How much clutch?
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 53
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From: murray ky
How much clutch?
I am installing a 450hp--406ci motor in my 76 widebody car. The motor has 480ft pounds of torque.
Will a stock 11" clutch last in this application? I am not going to race or do burnouts.I do like to shift going into corners form time to time.
I dont want a lot of foot preasure on the clutch.
What do you all think. I wood appreciate your help on this issue.
Marc.
Will a stock 11" clutch last in this application? I am not going to race or do burnouts.I do like to shift going into corners form time to time.
I dont want a lot of foot preasure on the clutch.
What do you all think. I wood appreciate your help on this issue.
Marc.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
I have 383 Stroker 485 hp/490 tq
McLeod recommended their 12" clutch, less pedal pressure, but plenty clutch service area to handle the torque. Havn't driven it yet, but I am confident it will be fine. McLeod said it was good up to 600 HP. Need to make sure your bellhousing/flywheel can take this size. I have a 71 LT1 and using the stock aluminum bellhousing and nodular iron flywheel resurfaced. don't use the standard cast iron flywheel as they are susceptable to shaddering at high rpm.
here are the part#s
McLeod Pressure Plate 12" 360820
McLeod Clutch Disc 12" 260873
McLeod throw-out Bearing 16010
McLeod Pilot Bearing (needle bearings) 8605
I did have to change out the clutch fork pivot ball to one that I could adjust to the needed length, can't find the part number on that.
Good Luck
here are the part#s
McLeod Pressure Plate 12" 360820
McLeod Clutch Disc 12" 260873
McLeod throw-out Bearing 16010
McLeod Pilot Bearing (needle bearings) 8605
I did have to change out the clutch fork pivot ball to one that I could adjust to the needed length, can't find the part number on that.
Good Luck
Thread Starter
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Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 53
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From: murray ky
how much clutch?
What about a kevler clutch?I dont plan on exceeding 5,000/5,500 rpm , but you know how it goes.I ran a heavy clutch before and it was not injoyable to drive.
I have the stock alum bellhousing and new steel flywheel.I am not hard on the clutch and would wrather not spend the money on another clutch. Didnt the factory big block cars use the same 11" clutch?
I have the stock alum bellhousing and new steel flywheel.I am not hard on the clutch and would wrather not spend the money on another clutch. Didnt the factory big block cars use the same 11" clutch?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I am running the Centerofrce 1 clutch in my car. I have around 420 HP. I have abused the heck out of the clutch and it keeps coming back for more. The only abuse I have not done is run a sticky tire. I have over 200 drag passes, countless burnouts and many high rpm launches. I would get another if it ever fails.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 12,142
Likes: 54
From: Taylor Michigan
You dont really need to be fancy, a very good choice would be to use the HP L88 parts. The lightweight high reving 15 lb flywheel with the proper 10 3/8 clutch assembly. All stock stuff and works like a champ. Can`t beat it with a stick. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,727
Likes: 38
From: Fremont CA
I run a Ceterforce II pressure plate with a McCleod Kevlar disc in my LT-1 Vette. This clutch has survived for over 6 years and 8K miles of street/drag/ and autocross racing but, seem s to be close to the end at this point. I guess the many 12 second passes while "dropping the HAMMER" at 3200RPM on slicks is finally taking its toll on my hardware. I am pleased with the longevity of my set-up but do NOT like the "Dual Friction" disc that Centerforce makes. The McCleod Kevlar disc seems to fare better in my Hot-Rod Vette (10.5" L-88 pressure plate and flywheel, don't get the std 10.5" pressure plate, get the stronger diaphram spring the 67-9 427 L-88 pressure has and you will be happy.) You also have to stay "on top" of your pedal freeplay for the first 1500 miles of break-in or the pressure plate will un-load at high RPMs and smoke your clutch set-up quickly if it is neglected.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,672
Likes: 6
From: Nevada City California
Dragster47:
I have a '71 LS-6 coupe, these cars with the M22 transmission used the factory dual disc set-up. It is excellent, lighter pedal pressure and indestructable. Were used in Z28's during the '69 TransAm wars, as these guys were running hard for several hours and having to shift a lot on these road courses!
They are considered a "lifetime clutch" and were also used on the dragstrips and are reported to hold up even at 1200hp.
They are very scarce to locate, as only 102 units were sold during the 1969 Corvette model year, which sold over 38,000 units. They were also standard equipment on the 1971 LS-6, at least 122 cars out of 200 (including the 12 ZR-2 cars), 188 regular LS-6's sold.
I have one excellent slightly used set, and one New Old Stock set...unfortunately they are not cheap.
I have a '71 LS-6 coupe, these cars with the M22 transmission used the factory dual disc set-up. It is excellent, lighter pedal pressure and indestructable. Were used in Z28's during the '69 TransAm wars, as these guys were running hard for several hours and having to shift a lot on these road courses!
They are considered a "lifetime clutch" and were also used on the dragstrips and are reported to hold up even at 1200hp.
They are very scarce to locate, as only 102 units were sold during the 1969 Corvette model year, which sold over 38,000 units. They were also standard equipment on the 1971 LS-6, at least 122 cars out of 200 (including the 12 ZR-2 cars), 188 regular LS-6's sold.
I have one excellent slightly used set, and one New Old Stock set...unfortunately they are not cheap.