This might be a small car, but the clutch change is a big job ! This car has been extensively tuned with a Turbo Conversion supplied by Balance Motor Sport, installed by Balance Motor Works, pushing a claimed 271HP. Although I suspect the rolling road figure is slightly optimistic, it is still fiendishly fast, both in a straight line, and around corners.
To get to gearbox requires a number of work arounds (official FIAT guide is engine out) dropping off the bumper, bumper reinforcement, front anti-roll bar, lowering front subframe, moving steering rack. It’s not a job for a driveway.
Technically this engine now produces so much power, it really needs an uprated clutch, unfortunately with a track day looming for the customer, there was no option but to fit an original part. Here’s hoping it will last more than a few thousand miles…
Now just the small matter of putting it all back together, and then bleeding the clutch. For a heart stopping moment we thought we had a problem with the Concentric Slave (this actuates the clutch but because it’s inside the box – any problems mean the gearbox has to be removed again!). In the end though all good and a road test confirmed, that for now, the stock clutch was holding all “271” Horsepowers.
If you’ve never been to Cadwell Park before, you really must try it – it’s a wonderful place and a real hoot to drive around.
If you’ve got a clutch that is slipping on your car please get in touch for a quote.
