Hi fellow forum members,
I was given the opportunity, much appreciated, by Melbourne forum member Amir64 to drive his 2006 e-gear G last thursday to see for myself how his Kevlar clutch felt, given all the passionate 'discussion' on the forum recently about the suppliers of various kevlar clutches.
Prior to this I had already driven two other oem 2006 e-gear G's. I also have a 2006 G 6 speed manual with OEM clutch. The feel to me of the Hi Tech e-gear kevlar clutch was same as oem e-gear clutch, except a lot smoother on initial 'very slow' take off from start without the usual oem 'bucking'. Also smoother than oem on low rev reversing.
I would caution that the smoothness of the clutch as with all e-gear clutches, oem or kevlar, is highly dependent on the Lamborghini dealers service centre "clutch disk installation and the clutch setting by means of the La-Ra-AS system".
In normal speak this means the PIS (Point of Initial Slip) set up procedure when the new e-gear clutch is installed. I believe this is an iterative process, requiring the Lamborgini service technician to road test the vehicle and re adjust the PIS setting with the Lamborghini computer system as required.
No such adjustment required for manual 6 speeds.
I have seen a post on a DIY for a manual clutch replacement that was carried out successfully, but from reading the workshop manual, e-gear clutch DIY is definitely a "do not do try this at home" unless you have the $15,000 L-Ra-AS system. Use the dealer/indies who have the La-Ra-As system to install your e-gear clutch and are able to re-initalise and adjust the PIS .
Running in of the new clutch, manual or e-gear is critical to ensure long clutch life as several other posters and clutch suppliers have advised. Much good advice has been posted in the forum. I have attached extracts from the workshop manual , although 2003 version, on initial running in of the new clutch, so more recent workshop manual updates may apply. It would appear that once the initial reset and running in of the e-gear clutch has been carried out by the installer, then it appears prudent not to exceed 4000 rpm for another 500kms.
All Lamborghini service centres I spoke to, as you would expect, recommend oem clutch replacement.
However, based on the posts by forum members that are using kevlar clutches and their driving experience, I have ordered a Hi-Tech kevlar clutch flywheel, OEM throw out bearing and clutch position sensor for my 2006 e-gear G as should provide significantly longer lasting wear than OEM and at a minimum, OEM performance/feel and as added benefit, from what I have seen so far, from limited driving, smoother operation. Lamborghini Melbourne will be installing my kevlar e-gear clutch system at my request prior to my driving the G back home to Perth from Melbourne along the coast. I like long road trips ~2,600miles.This trip should run the clutch in
I have received excellent communiction and advice from Sean as I am sure customers of other kevlar clutch suppliers have also received from their preferred supplier.
I have attached images of my new to me 2006 SE #127 e-gear G, Grigio Proteus and a very nice collection of Lambos in the Lamborghini Melbourne workshop.
My two cents worth and apologies for the ramble from a poster new to e-gear clutches and the system.
cheers,
john