Clutch is History

Threebrand · #1 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 04:15 PM

I blew up my clutch today acting frisky. Nice chunks of clutch in the bottom of the bell housing. I'm running a fairly stout 427 bored and stroked to 484. Stickier tires are coming soon. Not sure I want an all out performance clutch as I still would like to be able to slip the clutch some for smooth takeoffs.

Anybody have a recommendation for replacement? Centerforce II or Mcleod maybe?

blykins · #2 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 06:12 PM

What size do you need? McLeod makes several pressure plates that are 12" buit will work on a 11.5" pattern.

I think some other people have had trouble with the Centerforce counterweights.

Do you need a light pedal? Diaphragm/Long?

Cobrabill · #3 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 07:28 PM

Stay away from Centerforce.They're a stock clutch with a gimmick.I run Mcleods Street Twin.No issues.And it's adjustable to the power you're making.

767Jockey · #4 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 07:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cobrabill

Stay away from Centerforce.They're a stock clutch with a gimmick.I run Mcleods Street Twin.No issues.And it's adjustable to the power you're making.

No issues, except for the fact that it's about a grand!

CHANMADD · #5 (**permalink**) 04-29-2007, 08:45 PM

Most if not all NAPA parts stores want your core when you buy a new clutch,Right!! I got in touch with the remanufacturer through NAPA who custom built me a pressure plate OEM except with harder springs.Balanced with the motor and this has worked great for a long while.

Tommy · #6 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 04:35 AM

My engine is not as stout as yours, but I run my car hard on Hoosier racing slicks at open track events. I'm running a SPEC Stage 3 clutch with ceramic pucks. It looks like the one in this picture:

Engagement tends to be off/on and it shuddered some on normal starts when it was first installed. Now that it's broken in and I'm used to it, its almost as smooth as a regular clutch. As I recall, the price was less than $400.

Jimi G · #7 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 06:35 AM

Ram has a new dual disk clutch that comes bolted to a aluminum flywheel, it holds over 750 hp and is as smooth as butter, excellent slip ability. Also the pedal effort is less than a stock clutch pedal. But like the street twin it is over a thousand dollars, but more than likely it will be the last clutch you ever put in the car. jimig@standardtransmission.com

Cobrabill · #8 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 06:42 AM

767-the street twin was just used to show i'm running McLeod.I put it in so long ago that the price was no-where near $1000.Mcleod also makes excellent 12 inch single disc'.And their customer service is second to none.

Threebrand · #9 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 09:31 PM

Since my car is about 8 years old, I am guessing the trans is about the same. So if I have a Tremec 5 speed, do I have the 3550 version, maybe the TKO. Therefore would the twin disc be overkill, since my tranny is rated for roughly 400 ft lbs tq? Is my tranny the weak link now instead of the clutch?

I do like the McLeod reputation. Maybe I should think about their HD single disc line of clutches.

Thanks guys for all the feedback. I think I'll tear into it tomorrow night.

Excaliber · #10 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 09:49 PM

I went McLeod, 11.5 inch, rag on one side, puck on the other, working good for me with many hard launches.

RodKnock · #11 (**permalink**) 04-30-2007, 10:36 PM

With my 540 BBC and TKO600, I'm running a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch and love it. No problems.

greg schroeder · #12 (**permalink**) 05-01-2007, 03:01 PM

I have this same clutch set up in my car along with a light weight flywheel and MT ET street drag radials. I have no complaint. It's been in there for about 4000 miles. There doesn't seem to be a problem with slipping in the least. It is grabby, but fun at the same time. If I did it again I'd spend extra for the dual disk Mcleod.

I can confirm the SPEC stage 3 is stronger than stock Superformance half shafts.

Powershift1038 · #13 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 03:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by greg schroeder

I have this same clutch set up in my car along with a light weight flywheel and MT ET street drag radials. I have no complaint. It's been in there for about 4000 miles. There doesn't seem to be a problem with slipping in the least. It is grabby, but fun at the same time. If I did it again I'd spend extra for the dual disk Mcleod.

I can confirm the SPEC stage 3 is stronger than stock Superformance half shafts.

Ha ha! Is that a broken half shaft confirmation?

Rickd · #14 (**permalink**) 05-02-2007, 05:15 AM

I would give Bruce Couture of Modern Driveline a call. He highly recommends Superior Clutch Co. which he describes as a boutique clutch company that makes, in his opinion, one of the best clutches on the market, and they have a Kevlar / Kevlar product for around $400.00 that he says will outlast most cars. Good luck. RD

greg schroeder · #15 (**permalink**) 05-05-2007, 04:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Powershift1038

Ha ha! Is that a broken half shaft confirmation?

Yes, my driver side half shaft shattered in the rear end. I replaced the limited slip rear end with a Detroit Trutrac. It still has the Ford 8.8 housing and 3.73 gear. I also purchased both sides complete half shaft assemblies from The Drive Shaft Shop.

Threebrand · #16 (**permalink**) 05-07-2007, 11:25 PM

I went with Bruce's recommendation at Modern Driveline. For my application he spec'd the Superior Clutch with the Kevlar/Kevlar friction material. Should give me a nice feel plus stand up to an occasional visit to the strip. Also upgraded my cast flywheel with his billet steel flywheel. I hope to be up and running by this weekend.