Clutch Kit Suppliers
The one thing that LuK clutch kits, Valeo clutch kits, Exedy clutch kits or ZF Sachs clutch kits have in
common is that they all contain a disc, pressure plate, release bearing (throw
out bearing), pilot bearing or bushing (where required) and clutch alignment tool. These are matched sets and normally contain
components made by the original clutch manufacturer for that vehicle application. Since the above clutch
manufacturers don't make 100% of their product line, they purchase clutch components from each other and
package it as their own clutch kit. For example, a LuK clutch kit can have an Exedy pressure
plate packaged with a LuK disc or a Valeo disc. Finding a clutch kit supplier that offers LuK clutch
kits, Valeo clutch kits & Exedy clutch kits, can insure that you recieve the lowest price and an
OE quality clutch kit. Ask the clutch kit supplier who the original equipment clutch manufacturer is for
your vehicle application.
LuK
Pro Gold clutch kits and Exedy Racing clutch kits contain a disc, pressure plate, release bearing
(throw out bearing), pilot bearing or
bushing (where required) and clutch alignment tool. Most modified
performance clutch kits contain a disc, pressure plate and release bearing. Some performance clutch suppliers
sell clutch discs and pressure plates separately and don't offer performance clutch
kits.
Before purchasing a clutch kit for your vehicle, ask yourself what kind of clutch do you
need? An original quality clutch kit, performance clutch kit or a heavy duty clutch
kit. If you think you need anything other than an original quality clutch kit, why? Is it
because your friend bought a performance clutch kit and he or she says you should get one too? Most people
that purchase a performance clutch kit or heavy duty clutch kit, don't need one which means they end up
spending more money then necessary. In addition, they usual purchase a modified performance clutch kit or a
heavy duty clutch kit that doesn't last as long as an original quality clutch kit that costs considerably less
(read about modifed performance clutch
kits). If you have a modifed engine with increased clamp load and torque capacity that requires an
upgraded clutch kit, your choice is limited, if you want a new, not modified clutch kit. LuK
Pro Gold clutch kits and Exedy Racing clutch kits are your two choices. If neither manufacturer has a clutch
kit for your application, you'll need to purchase a modified performance clutch kit.
You need
to understand what all the different clutch suppliers are offering. It can seem overwhelming, but it
really isn't once you have the right information and you know what you're looking
for. Before looking at different clutch
distributors, let's discuss what they're offering. There are primarily two types of clutch
distributors.
1. Clutch distributors selling new original
quality clutches (oe) and new performance clutches.
2. Clutch distributors selling new after market
(offshore/asia) clutch kits and rebuilt / stock modified / performance clutch kits or offshore new
performance clutch kits.
The difference is pretty easy to spot. If
the company displays clutch manufacturers Logos (LuK, Valeo, Exedy, ZF Sachs),
they're selling new genuine (original quality) clutch kits and or new performance clutch kits. If they're
displaying re-packagers and stock modifiers logos, they're selling aftermarket (offshore/asia) original quailty
clutch kits and stock modified / performance clutch kits or offshore new performance clutch
kits. Performance Clutch websites show clutches that are red, yellow, blue or something
shiny. Remember, original equipment manufactured clutches are a metal color with the manufacturers name on the
clutch component. Performance Clutch Company's
also market their clutches by using specific trigger words that motivate excitement. Some
example of these words are:
Motor Sports, Extreme Performance, Racing Performance, Clamp Load, Horse Power, Frictions, Stage 1
clutch, Stage 2 clutch, Stage 3 clutch, Holding Power, Holding Capacity, Dual Friction, Competition Proven, Street
/ Strip, Full On Drag Racing Capability, Carbon Composite Puc Style, Kevlar, Feramic, Ceramic Button and more. It
should also be noted that clutches aren't rated by horsepower. According to LuK Automotive, clutches are rated by Torque Capacity and Clamp Load. Clutch rebuilders
(remanufacturers) market their clutches in terms of horsepower. Many company's determine their price by the
amount of horsepower you want it to hold. How do they determine this, no one knows. Since they're
modifying original clutches and the manufacturer doesn't provide horsepower ratings, how does the
rebuilder?
Clutch Reviews
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