2005 GT drivetrain changes coming

[redfirepearlgt]

I have been trying to decide on what clutch setup and how far to go with the drivetrain upgrade i have in mind for this coming spring.

Currently the car is making 426 RWHP and 409 Torque on the dyno after the statge II saleen twin screw was installed last June.

I have decided on the following:

SPEC Stage 2+ clutch and SPEC replacement Steel Flywheel
Slave cylinder - stock replacement
Aluminum Driveshaft and loop
Upper Control Arm (lowers already installed)
solid motor mounts shaved to lower engine 1/2 inch for more hood clearance
Hurst short throw shifter

Anyone have any added pointers or advise please chime in. I kicked around a McLoed RST twin disk option vice the SPEC but I have settled on this SPEC 2+ which is within the torque limit of my setup. Have a good week.

[05yellowgt]

The Spec Stage 2+ doesn't have a good reputation on the 05+ cars. For whatever reason many people on Modularfords.com and S197forum.com report high rpm shifting issues. I've had great luck with a Spec Stage 3 in my car. It's a little too much of an on/off clutch for a lot of people. I liked he Spec Stage 3+ on my car too but it didnt handle 700rwhp on my car so I ended up with a Spec SuperTwin SS clutch and it drives beautifully and holds the power well but it sure is pricey. Have you considered the Roush P51 clutch? It uses the stock pressure plate and seems to hold up to 500rwhp from what I have seen pretty well. Since it uses the stock pressre plate pedal pressure and action aren't really changed.

I can highly reccomend the Steeda UCA. It's what I have on my car and comes with an upper control arm mount bracket as well. Not sure if they still make two versions of the Hurst shifter or not but if they do definately spend the money on the Billet model.

Hope this helps out some.

[firestang70]

As Jon stated stay away from the spec 2. I have a Spec 3+ and it is very grabby but handles the power well. Its perfect for the track. I have an aluminum flywheel. If I had to choose another clutch and that would be the p51 as well. I have CHE control arms and like them. Shifter stay away from the Hurst very notchy and lots of vibration. I have the Pro 5.0 and love it, throws are a little longer than the Hurst but much better overall for banging gears. Folks seemed to love the mgw, I have never driven an mgw equipped s197 though. Good luck with the mods.

[05yellowgt]

I can also had a Pro 5.0 shifter when I still had my 5 speed and have one now with the 6 speed. Both are great shifters.

[redfirepearlgt]

Thanks for the feedback. Sounds like the 2+ is to be axed. This has been a pain staking process because asyou guys I have read lots of questionable reviews on clutches onthe web sites. I would reconsider going the Stage 3 or 3+ and stay with the steel flywheel. The P51 I am familiar with as well which was another option I have considered. I sure wish there were some distributors in CINCY/DAYTON that handled the Roush P51 or the McLoed clutch line so I could get some information on options other than spec or centerforce. What sucks with the whole mess is that the Super charger will have to be pulled in order to put the clutch in from what I have read because the engine needs to be tilted downward to get at the tranny to pull it out. There are clearance issues with the S/C and the fire wall which require this. You would have to see to understand. Terust me. The S/C to fire wall clearance is very tight!

As far as the shifter I am hooked on the looks of the hurst classic shifter but may well be swayed to go 5.0 or MGW based on what you have stated. I will look into these options as well and give them consideration. Thanks again. hope to see you all in the Spring IF IT EVER GETS HERE!!!!

[05yellowgt]

You could always use a Hurst handle on a Pro5.0 shifter. I know its tight between the Saleen SC and the firewall but you could try installing the drop motor mounts first ad see if that gives you enough slack, or you could even drop the entire k-member slightly to keep from having to remove the blower. Might not be easy to do without a lift, but might be worth a shot.

[redfirepearlgt]

You could always use a Hurst handle on a Pro5.0 shifter. I know its tight between the Saleen SC and the firewall but you could try installing the drop motor mounts first ad see if that gives you enough slack, or you could even drop the entire k-member slightly to keep from having to remove the blower. Might not be easy to do without a lift, but might be worth a shot.

Thanks again. I do appreciate the feedback. I will install the motor mounts first after I get them in and have them milled down. Hopefully that will be enough clearance to make the job easier. Thanks as well for the info on the 5.0. I looked at those on line last night. THey look awesome. I will take you advise and go top shelf on that as well and not skimp just for looks. Thanks again.