From what I understand Valeo has a patent on the design of the LT1 clutch. Now that being said, I had noticed that the SPEC clutches, the SLP clutch, LT4 clutch, VatoZone (autozone) clutch, Pepboys clutch, McLeod Streetwin all use a Valeo Pressure Plate, all their discs are different, however why is it that all the pressure plates are the same? Are they the same? Input appreciated greatly.
I was looking at Jared site, and the pressure plates all look very very similar, with the exception to the centerforce clutch. Now I know that SPEC paints the pressure plates, so they may 'look" different.
I tried a search, but didn't really comeup with anything in here.

 

I used to work with Valeo Transmissions. Here's the deal: they have the patent on the pressure plate only. Every pressure plate that is sold is the exact same thing - just spray painted different colors. Save yourself money if you are buying a clutch and buy someone's disc and just get the the pressure plate from AutoZone or whoever's cheapest. I know that Valeo manufactures the stock disc, and also the SLP one. McLeod builds their own discs, and Centerfoce re-works Valeo ones. I'm not sure about Spec, but from pictures I've seen, I say they make their own. They may re-work their lower models and then make their own Stage III and IV but I'm not sure. Let me know if you have any other questions.

 

sent PM

 

My question: Can i buy your stage 3 disk seperate for my 95 camaro T56. I don't have enough money to buy the whole setup. I know that all Lt1 pp are the same since valeo has a patent on them. How much would the disk by itself be?

Their Reply: I recieved this email from spec. Actually they are not all the same. They have the patent on the cover piece only, not on what goes under them. Our pp is 450psi stronger than stock.
You can purchase the disc only. $179 for the 6 puck sprung with the carbon semi-metallic X-pad.

S.P.E.C., inc
800-828-4379
205-491-8593-fax
sales@specclutch.com

 

I'm not sure if Spec does use a different diaphragm material, but if they do, I stand corrected. I'm sure sure of the legalities of that (changing the diaphragm) but if they haven't been sued yet, then it looks like everything's good.

 

Not all of them are the same...valeo has the patent on TWO pressure plate designs for the lt1. One is the lt1 and the other is the one for the lt4. The spec,mcleod,slp are all lt4 pressure plates. The lt4 has stiffer,thicker spring fingers. You can still get the lt4 pressure plate from discount places much cheaper than ordering through spec ,mcleod or whatever. The last time I talked to Spec I believe you could buy the stage 3 disk for like 175 bucks.

 

Dam oldschoolss...i didn't read your post. I said what you already had..lol.