Richard Thorne - Diaphragm Clutch Modification

[Angle Grinder]

So I'm about to embark upon a clutch replacement on my Flavia (815) PF Coupe 1.8.

I spend a lot of time on the internet trying to source the parts and lots of lovely Lancia people offer support (Thanks to Dave G, David L and Colin C).

Last night I think to myself that I should check the service history as there might be some clues in there. Well yes and no... 

The clutch was changed in June 1999 by Richard Thorne, but they modified it to a diaphragm clutch which meant mods to the flywheel too. The clutch mods were maybe upgrades requested by Harold Lines as he was planning on using the car in Classic Rallies.

So now I don't know what I'm going to find in my bell housing? I've emailed RTCC, but maybe somebody else has had a Flavia clutch modified by them and can shed some light on where the modified diaphragm clutch comes?

Ta
Mike

[LanciAlan]

If you haven't already done so, I think you need to join and talk to the Flavia Consortium who know all the possible permutations and combinations and whom I found really helpful for advice and parts in my own rather more straightforward clutch job in 2010 - contact details here http://www.flavia2000consortium.org.uk/Consortium/consortium1.html

[Angle Grinder]

Hi Alan,

I am indeed a member of the Consortium and also heavily involved in the Thema Dedra Consortium. I really don't know how people manage to run Lancia's without the help of these organisations.

I'll also go on record as saying that Colin Clamp is a saint. He certainly tolerates my questions with the patience of one.

[ncundy]

On the assumption that the Flavia spring clutch is the same as the Fulvia spring clutch it is likely to have been modified by changing the release bearing and machining the flywheel.

This thread describes how it is done on a fulvia:

http://www.viva-lancia.com/lancia_fora/read.php?10,626843,626843#msg-626843

[Angle Grinder]

Spoke to Rupert at Richard Thorne yesterday. A helpful chap, but it was 1999 when they did the modification so they couldn't be too certain. However, they do recall my car and reckon it would have been a clutch from a 4 speed "Flavia 2000" that would have been fitted.

So I'm getting closer.

Next question  .... has anyone got an idea about modern replacements for the clutch bearing on a Flavia 2000?