Clutch Help
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Shore Maryland
Clutch Help
It looks like it is time to replace the clutch in my 65, it has a Center Force dual friction now and I'm not sure if I want another. What would be your recommendation for my kind of driving? Mostly cruising I do run a handfull of Corvette/Muscle car drags, 403 bell, lite wt flyweel 365hp looking 383. Been 13.16 109 on 205/70-15 Michelin radials. Thanks for you help.....
Last edited by qwik-tripp; Dec 2, 2011 at 06:53 AM. Reason: spell
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
I'll offer my thoughts just so you'll know someone is reading your posts. I have a Center Force dual friction in my car, but I only use it for cruising. I've not tried any high RPM fast shifts with it. The word-of-mouth about the Center Force is that the same weights that make it grab harder at high RPM also make it harder to release and shift quickly when shifting at high RPM as you would during a drag race. I don't know if this is true, but that's what I read. As you've been driving one, I'd think you would know.
My Cobra replica has a SPEC Stage II ceramic clutch that feels more like an on/off switch. It's tolerable for street use, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you want to use the clutch to feather the power during a hard launch. That's about all I can offer. Good luck.
My Cobra replica has a SPEC Stage II ceramic clutch that feels more like an on/off switch. It's tolerable for street use, but I wouldn't recommend it, especially if you want to use the clutch to feather the power during a hard launch. That's about all I can offer. Good luck.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Tripp
for what it's worth, when I put a new clutch in back during winter of '09 when I had the tranny rebuilt I got the LUK # 04-021. I think that's just the basic Chevy replacement clutch kit for Corvette, Camaro, GTO, Firebird, Nova, etc.
kit included everything and felt great driving with it. Not sure what clutch WAS in the car previously and by the time I pulled the old clutch out it was toast and way overdue for replacement but the new LUK clutch feels a lot better than the old one ever did.
I got mine here after pricing around at the time, not sure how prices compare now:
http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ShowIt...tch%20Kit.aspx
Since this model was a basic replacement clutch though I wouldn't know if it's heavy duty enough for the added horsepower and torque your 383 makes over my stock motor.
for what it's worth, when I put a new clutch in back during winter of '09 when I had the tranny rebuilt I got the LUK # 04-021. I think that's just the basic Chevy replacement clutch kit for Corvette, Camaro, GTO, Firebird, Nova, etc.
kit included everything and felt great driving with it. Not sure what clutch WAS in the car previously and by the time I pulled the old clutch out it was toast and way overdue for replacement but the new LUK clutch feels a lot better than the old one ever did.
I got mine here after pricing around at the time, not sure how prices compare now:
http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ShowIt...tch%20Kit.aspx
Since this model was a basic replacement clutch though I wouldn't know if it's heavy duty enough for the added horsepower and torque your 383 makes over my stock motor.
Last edited by BarryK; Dec 2, 2011 at 05:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Shore Maryland
LB66383, I have used Hays way back in the day when 4speeds ruled the strip. I hadn't even thought about one of those. Thanks that is the kind of info I'm looking for.
Barry, I haven't forgot about you and your brake system dilema. I was hoping this thread would take off and get me lots of testimonials on different products and uses. It seems the LUK is very popular after doing many searches, by the way of the many searches I didn't see as much info as a thought I would. Thanks again guys.
Barry, I haven't forgot about you and your brake system dilema. I was hoping this thread would take off and get me lots of testimonials on different products and uses. It seems the LUK is very popular after doing many searches, by the way of the many searches I didn't see as much info as a thought I would. Thanks again guys.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
Tripp, my brake system issues are what they are - with no money or anyone to help me with the work since I don't know how to do the repairs myself the car has just been sitting there waiting for it's day to get back on the road. Hell, it's only been 17 months up on jack-stands ...... who knows, it may still be there in another 20 years and than I can call it a barnfind! LOL 
(although lately even Linda has been making a few quiet comments about how nice it would be to get it on the road again and enjoying it)
I haven't forgotten my offer to help you do any buffing out on the paint on your car if it needs it, just let me know.
to be honest, I was surprised to see you post such a simple question in here considering all the experience you have working on these cars. I figured you would have had a few spare clutches just sitting around on your shelves.
Anyway, as mentioned, I do like the LUK clutch I put in but I can't tell you how well it compares or lasts against other brands or models such as the CenterForce or HAYS
(although lately even Linda has been making a few quiet comments about how nice it would be to get it on the road again and enjoying it)I haven't forgotten my offer to help you do any buffing out on the paint on your car if it needs it, just let me know.
to be honest, I was surprised to see you post such a simple question in here considering all the experience you have working on these cars. I figured you would have had a few spare clutches just sitting around on your shelves.
Anyway, as mentioned, I do like the LUK clutch I put in but I can't tell you how well it compares or lasts against other brands or models such as the CenterForce or HAYS
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 3,345
Likes: 87
From: Northern MN
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16-'17
Tripp
for what it's worth, when I put a new clutch in back during winter of '09 when I had the tranny rebuilt I got the LUK # 04-021. I think that's just the basic Chevy replacement clutch kit for Corvette, Camaro, GTO, Firebird, Nova, etc.
kit included everything and felt great driving with it. Not sure what clutch WAS in the car previously and by the time I pulled the old clutch out it was toast and way overdue for replacement but the new LUK clutch feels a lot better than the old one ever did.
I got mine here after pricing around at the time, not sure how prices compare now:
http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ShowIt...tch%20Kit.aspx
Since this model was a basic replacement clutch though I wouldn't know if it's heavy duty enough for the added horsepower and torque your 383 makes over my stock motor.
for what it's worth, when I put a new clutch in back during winter of '09 when I had the tranny rebuilt I got the LUK # 04-021. I think that's just the basic Chevy replacement clutch kit for Corvette, Camaro, GTO, Firebird, Nova, etc.
kit included everything and felt great driving with it. Not sure what clutch WAS in the car previously and by the time I pulled the old clutch out it was toast and way overdue for replacement but the new LUK clutch feels a lot better than the old one ever did.
I got mine here after pricing around at the time, not sure how prices compare now:
http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ShowIt...tch%20Kit.aspx
Since this model was a basic replacement clutch though I wouldn't know if it's heavy duty enough for the added horsepower and torque your 383 makes over my stock motor.
Barry,
When I looked up the LUK units for the 65/66 model years I came up with the 04-049 unit. This is a bent finger unit that replaced the original system that was in the Corvette.
Steve
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
From your post, I just researched the 04-049 unit you mentioned. the differences are that the 04-021 is a 10.5" clutch and the 04-049 is an 11" clutch. Various sites show thew 04-021 as NOT correct for my SB motor application. On the vendor site I bought my clutch from it shows the 04-021 as the only choice (in LUK brand) for the SB motor but it lists both units of 04-021 and 04-049 as choices with the BB motors (along with a 3rd choice of a heavy duty unit # 04-902).
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Shore Maryland
Barry it is always good for me to get as much insight from the forum, other than the centerforce units I have used on the last 4 corvettes my clutch experience was always old school ram 3 finger killer units that broke alot of parts and sucked on the street. I am also building a 396sb picked up a ultra-lite Crower crank having it machined now so I would like to have whatever clutch in and and adjusted before I finish this engine.
I found an old post by JohnZ and he did say the 04-021 was the corvette proper clutch for the midyears.
Claysmoker, thanks I'll check into the ram power grip.
I found an old post by JohnZ and he did say the 04-021 was the corvette proper clutch for the midyears.
Claysmoker, thanks I'll check into the ram power grip.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 38,897
Likes: 1,926
From: Washington Michigan
POSSE ZR-1 Driver
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 3,980
Likes: 139
From: Groton CT
My first replacement was a LUK. Worked fine.
When I put the 460hp 400 in the car, I switched to a Hays unit. No harder to push than the LUK. Haven't had any problems no matter how hard I pushed the car.
I think either unit would probably be fine for your application, but for track times, I'd go with the Hays.
When I put the 460hp 400 in the car, I switched to a Hays unit. No harder to push than the LUK. Haven't had any problems no matter how hard I pushed the car.
I think either unit would probably be fine for your application, but for track times, I'd go with the Hays.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 911
Likes: 8
I have a few thousand miles on my centerforce II, and I haven't felt a difference so far from the inexpensive "30% stronger than stock" - (Hays?) that I had with my ZZ4 motor (355hp/405tq) - that clutch lasted around 50,000 miles with a 3:55 rear, then another 15,000 miles tolerating a 3:08 rear as pictured below - All the while being driven like a rental (but no slicks). It was working fine when taken out - no sign of slipping. It was a 10.5", and ran 12.9 at 108 on 235/60/15's at the track when it had 45,000 miles on it.
Last edited by FastEddy; Dec 3, 2011 at 10:51 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 4,049
Likes: 134
From: St. Clair Shores MI
C2 of Year Finalist (track prepared) 2019
2017 C2 of the Year Finalist
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 13,156
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From: I'm not doing as well as I expected, but I never expected I would
I replaced the old borg&beck style finger clutch in my 61 with the LUK diapharm type as described above. Be sure to install the TO bearing properly and you will be happy for miles.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 398
Likes: 0
From: Eastern Shore Maryland
Thanks guys, the centerforce have worked fine in every different car, just not sure the cost is justified. I never really noticed a big difference in the pedal effort. Looks like Hays and LUK both have about the same number of fans as the CF DFII.