Clutch Choices

Hi all,
I have a SBB 4 speed and want to upgrade my clutch since Im rebuilding the motor. I think it should produce around 400\400. Do they have street/strip clutch kits out there? Performance brands i should look at? experience you have with them? thanks Gary

 

I put an American made, Centerforce Dual Friction in 3 years ago and am very happy with the choice. Before that I ran a Hays Borg&Beck style that required huge amounts of leg force to disengage. It bent the pedal, beat up linkage and probably destroyed the thrust bearing. But it sure could hold. :laugh:

 

I am running a 10,5" centerforce dual friction in mine, and clutch is as soft as on a new car (almost:laugh: )and it can take some hammering too.

 

Are the clutch kits the same for 455 and 350 cars?

 

No. The 455 has an 11 inch clutch, at least in stock configuration.

 

Centerforce for me as well.

I really like the pedal pressure.

 

I had a Ram for a time. 3000 lb static force pressure plate which was more than most but not too hard to push. Held really well.

http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/pressure_plates.htm

The issue I have with the centrifugal-assist type clutch is that it's not the best for a torque type motor. Our motors build the most torque at lower rpms, where centrifugal assist has not had a chance to come into play, and a clutch with more static force will hold better. For a high-winding motor that bulds torque at higher rpms, a centrifugal assist type kicks in and improves clamping force yet can still maintain low static pedal pressure. It's more suited for a high-rpm type motor.

 

I used a RAM HD replacement on the 350 and the same on my 455. Good choice, was around $150-175

 

So the 350s need a 10.4" disc?

 

I've got 40,000+ miles on an Autozone centerforce 11" clutch behind my Buick 455. There are a few drag strip runs over the years, some with drag radials on it too (Drag Week 2011). It's getting a bit thin, but not terrible. I suspected some slippage with the drag radials, but no real proof of it. Also I was not just dropping the clutch at high rpm due to lack of a scatter shield. My two cents is simply get an off the shelf one unless you have notable reasons to do otherwise.

(I now have bought a scatter shield and some kind of fancy clutch set so I can step up my launch and such, but haven't installed it yet)

 

Correct if stock

 

Awhile back I ordered and I bought a centerforce dual friction. I doubt I will have my car together before May but hope it was the right choice.

 

My take is, you'll be happy with it