Clutch selection in your Mustang’s build will be a crucial part that you will need to consider. This will also include all associated parts that go along with these installs. This Mustang clutch guide will cover all of your Late Model Mustang clutches, from your bone stock 5.0 Mustang restoration to your 1000+ horsepower quarter-mile race applications.
Whether you are working on an early model T5 or have a late model MT-82, this question must be answered first before moving forward. Our What Transmission Do I Have In My Mustang? article will help you determine the answer to this question. This article will provide in-depth coverage of the manual transmissions found in all late-model Mustangs from 1979 to the newest model. This includes year ranges, input/output shaft spline counts, and many other important things you will need to know about the stock transmission applications.
In some cases, your vehicle may have had a transmission swap performed somewhere down the line that you may not be aware of. In this case, the article above will not always help. But you will need to determine the transmission being used before going forward.
Look for ID tags or casting marks on the transmission to help you determine what you may have. Before ordering a new clutch and pressure plate, you will need to know this information. This may also require pulling the transmission to determine the input shaft spline count and the clutch’s outside diameter.
At this time, LMR.com does not offer any clutch options for the early model 1979-1982 SROD 4-speed transmissions. 1983-1985 Mustangs came equipped with a factory 10” clutch application. These are commonly upgraded to the later model 10.5” clutches for a few different reasons. The larger diameter clutch will help hold more power overall, and these 10.5” parts are more readily available across the board.
These Stock/OE style clutches will be designed for stock or mild bolt-on applications. These style clutches will provide you with an effortless pedal feel and reliable driving characteristics for years to come. If you are looking for a clutch as close to the factory as possible, these clutches are a great choice.
These OE/Stock style clutches also work great with OEM gear ranges. Chatter usually is not an issue with these style clutches. Normally, these clutches will be constructed of an organic friction material. LMR.com and these manufacturers do not recommend slicks or drag radials, which could void your clutch’s warranty.
These clutches will be designed for mild street-driven applications. These clutches are typically rated around 300-500 RWHP and are designed for a daily driven vehicle. The pedal effort will be slightly more strenuous than stock but will still have great driveability around town. These clutches tend to use an upgraded organic friction material designed to handle higher power loads over the OEM style options.
Mustangs with 2.73 or 3.08 rear gears will experience mild chatter during certain driving conditions unless a forgiving OE-type replacement clutch is utilized. This is also a great time to upgrade your rear-end gear set to help offset this chatter if you run into this issue. LMR and these manufacturers do not recommend slicks or drag radials, which could void your clutch’s warranty.
These clutches will be designed for high horsepower applications, usually 500 plus RWHP and higher. Due to the nature of these clutches, the pedal effort for the single-disc applications will have a harder pedal. Driveability on the street will be affected, clutch chatter and aggressive take-offs will be expected. These clutch discs can consist of organic material on one side and ceramic on the other or ceramic on both sides.
Mustangs with 2.73 or 3.08 rear gears will experience a mild degree of chatter during certain driving conditions, period unless a very forgiving OE-type replacement clutch is utilized. This is also a great time to upgrade your existing rear-end gear set to help offset this chatter. Billet flywheels will be highly recommended for these applications.
Some of these clutch options will also be a dual-disc application. These dual disc clutches will be the best of both worlds. A dual-disc clutch will help spread the load over the two clutch discs rather than just the one.
This allows for better driveability and smooth engagement around town without sacrificing the amount of power they can hold. Clutch chatter usually is very minimal with dual disc applications as well.
***EARLY YEAR MODEL CLUTCHES WILL REQUIRE A 10.5” FLYWHEEL FOR 83-85 YEAR RANGES***
***BILLET FLYWHEELS WILL BE RECOMMENDED FOR HIGH-PERFORMANCE APPLICATIONS***
***LMR ALWAYS RECOMMENDS REPLACING ALL ASSOCIATED HARDWARE WHEN CHANGING A CLUTCH OR FLYWHEEL***
While the above information is a general overview of clutches, use our clutch buyer guides for in-depth information on each generation Mustang. These articles will discuss the clutch materials, conversion, balances, and more in-depth!
Within this section, you will be able to find all of the flywheel offerings for your Ford Mustang. We will have a complete selection of everything from your factory cast flywheels to upgraded billet steel or aluminum options. These articles will go in-depth on the specific flywheels and help you decide on what flywheel is right for your application.
Within this section, you will be able to find all of the critical parts needed when installing a new clutch into your Mustang. We offer everything from throwout release bearings to clutch cables for early model vehicles to hydraulic lines and pedal springs for late models Mustangs. We also carry all associated hardware, fluid, throwout/pilot bearing, pivot studs, cross-members, and even driveshafts to complete your build.
