RV8 & T5 clutch options?

[AdamR]

Hi,

I have an RV8 mated to a Borg Warner T5 via a Rover/LR auto bellhousing with adapter plate. This is going in a seven, and although I built the chassis around the V8, I left very little space at the front of the transmission tunnel for clutch gubbins, so ideally I want to avoid the need to squeeze in a slave cylinder.

What have others done for a clutch when mating an RV8 & T5?

My bellhousing (obtained from ebay) is apparently meant to take a cable operated clutch, but that would be rather stiff no?

Perhaps the best solution I've heard of is using a concentric slave cylinder a la Saab - but I've no idea if this has been done with an RV8/T5, or what parts I'd need. Anyone?

Thanks,
Adam

[kev_the_mole]

Adam,

Tilton do hydraulic throw-out bearings (see below) for the T5, available from Jegs or Summit in the US and as for the UK I'm pretty sure the other guys on the forum will have some ideas.

[stevieturbo]

cable or hydraulic will make no difference to the effort required by your foot to operate it.

the only thing that determines that, is cover pressure.

You can ease this, by moving your foot further though. ( ie longer pedal travel will make it feel lighter via more leverage )

Of course, you can only take that so far.

[katanaman]

Sounds like you might have the same conversion as me. If so it takes the standard Sierra Cosworth release arm and bearing. No idea if other Sierra arms and bearings are the same. From memory they look similar but I haven't measured them up against each other.

[seight]

Hi Adam,

I'm using a Saab unit but on a John Eales bellhousing which is made for it. The Saab slave cylinder is not a self contained unit and needs a hydraulic seal against the bellhousing/bearing retainer for it to work so that's a no go for your setup IMO. The fact that everytime I try to bleed mine fluid spews out everywhere and I have to take the engine out AGAIN is just a small problem.

The Tilton looks good - but aren't there 2 different flange diameters of bearing retainer on the T5 ?

AP do a Saab pattern slave that has its own seal but you would have to work out how to attach it to your box/bearing retainer.

Hold on a minute just remembered, last time I look Burton Power did a concentric release for the T5. It's product code APC10 on their website - lot of money though .

regards
Mike

[ian.stewart]

I am fairly sure Dave at RetroFord has made up bolt on conversion for the T5 on the shelf, may depend on what size your support tube is.
http://www.retroford.co.uk/