Volumex Clutch advise

[RickyJ]

The clutch on my VX has decided to start slipping - The real pain is that in 2 weeks I'm planning to take it on the 800 mile round trip to Le Mans. I've tentatively booked it in to have the thing replaced but not sure what my options are for a replacement - I've read previous posts stating that an 8v Thema Turbo Plate will fit but not sure if the cover and release bearing are the same? I'll confess to knowing nothing about clutches so not sure if I can just replace the plate or if you have to do the bearing/cover as well??

Ideally I'd like something able to handle a bit more power than the standard item - The car has had a DCNF bolted on but eventually I'll be going the DCOE route so would like something able to cope with future upgrades. The only info I've found is that the VX uses a 230mm diameter plate - Any suggestions welcomed!!

[chrisc]

When I enquired about using the 8v Integrale clutch in my VX I was told that the release bearing was different but other than that it was a straight swap. I'll be interested in what you find out as my VX will be getting a new clutch as part of its restoration which is just about underway

[Will]

How could the cover be the same, isn't the Thema a pull-to release clutch? Now I'm confused, too! I think this is really really important to get sorted, so if you work something out, please document it and I'll be happy to get it online, I'm sure DJ would as well!

[RickyJ]

Will - As i said, Clutches are an unknown area to me so you have to assume me to be an idiot on the subject!
I'm sure if I rang one of the UK Specialists they'd know the answer off the top of their head but I feel a bit rude doing this as I'm not taking it to them to do the work..

[RickyJ]

Now I'M confused - Had a look on the Valeo site and it shows the VX as having a 215mm diameter plate:

http://webshop.tecdoc.net/ows6/en/E486061A5C35306BDD4789BB19D811D0.srv;jsessionid=E4 86061A5C35306BDD4789BB19D811D0?view=VIndexFrameset Jsp

[Will]

I can't folow the link but a Volumex should have a 9" plate. At least, all the volumexes I've seen. This is more like, 228-229mm.

[RickyJ]

Have just rung Chris Bastow - He uses the Thema Turbo/Integrale 8V Plate and Cover on the VX now, but it needs a different release bearing which he stocks. He also confirmed it's a 228mm diameter friction plate. I guess if the VX as standard is rated at 135bhp/206Nm and the Thema Turbo is 165bhp/285Nm then it should be able to cope with a bit more grunt?

Sorry, it was a duff link - I got to it here: http://www.valeoservice.com/html/unitedkingdom/en/ and then clicking on the "Valeo Web Catalogue" button in the top right. Either way It looks wrong anyway,
just checked their info for IE Coupe and it shows up as the same Clutch which we know it isn't.

[Will]

By "different" release bearing, is it different from Thema Turbo, Different from Vx, or BOTH?

This would be a pretty nice trhing to know. I have a couple of NOS push-type TOB's and if I could slam Thema Turbo plates and covers in place of my VX ones it would be helpful, I've got one Vx cover that's ready for the scrap bin since the TOB ate practically all the way through the diaphragm fingers.

-Will

[HFStuart]

How could the cover be the same, isn't the Thema a pull-to release clutch?



Will,

I think it's only th 16 Valve Thema models that use the pull to release design. The 8 Valve Thema / Integrale (Dedra / Croma ??) should be the same

Stuart

[omicron]

I've got a new Valeo (so good quality) Integrale 8v clutch cover and clutch plate in stock which will fit a VX flywheel. You need to use the original Beta clutch release bearing.

[RickyJ]

Andrew - Is the Bearing the same on a VX as on other Betas??? I'm aware I could use the one on the car at the moment but if possible I want to replace this when I have the clutch done.