Want to improve Clutch.... opinions please

[higbonzo]

I have plans to replace all my clutch components with Barnet parts.  I have the part lined up but I have not purchased them as of yet.  I plan to use Barnett steel plates, friction plates (Kevlar) and SR2 spring upgrade kit.  The complete package will run around $270. and I plan to install it myself.

I would like any input on this set up, or something comparable with the same quality and reliability.  I plan to run the bike at the drag strip some time in the future, but over all I am fairly easy on the bike except the occasional wheelies, and running it hard from second through forth gear.  Ok, and hard all the way through first and seconds.  But, not everytime I am out.  Plus I do a lot of two up riding, and my wife enjoys running through the gears as well.

Also, I have used the Barnett system in the past but not on this engine.  Are there any tricks, or stumbling blocks, I should be aware of when working on the clutch system.  I have the original repair manual and it seems pretty straight forward, but you know how that goes.

Anyways,  Thanks for your time.

Later, Phil

[Yamifj1200]

Phil,
  I would strongly suggest using the stock frictions and remove the inner most small stock friction and replace it with a full size stock friction. The kevlar frictions and spring kit turn the clutch into a light swith full on or full off. Most here who have tried the Barnett kit end up going back to the stock parts and add an additional stock spring. If its good enough for the legends guys its enough to launch your fj.. and its less expensive at the same time...dont forget to soak your new frictions prior to intalling them....
Hope this helps....

Eric M

[andyb]

Run a Barnett coil spring conversion kit ($150ish) and OEM friction/steels.

Unless you're dragracing with a pretty wild combination, that'll withstand about anything short of a lockup.

Though if you're going to be a bit nuts, I think Orient Express still has the single stage lockup parts for FJ's...


You could go with a second diaphram spring also, but it's really not the ideal solution.

(Eric, remember that a legends racer uses the clutch in a very different way than a drag racer or street rider does, and probably is significantly easier on it overall.)

[higbonzo]

It is the SR-1 spring kit and not the SR-2 that Barnett carries for the FJ's,  My mistake.  I can get it at this site for $130, as well as at the local dealer   http://www.phatperformanceparts.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=511-90-10001&Search.x=17&Search.y=12

They have them on E-bay, but they seem way overpriced ($170).

Anyways, I would like more opinions' if you have them.  I have an extra clutch setup, but not sure about running the Dual Diaphragm set up.  But, I am all ears at this point.

Later.......

[pdxfj]

You can smooth out the on/off effect of putting either the APE or Barnett coil spring conversion kit in by changing the clutch master and installing a braided clutch line.

Tim Mintz has I *think* a VFR clutch master on his with the coil spring conversion and it's a hundred times more smooth than any stock setup.

You can also use the FJR master Cyl.

[racerrad8]

I have several used aftermarket coil spring pressure plate units that I have removed from customers Legends cars and converted back to stock double spring units.

Shoot me an email @ rpm@swaybar.com

Randy - RPM

[andyb]

I think Mister RPM is a god amonst men for knowing his FJ stuff.

That being said, I've ran both a barnett coil conversion and a double diaphram spring setup on my FJ as a street/strip bike.  

The coil conversion is the way to go, unquestionably.  Unless you're fielding a massive HP machine, then you may want a diaphram setup, though you can actually swap springs to tune the conversion (!).  My opinion is that the coil spring setup is far superior to the OEM setup as well as the double OEM setup, and at the point where it's no longer viable as an option the only real choice left is a lockup (probably an issue well past what most mortals will take an FJ, turbo owners will go there...)

If randy would let his "junk" stuff (junk for a legends car, at least!) go for $70, I'd jump all over it.  I'd also bitch and moan that I spent an extra $50 because I didn't know that he had them and bought new...


(Question, anyone know if the coil setup for an FJ fits a 85-07ish Vmax?)