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few adjustment tips
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BREAK IN
For break in on VDS clutches,
units using the 300 series disc should put a minimum 500 mile break in,
Metallic discs will require more break in time - allow up to 1000 miles.
Break in is critical so that the disc is able to seat to the pressure plate and
flywheel, allowing the clutch to provide maximum hold. Running the car
hard prior to break in will reduce life and could cause premature slippage.
CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT - CRITICAL!
When setting the release on your VDS clutch system, you must adjust for MINIMUM
release. Set the cable so that the clutch has minimum release, or engages very
close to the floor. This will prevent any higher RPM shifting problems that can
occur when the clutch fingers are traveled below the centerline of the clutch.
ALWAYS begin with the factory maximum pressure setting. Allow a few runs for the
clutch to properly seat prior to adjusting the static pressure of the unit.
The ideal clutch setting allows some ‘slip’ off the line but maintains good
lockup on the top end of the track.
HOT LAPPING is detrimental to
clutch life! Give your drivetrain a chance to cool for maximum performance
and life.
Take small steps - radical changes in static pressure may result in severe
slippage. You will then have to remove and service the unit before making
another run.
Don’t make multiple changes to the car at one time. If you are concentrating
on clutch setup - do just that. Changing suspension settings, shock settings,
tires, or gearing will all have radical effects on your clutch setup.
Concentrate on one area of the car at a time until you have it working to suit
you.
Onboard computers are your friend. By acquiring data from your engine and
driveshaft RPM, you can determine how much the clutch is slipping (or not
slipping) on a run. This data is invaluable and allows you to make changes to
the clutch with more confidence than tuning ‘by the seat of your pants’.
If you don’t have a computer, paint a fat stripe on your rear tire and have
someone videotape the car at the starting line. By frame advancing the tape and
watching the tire, you can determine if the tires are spinning or not.
FORD 4.6L AND 5.0L
APPLICATIONS
Use of an adjustable cable
system (RAM PN 561) is REQUIRED for use with the VDS system, in order to
properly adjust the clutch system.
GM LS-1 APPLICATIONS
An adjustable master cylinder
must be used on all LS1 applications. This is due to the difference in finger
heights from the oem clutch unit to the RAM VDS clutch.
The hydraulic line between the master and release bearing slave must be modified
by drilling out the line restriction to .125 (1/8) inch. This restriction slows
the clutch engagement and could cause slippage under hard acceleration or
‘power shifting’.
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