Clutch Plate for 550-600hp and a TKO-600
 

I'm looking for advice on a clutch plate for an aluminum FE turning 550-600hp at the crank on a ~2600lb(hopefully) ERA to be driven on the street 95% of the time, minimal track. I'll be using a diaphragm pressure plate, aluminum flywheel, a 3.31 rear end and a TKO-600 trans. Single plate only, no twin disc discussion.

RAM or McLeod pressure plates:

Ram discs - RDX 200/Comp 300/Powergrip/Powergrip HD
McLeod - Series 500/Series 800

I'm wondering, since the cobra is a relatively light car, if I really need the higher grip plates while sacrificing drivability. On the flip side, having the clutch slip because it is overpowered on a good launch would be disappointing. ERA recommends a standard pressure clutch.

Any suggestions?

I have had a centerforce with weights left on and has been flawless from day one. One time I missed a 6K rpm shift from 1 to 2 and went 1 to 4, I am surprised the transmission didnt buckle through the tunnel, the clutch did not slip a millimeter. Excellent drivability also.

I've had a McLeod Kevlar clutch for the past 6 years and it has performed flawlessly. When I rebuilt my motor 3 years ago I replaced the clutch and kept the old pressure plate in place. My 418W puts out 550+ HP at the flywheel and has given the clutch everything it can dish out. Being a 2600 lb. car with street tires allows the tires to break loose thru the gears. With slicks and weekend drags I could safely assume my clutch would not last as long. I'll stick with the McLeod unit in the future.

I have a CF pressure plate with weights removed, plus a CF aluminum flywheel, dual friction driven disk, and TOB. Works just fine but Lykins never misses a thread to point out that I probably pi$$ed away $500 more than I needed to.:rolleyes: Almost any decent clutch will hold on these cars, unless you're sportin' drag slicks....

Are you needing a whole clutch kit, or just a pressure plate?

When you approach 550-600hp with a single disc setup, you're sitting on the fence of performance and driveability.

If you want a clutch to hold the whole nine yards, then you'll end up with something that may have some chatter to it. I would rather have too much clutch than not enough though. Especially if you end up on a strip somewhere with some stickies on the back. It would chap my butt to get the drivetrain installed then have the clutch slip on a good launch.

Let me ask first, what flywheel are you using? Which pressure plate patterns does it have? Not all FE flywheels have diaphragm patterns. If it's a McLeod, then it will accept 11 and 11.5/12" diaphragm patterns.

If this is the case, I would recommend the higher clamping force McLeod 11.5"/12" diaphragm plate and a 12" 800 series disc.

This setup should hold your horsepower, but it may have some chatter to it when you take off.

If your flywheel will handle it, you will need:

1. McLeod 11.5/12" Pressure Plate #360821
2. McLeod 12" 800 Series Disc #260873

If you need a TOB, use the McLeod #16031.

I sell all of these items and have put many of these in Cobras. I will match/beat any price.

Email me if you have any more questions. I'll be glad to help.

Oh yeah I forgot....

Patrick, you spent way too much on that C/F setup.

Yep, and I could of put a POS stroked small block, or one of those Roush jobs, in for a lot less than my FE too. But, live and learn, I guess.... :rolleyes: :LOL:

You'll learn one of these days.

I don't have an FE, but my small block makes over 500hp. I drive about 2/3 street, and 1/3 road course. I don't drive it soft, either; donuts in the parking lot, or hammering the throttle heading on to the front stretch.

I use a Centerforce dual friction with the weights attached. I noticed the hat is made by Valero. It's as smooth as my Mustang V6 clutch, with slightly more pedal pressure. Never chatters. I'll spin the R888's before I'll slip the clutch.

I replace it every two years, because I already have the engine out, and it's easy. The plate and flywheel get a little hot. But the disc is still in good shape. I'm tempted to re-use it, but I bite the bullet and replace it.

This is what it looks like after 2 years of abuse
http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a2...lutchsmall.jpg