wes8398

iTrader: (2)

Just had an F1 "stage 1" ls7 clutch from "Gripforce" (eBay) installed, and they suggest a 500 mile city-driving break-in period where revs are kept under 4k, no launches, and basically just no fun. Is this necessary in your opinions? Any other advice about breaking in a new clutch?

Bio248

breaking in a clutch is necessary, yes.

breaking in a motor will start a hot debate about driving it easy versus seating the rings properly by beating on it.

Fweasel

iTrader: (6)

Yes, it's necessary, at least with an organic based disc anyways. Abuse or glaze a clutch before its broken in, you'll forever reduce its clamping capacity.

lollygagger8

iTrader: (7)

Just suck it up and go thru the 500 mile break in period. I'm going through mine right now. Sure it sucks, but it'll be glorious when I get to finally rip on it.

City miles allow the the clutch to temper the materials since it's getting cooled off, and heated up repeatedly. Highway miles don't count.

wes8398

iTrader: (2)

Thanks for the reassurances, guys. I usually err on the side of caution, and this will be no different. So highway miles don't count, but do they hurt? I don't have any thousand mile road trips planned too soon, but there will inevitably be some highway driving done. Also, what are some of the less obvious things I need to stay away from while driving it for this first 500 miles? Is downshifting/rev matching ok?

bmylez

iTrader: (3)

Highway miles don't hurt...low revs and no slipping. Don't rev match.

Fweasel

iTrader: (6)

No slipping is the key. If you're making stock power, the clutch has plenty of hold and once you're in gear, you should be fine to rev as high as you want. Highway miles don't hurt, but they don't count because the clutch isn't being engaged/disengaged.

IMO, Rev matching won't hurt, but in theory, will lengthen the break-in period because you're matching speed between the engine and drive line which takes away some of the friction the clutch would see in normal driving.