LightweightZ28

iTrader: (2)

Hello all,

I don't post much (guess I should change that <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> )but I thought I would share my Cartek clutch experience with all of you. I bought a Cartek clutch assembly with hydraulics a few months ago on a group purchase. Jason99T/A and I installed it about a month later. I gave the clutch about a 400 mile "break-in" before I beat on it to much. Everything was fine. Clutch grabbed hard and the slight chatter I had at first was gone. About 2 weeks after the install I started experiencing issues with the pedal pressure and clutch engagement/disengagement points. Pedal pressure would vary and my engagement points were moving around in the pedal travel. So I installed a McLeod adjustable M/C hoping that would fix the problem. Nope. Still had the issues. So we next installed a new slave thinking maybe, just maybe I got a defective slave. That still didn't fix the problem. So we thought perhaps maybe as odd as it would be that the Cartek PP was "defective".

So yesterday (Saturday) Jason99T/A and I installed a McLeod PP and a new 145 slave(just to be safe) in the car. Had the McLeod M/C and new slave cylinder vacuum bled to make sure there wasn't any air in the lines. Took about 3 1/2 to 4 hours to do the swap. So far so good. Pedal pressure is good, engagement point is staying in the same spot and the clutch still grabs great. So now my current setup is a Cartek disk, McLeod PP, McLeod adj. M/C, and 145 slave. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

**NOTE**: This is NOT a post meant to be "bashing" the Cartek setup. <img src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" border="0"> I love the the way the disk grabs at the track and its driveability on the street. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> I just didnt have good luck with the rest of the package. This is just meant as some information to those of you that may be experiencing "similar" issues with your setups. <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

Time to hit the track Friday now. <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[Burnout]" />

Jason99T/A, do you have anything to add?? <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0">

BTW- Thanks again Jason. I really appreciate all of your help with these clutch issues. <img src="gr_images/icons/cool.gif" border="0">

[ January 13, 2002: Message edited by: Chad01Z28 ]</p>

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

Yep, this better work. LOL Your tranny has been out of your car TOO many times. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

It is odd that you were having so many problems. The pressure plate didn't look messed up when we pulled it, but you never know. The Mcleod PP we installed was the one I used with my single disk setup and was in great shape. Anyone want a Cartek pressure plate? LOL

I know the clutch is grabbing well. I left two huge marks in front of my house well into 3rd gear. <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0">

3.5-4.0 hours for a clutch install w/ a master cyl swap isn't too bad, especially on jack stands. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> I guess when you have done this many swaps, you get pretty good at it (I think this was the 13th clutch install for me.. I might have lost count though). LOL

[ January 13, 2002: Message edited by: Jason99T/A ]</p>

LightweightZ28

iTrader: (2)

[quote]Originally posted by Jason99T/A:
<strong>

I know the clutch is grabbing well. I left two huge marks in front of my house well into 3rd gear. <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0">

[ January 13, 2002: Message edited by: Jason99T/A ]</strong><hr></blockquote>

LOL..I thought I was the one that left those marks?? <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0">

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

[quote]Originally posted by Chad01Z28:
<strong>

LOL..I thought I was the one that left those marks?? <img src="gr_images/icons/wink.gif" border="0"> <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0"> </strong><hr></blockquote>


LOL... I think everyone left some marks in front of my house. My parents and neighbors must love me. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

LightweightZ28

iTrader: (2)

[quote]Originally posted by Jason99T/A:
<strong>


LOL... I think everyone left some marks in front of my house. My parents and neighbors must love me. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> </strong><hr></blockquote>

LOL...yeah, I bet so. That was also the first time I have heard my car at WOT from the outside. It is louder than I thought it was. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0">

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

ttt

O2BQIK

Thanks for the info guys, I will be getting a new clutch soon and may need to follow your lead w/ the PP <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0">

LightweightZ28

iTrader: (2)

No problem man.

BTW- An update...for the first time since I have had the Cartek clutch in the car, everything is still working great. Pedal feel is awesome, clutch is engaging/disengaging where its suppose to, and the **** seems like its grabbing harder and harder everyday now. I don't know if I am just imagining it grabbing harder of if its because everything is actually working correctly now. I am happy. <img src="gr_grin.gif" border="0"> lol

Jason99T/A

iTrader: (21)

That's great to hear Chad! I know it has been a long time coming. LOL Are you going to the track Friday? If so, you most likely can borrow my 16" nittos. Just call me if you need them.

Casper

Thanks for the good info guys. This sounds exactly like what my Cartek clutch was doing before I put the car away for winter.