Breaking new clutch in during a track day?
#1
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Breaking new clutch in during a track day?
Had to repl Spec 3+ clutch after 30k mi. Shop says they should have it done by Thurs or Fri and I have a track day at Charlotte Motor Speedway Sun and Mon. Is it OK to run it and just leave it in 4th all the time? It is just an HPDE. Road course is not that challenging so I could get by not shifting. I just hate to waste another $300 on a missed track day. Only got 1/2 session in at RD ATL before bleeder line blew last month. But then again, I don't want to waste $1300 on new clutch.
#3
Safety Car
Member Since: Jun 2009
Location: Frederick, Maryland
Posts: 3,888
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
When I got my centerforce clutch installed it came with a paper that said not to go to full power until a 500 mile break in period.
I wouldn't. Not worth messing mine up lol that was expensive
I wouldn't. Not worth messing mine up lol that was expensive
#4
Tech Contributor
Member Since: Oct 1999
Location: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Posts: 40,084
Received 8,926 Likes
on
5,332 Posts
I don't see why running it on a road course would hurt it. You will not be subjecting it to any shock loads like drag racing or excessively slipping it so it shouldn't have any problem holding up.
Bill
Bill
#6
Le Mans Master
Both of my Spec clutches went from my shop straight to 10/10ths at the track. No problems.
Wish I had known you needed a clutch. I have a practically new Spec stage 3 disc sitting in my shop just collecting dust.
Wish I had known you needed a clutch. I have a practically new Spec stage 3 disc sitting in my shop just collecting dust.
#7
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Actually getting car back tomorrow morning! That will give me 4 days to get some break in time. I just thought car was going in for bleeder line repl and pilot bearing repl, but clutch had 30k mi on it and not all were babied. I may just take it easy Sunday and maybe push it some more Monday. I have my first set of R compunds to try so I will have to be patient. I feel better about it now. Thanks for the input.
#8
Drifting
Member Since: Jun 2004
Location: Mechanicsville VA
Posts: 1,565
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
St. Jude Donor '08
Hi, Johnny. Had to replace the clutch in my car back in June. It was about a week before I went to VIR with the Corvette Museum. Put about 200/300 miles on the clutch prior to going on track. For the first 2/3 sessions I didn't run the car anymore than 50/60 percent. After that I ran it a little harder but not all out. Didn't have any problems. Hope this is of some help. Maybe see you at the track in the near future. Good luck.
Gene
Gene
#9
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Hoping to get about 300 mi on it before Sunday. 375 if I drive it to the track. It is a 2 day thing so no need to push it on Sunday. Looking to hit VIR hard during the fall! See you there.
#10
Le Mans Master
If you can drive it a bit like 100-200 miles with shifting you will be fine. I would not allow a new clutch to stop me. During my racing many years ago we would sometimes replace clutches, engines, etc. after qualifying and before a race and just get everything hot before we hammered it at the start.
Jim
Jim
#13
Safety Car
Thread Starter
Took it down local cruisin blvd last nite. 150+ shifts in less than 20 mi. Leg got tired. I should have 350 before Sunday so all should be good. Thanks.