience to take it back to the store, so that is what went it, in the hopes that the stock clutch was just defective. I went about 750 miles before i had some fun with the car, and believe me, waiting that hard was tough, especially since L/T's went on at the same time.

My purpose with posting this (and arguing w/you!) is so that someone else who is considering a KC or HD clutch will reconsider and not make the same mistake I did. Bottom line, you're wrong. Please quit posting incorrect information before someone looking for reccomendations for an upgraded clutch see this and gets confused.
 

YardSpecial

New Member
Mar 20, 2003
2,664
0
0
MT
Apr 19, 2004
#38
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #38
U gain more AIR GAP every time U resurface a flywheel.

If you go thru clutchs, somthing is WRONG with the install. I have insane miles with the STOCk clutch with 200hp&270TQ at the wheels.

Clutchs just don't slip, adjustment, oil or to much air gap is the cause.

Steeda clutch cables are junk. (streach and break)

Maxuim Motorsports just came out with a kit.

http://www.maximummotorsports.com/cq.asp#cables
 
J

JayC

Founding Member
Jul 11, 2000
674
0
17
Southern Indiana
Apr 19, 2004
#39
  • Apr 19, 2004
  • #39
BlackBadGT said:
You're kidding , right? Ford Racing Performance Products -vs- OEM Ford parts. They're made by the same company with a different label on the box! The HD clutch may very be an upgraded clutch for a T-5 or previous generation mustang, but it is the exact same part number that came out of my car. What are you missing here? Where are you getting your information, because I got mine directly from the numbers that were printed on the clutch and pressure plate. In this case, it looks like the HD clutch is indeed a repackaged OEM product so why would they put a different part number on the same exact part? For THE LAST TIME, I saw the stock clutch and the "HD" clutch side by side and the stock pressure plate and "HD" pressure plate side by side. I read the part numbers, and they are the same. I Have this clutch in my car. I didn't have the time or patience to take it back to the store, so that is what went it, in the hopes that the stock clutch was just defective. I went about 750 miles before i had some fun with the car, and believe me, waiting that hard was tough, especially since L/T's went on at the same time.

My purpose with posting this (and arguing w/you!) is so that someone else who is considering a KC or HD clutch will reconsider and not make the same mistake I did. Bottom line, you're wrong. Please quit posting incorrect information before someone looking for reccomendations for an upgraded clutch see this and gets confused.
Click to expand...

If your clutch is exactly "like" a OEM Ford clutch.......then it is not a FRPP clutch.......someone sold you a OEM clutch. I had my OEM clutch and my KC on a bench side by side, they did not look "like" each other. I'm amazed that you have the ability to "look" at parts and tell they are exactly alike.......you must be "special" or something. Im done dealing with dumbasses

Jay
 

BlackBadGT

New Member
Apr 20, 2003
323
0
0
43
Pickerington, Ohio
Apr 20, 2004
#40
  • Apr 20, 2004
  • #40
JayC said:
If your clutch is exactly "like" a OEM Ford clutch.......then it is not a FRPP clutch.......someone sold you a OEM clutch. I had my OEM clutch and my KC on a bench side by side, they did not look "like" each other. I'm amazed that you have the ability to "look" at parts and tell they are exactly alike.......you must be "special" or something. Im done dealing with dumbasses

Jay
Click to expand...

Reading. Comprehension.
 
Prev
  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • 4
Next
First Prev 2 of 4 Next Last
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

T
Mcleod Hydraulic Clutch
  • TheJay806
  • Apr 11, 2025
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
2
Views
312
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Apr 11, 2025
limp
K
TKX Transmission Shifting Problem
  • KWC156
  • Jun 23, 2025
  • Other Auto Tech
  • 2
Replies
21
Views
3K
Other Auto Tech Jun 13, 2026
427nostang
4
New Member with a 1992
  • Clutchfork
  • Oct 18, 2025
  • The Welcome Wagon
Replies
5
Views
309
The Welcome Wagon Oct 19, 2025
Clutchfork
B
Where to go from here on my build…
  • B0udreaux
  • Jul 14, 2026
  • 1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk-
Replies
8
Views
225
1979 - 1995 (Fox, SN95.0, & 2.3L) -General/Talk- Jul 18, 2026
AeroCoupe
H
Heavy clutch- normal?
  • helpiamaparrot
  • Feb 10, 2023
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Replies
5
Views
4K
SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech Mar 4, 2023
Deleted member 38176
D
Share:
Bluesky Email Share Link
  • Mustang Forums
  • 1996 - 2004 SN95 Mustang -General/Talk-
  • SN95 4.6L Mustang Tech
Menu
Log in

Register

  • Forums
  • What's new
  • Media
  • Resources
  • Contact
  • Sponsor
X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?

X

Privacy & Transparency

We use cookies and similar technologies for the following purposes:

  • Personalized ads and content
  • Content measurement and audience insights

Do you accept cookies and these technologies?