Building a mild 455 with less than 500hp. 90% street, 10% strip/autocross. Spirited driving, maybe a few clutch dumps. Its for a super T-10, with a lightweight flywheel. I want something better than stock, but not a severe spring pressure PP. What are you guys running? what would you recommend?
I haven't gotten to very sticky tires yet, but I've been running the standard Autozone clutch set for a few years now. A buddy of mine that runs a 383 in a daily driver '65 Impala, runs a pretty consistent low 14's, also uses an off the shelf clutch. My reasoning for going with a stock parts store one is that, 1) I didn't have a base line to work from, why purchase a clutch that has too much spring pressure or so much metal it wears the flywheel out quickly, especially for a premium price. 2) They are comparatively cheap and easy to find. If I find it slips or something, then I can go to a clutch set vendor and purchase something to tweak it from there. After well over 20,000 miles, a couple dozen drag strip passes (street tires) and towing trailers all over, I've found so far the stock, easy to find, clutch sufficient and doesn't kill my leg. So I guess my first question is, with an 11" clutch, do you need something that is better than stock? Particularly with 90% street driving where traction will be an issue before the clutch slipping.
What is your best 60ft time? I dont want the stocker to slip if i use slicks or sticky tires. My freind has a Mcleod clutch in his car, its the one rated for around 700hp. Its described as "very stiff" but i didnt find it to be too outrageous. Im more concerned about the spring pressure hurting the crank thrustbearing than my leg.
Horrible 60fts because I haven't put sticky tires on it yet, and have traction issues up to 4th gear. Best mph is 100mph, but I popped two head gaskets on that run along with no traction ou: I'd be more concerned about wear on the flywheel with more pressure, or more likely more metal in the clutch material for more sticking power, than I would be about the bearings. Again, I would rather have a soft base line than one that is needlessly wearing parts. Each combo will be different based on vehicle weight, transmission gears, rear gears, tire size and engine power output.
The modern diaphram springs allow for less pedal pressure than the old three armed springs while maintaining same clamping force. Plus the stock 11" clutch disk has a pretty good sized foot print.
Centerforce all the way. dual friction disc and a T/A billet flywheel. nice feel, has never slipped, even with stickys.:3gears:
Thanks Adam. BTW, i got your message about my engine, but i couldnt reply because your e-mail that you have registered on the board doesnt work!
Hi, I've been running a centerforce dual friction in everything from a toyota, dodge trucks to my 401 skylark and no complaints Pedal feel is a little stiffer than stock but very livable on the street and have yet to have one fail my 2500 dodge has about 150,000 on the clutch now and still works great with 35's I have had friends that have used NAPA replacement clutches and most have had issues with slipping and etc... Good luck with your project
I went back to a stock clutch after having the Centerforce competition clutch for a while. It was too stiff and not nearly as smooth starting off. Plus the fact I don't "race" regularly.
Centerforce Dual friction all the way! Great pedal feel.... Tim I do have a new stock 11" clutch I will sell if interested, PM me. Tim
I'm using the Sachs 650 ft lb kit Keisler offers along with a TKO-600. Take up is good and pedal pressure is not significantly different than the stock hydraulic clutch on my S10. Had it spun at the builder along with a PRW billet flywheel and balance was perfect. It's on Chevy not a Buick but thought I'd throw it out there.
