Clutch recommendations

[ertoys]

I currently have a Centerforce dual friction but, Im getting ready to install the TKO 600 on my small block, what do you guys recommend for a clutch? I have to change it because the TKO has a 26 spline input shaft and the muncie had a 10 spline.

I had the flywheel ground and the guy recommended that I change the entire clutch kit, not just the disc. I only have about 1500 miles on this clutch setup, but he said it looks like it got hot.

Opinions?

[69TAPoser]

I am just working on installing my clutch and TKO600. I have heard very good things about McLeod and that is what I have gone with. I got my TKO from CC5Speed and they recommended the Street Comp for me (I have a 525hp Pontiac 455). Although, I have heard really good things about the McLeod dual performance clutch. CC5Speed lists them on their site here:

http://www.classicchevy5speed.com/El...81-Tremec.aspx

I am not on the road yet, so I can't really provide any feedback yet.

I think a determining factor of clutch choice will be your HP. How much do you have?

Phil

[ertoys]

I also pruchased my TKO and Mcleod scattershield from classic. I was just curious to see if there were any less expensive good clutches available.

I have a ZZ383 approx. 425 hp and 460-490 tq. However, this winter I plan on changing the heads/cam so I am guessing I will be around the 500 hp mark??

[68sixspeed]

I had good luck using centerforce's LM (light metal series) clutch disk on the DF pressure plate- on centerforces recommendation. I ran the DF for a couple thousand miles before changing to the bigger motor, and I knew the DF wouldn't hold the new motor. I've been very happy with the combo-- not too grabby, no chatter, pretty nice.

That being said, for the 383 on the DF should be fine if it is the 11" dia version. The LM series was good for another 50-100 lb-ft of torque if my memory is right-- Centerforce help was pretty helpful with the rating. (I think 500 or 550 on the DF, 600 on the LM, ad 650 on the DFX, but they advised against the DFX unless all else failed.) -Dan

[ertoys]

I had good luck using centerforce's LM (light metal series) clutch disk on the DF pressure plate- on centerforces recommendation. I ran the DF for a couple thousand miles before changing to the bigger motor, and I knew the DF wouldn't hold the new motor. I've been very happy with the combo-- not too grabby, no chatter, pretty nice.

That being said, for the 383 on the DF should be fine if it is the 11" dia version. The LM series was good for another 50-100 lb-ft of torque if my memory is right-- Centerforce help was pretty helpful with the rating. (I think 500 or 550 on the DF, 600 on the LM, ad 650 on the DFX, but they advised against the DFX unless all else failed.) -Dan

I am seriously considering this setup you are suggesting. How do you drive the car? Burnouts? Drag racing? Slicks? I see you have 625 horse (flywheel?) I wont ever see those #s. However, I am limited to a 10.4" clutch because of my flywheel. I just dont want to save $ now, and wish I had gome with a more expensive clutch later.

[ertoys]

Now you have me thinking about going to a larger flywheel so I can run an 11" clutch setup. What do you guys think? Is it necessary at my future power levels (hopefully 500hp 500tq?) Or will I be ok with the 10.4 clutch setup?

[andrewb70]

With only 1500 miles on your current setup it would be silly to get a whole new clutch. Order a 26 spline dual friction disk from Centerforce and call it done. Why spend the extra cash?

Andrew

[ertoys]

With only 1500 miles on your current setup it would be silly to get a whole new clutch. Order a 26 spline dual friction disk from Centerforce and call it done. Why spend the extra cash?

Andrew

Honestly, I'd rather not spend the extra money. I just want to make sure that I dont have clutch chatter or slippage. I sent digital photos to Centerforce today, and they recommended that I send the pressure plate to them so they can resurface it. Its only like $45.00 plus shipping.

I think I will go that route and send it back to them, then purchase the LMC clutch disk from Summit or Jegs.

[68sixspeed]

I am seriously considering this setup you are suggesting. How do you drive the car? Burnouts? Drag racing? Slicks? I see you have 625 horse (flywheel?) I wont ever see those #s. However, I am limited to a 10.4" clutch because of my flywheel. I just dont want to save $ now, and wish I had gome with a more expensive clutch later.

All of the above! The car is driven like it should be--- there is a nice 150-200ft 2nd gear burnout starting from the dead end on my road at work just to mark my territory. This clutch hasn't seen slicks yet but the prev. motor (358, 550hp) did see slicks and toasted a couple DF clutches.

I'd give the LM series friction disk a try- the worst you'll be out is a little over $100. There is a good torque capacity gain going from 10.4" to 11"; but the only problem I had on my 358 with the 10.4" DF was with slicks on; otherwise it was fine. For what it's worth, the 11" DF couldn't hold the 358 with slicks either, but that was launching at 4000rpm too. -Dan

[ertoys]

All of the above! The car is driven like it should be--- there is a nice 150-200ft 2nd gear burnout starting from the dead end on my road at work just to mark my territory. This clutch hasn't seen slicks yet but the prev. motor (358, 550hp) did see slicks and toasted a couple DF clutches.

I'd give the LM series friction disk a try- the worst you'll be out is a little over $100. There is a good torque capacity gain going from 10.4" to 11"; but the only problem I had on my 358 with the 10.4" DF was with slicks on; otherwise it was fine. For what it's worth, the 11" DF couldn't hold the 358 with slicks either, but that was launching at 4000rpm too. -Dan

Thanks to all of you guys very much! I will go with your advice with the above mentioned combo. That'll save me a couple of hundred bucks that I'll put toward my Arizen seat purchase.

[Jayco_Automotive]

We use www.specclutch.com

[ertoys]

I had good luck using centerforce's LM (light metal series) clutch disk on the DF pressure plate- on centerforces recommendation. I ran the DF for a couple thousand miles before changing to the bigger motor, and I knew the DF wouldn't hold the new motor. I've been very happy with the combo-- not too grabby, no chatter, pretty nice.

That being said, for the 383 on the DF should be fine if it is the 11" dia version. The LM series was good for another 50-100 lb-ft of torque if my memory is right-- Centerforce help was pretty helpful with the rating. (I think 500 or 550 on the DF, 600 on the LM, ad 650 on the DFX, but they advised against the DFX unless all else failed.) -Dan

Dan, I took your recommendation on the clutch setup. Do you experience clutch chatter with this setup. I have some, I dont get it. Everything is new and resurfaced. And was thouroughly cleaned prior to installation.

[68sixspeed]

No chatter on mine. How many miles do you have on it? I'm wondering if it isn't seated in yet? -Dan

[ertoys]

I only have about 10 miles on it thus far, just got it going yesterday.

[68sixspeed]

yeah, it probably needs to seat in; even with surfaced components it will ride the high spots - plus you need to heat cycle the clutch a few times and bed some material into the flywheel and pressure plate. Follow the normal break in rules, no big burnouts or fun stuff for a few hundred miles, etc. and I'd think you would be fine. I haven't seen any chatter on mine with 3500 miles on it. (i.e. don't panic yet.... postpone panic 250-500 miles.)

[martZ]

With only 1500 miles on your current setup it would be silly to get a whole new clutch. Order a 26 spline dual friction disk from Centerforce and call it done. Why spend the extra cash?

Andrew

Unfortunately, Centerforce won't sell the DF clutch seperatly(without pressure plate). It only comes in the kit. I went through the same thing when I installed my TKO-600. You can get a Centerforce Stage I clutch seperately though.

[68sixspeed]

hey, did the LM clutch disk break in yet? Just curious if you liked it. If you think it's too aggressive, I have a DF clutch disk (26 spline) with only ~3000 miles on it. -Dan

[thedugan]

With my motor being just about done (SB 383, Procharger at 10psi) I am going to go with an 11" flywheel and clutch. More holding power less pedal effort.

Will I have an issue with my lakewood bellhousing. Will it fit?

I plan to use the centerforce dual friction with my TKO.

[andrewb70]

With my motor being just about done (SB 383, Procharger at 10psi) I am going to go with an 11" flywheel and clutch. More holding power less pedal effort.

Will I have an issue with my lakewood bellhousing. Will it fit?

I plan to use the centerforce dual friction with my TKO.

The Lakewood bellhousing will have plenty of room for an 11" clutch. I think it will even accomodate a 12" clutch that Centerforce offers as well.

Andrew

[68sixspeed]

With my motor being just about done (SB 383, Procharger at 10psi) I am going to go with an 11" flywheel and clutch. More holding power less pedal effort.

Will I have an issue with my lakewood bellhousing. Will it fit?

I plan to use the centerforce dual friction with my TKO.

I'd go with more clutch than a DF with that motor... especially if you ever plan on running drag radials or slicks. I've toasted 10.4" and 11" DF with my prev. motor on slicks. (550hp, 450ft-lb torque).