Clutch issues

[whytry]

I've got the TKO 600 in my 68 Camaro, 468 with a F1R Procharger. I think I finally have to motor pretty well setup tuning wise, and I have been able to drive it more and get some decent miles on it. The issue I am having now is that is seems to fry the clutch if I roll into the throttle in 3rd or 4th. In 1st or 2nd I get tire smoke but if I go from a stop tire spin, but if I am taking off from a light and just cruising around then lay into the trottle in 3rd from around 2800-3000 rpm I get burnt clutch smell. If I stay in the throttle it will slowly start to rev up to about 4000-4500 and sit there, that's usually when I get off the gas and notice the smell. I know it's not tire smell :( .... I tried to old trick of WOT and push in the clutch anad then let off the clutch to see if the RPM's come back down and they do a little, for example WOT push clutch in RPM's go to around 4500-5000ish, let off clutch RPM's drop slowly to 4000 and sit there... Car does not fishtail or leave tire marks so I am pretty sure its clutch. I am starting to think I need a stronger clutch. I am running the Mcleod one that comes in the CC5S kit....
I am hoping its out of adjustment, but I am not the best at adjusting this either...
Anythoughts?

[andrewb70]

Brad,

A few more "tests" and you will most definitely need a new clutch. If you are smelling the clutch that is very bad. That means the binders holding the organic material is actually burning off and the disk is literally disintegrating. Nothing kills a clutch faster than head and nothing heats up a clutch faster than slip. With a big block and a procharger I am not surprised that you are over powering the clutch. 3rd and 4th gears are hard on a clutch and I suspect your starting to make some good boost around 3000 RPM.

Time time for an upgrade.

Andrew

[HILROD]

In a Weiand supercharged 383 Camaro I built, the clutch was rated for 600 hp and wouldn't hold in the upper gears. It was broken in nicely for 6-700 miles, but when you put the power to it, the disc turned to shreded wheat. It only happened twice, but when it was removed it was destroyed. I ended up changing everyting out.

[gearheads78]

Brad,

Nothing kills a clutch faster than head

No wonder I used to have clutches go out everytime my x-girlfriend went for a ride with me.


Seriously... It does sound like you need a stronger clutch.

[whytry]

Thanks everybody, anybody have any ideas of which one to go with? I know Jody uses a twin disc, not sure from who yet. I already asked, just awaiting his answer.... Other opinions on what clutch to get?

I figured I was going to have to upgrade the clutch once I added boost and got it tuned good. Oh well..

[GMJim]

Whytry
As andrewb70 said, a smelly clutch smells like trouble. You MUST make sure you have some free play at the top of your pedal travel. This indicates that the clutch is fully engaged when your foot is off the pedal. If after the clutch is adjusted properly and it still slips I would agree with the others and say you need a tougher clutch. There is a possibility that you fried a perfectly good clutch because of improper adjustment and it will slip even after you adjust it correctly from this point. Call me to discuss this and I'll try to help you out.

[whytry]

Thanks Jim, I will give you a jingle soon. My current clutch is setup pretty good, I had somebody else watching me every step and he double checked everything and said it was correct. I have freeplay at the top and the bottom. At the top I have about 1-2" now, when I 1st had it set I think I had a little more than 1" at the top.... Its been a couple years now since I did the install, not many miles, but a couple years.. :(... Hoping to get more miles on it in 2007