Build Thread Want To Blow 5 Years And $50k On A Foxbody? Step By Step Instructions Inside!

You're definitely right about that. I still want the clutch to hold on the dyno though.

Now that I think about it, I never broke the clutch in. It was literally brand new the first time it went on the dyno a few months ago. There was clutch dust all over the car after that dyno session and I just figured that was from the clutch breaking in on the dyno. Maybe that was not a good thing and the clutch was doomed from the beginning. I guess I'll know when I drop the trans.

Dropped the transmission today and pulled the clutch out. When I unbolted the trans from the bellhousing I saw oil weeping down the face of the bellhousing. Not purple transmission oil, not motor oil, but an oil that didn't really smell like anything.

I get the trans out of the way and start poking around the bellhousing with a flashlight. Staring me in the face is a TOB that is soaked in its own grease. The bellhousing comes off and the inside is sparkling with clutch material. I wipe a rag around the inside of the bellhousing and it's slightly wet with a mix of oil and clutch dust.

I start taking apart the clutch and the pressure plate has a nice film of oil around the inside lip. It also has a beautiful collection of hot spots. The floating plate looks just as colorful.

Here are some pictures of everything.












It's my understanding that the TOB is meant for constant velocity, so there should be some preload on the fingers of the pressure plate. I think my issue is that there wasn't enough preload and the TOB was barely coming in contact with the fingers, which created excessive heat turning the grease into oil that scattered all over everything. Not good, as you can see.

The transmission is fine. No issues there. In going to call clutch dynamics this week and see what I can salvage. I'm sure the clutch discs are wall ornaments at this point, but hopefully the pressure plate, floater, and flywheel can be turned and used again. I'm also going to be swapping in a T56 Magnum over the winter, so the modified TKO will be up for grabs. Tell yo friends! It's purdy.

89oem said:

Love my T56 magnum, wide ratio with 4.10 are perfect for the street! I was nervous about the 4.10's but turns out its an awesome ratio 2.97 1st and .50 6th. Super fun and not too much shifting in town if you know what I mean - and perfect on the highway

American Powertrain will also custom mix and match gears between the narrow 2.66 and wide 2.97 if you desire too. (I stayed with stock wide ratio)

In case you havent seen it, Gear Ratio Calculator

Sorry about the TOB, hopefully its just surface glazing and you're be able to just turn em ...

Click to expand...

Glad you like yours. I haven't talked to anyone that doesn't love it.

I actually already bought a 2.66 ratio trans. Because of my 3.27 rear end gears, I was going back and forth between wide and close ratios, but it seems many of the turbo guys prefer the short ratio even with the tall rear gears. If I dragged the car, I probably would have opted for the 2.97, but on the street I think I'll like the taller first gear. With the 3.27 first in the TKO 500 now, first gear is useless as soon as the boost comes on.