Clutch selection opinions needed
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 1
From: Pineville Kentucky
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Clutch selection opinions needed
As some here know I am building a roller 454 with somewhere North of 500 HP probable. The car will never be raced (except for a few redneck races) I am running street tires with NO plans to ever run drag radials. I am installing a Keisler 500 next week. Do I NEED a dual friction or other type of high dollar clutch? I am planning on using a heavy duty 11" Duralast (Autozone) type clutch. I do not want a heavy clutch "feel".
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
Lots of options here. One of the more expensive options that I went with is a McLeod Street TWin. Normal pedal feel and probably the last clutch I will ever buy. I am running a 600+ horse big block. Just curious, why did you go for the TKO 500 instead of the 600 with a 500+ horse motor?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 2,540
Likes: 1
From: Pineville Kentucky
CI 6-8-9 Veteran
Originally Posted by 69ttop502
Lots of options here. One of the more expensive options that I went with is a McLeod Street TWin. Normal pedal feel and probably the last clutch I will ever buy. I am running a 600+ horse big block. Just curious, why did you go for the TKO 500 instead of the 600 with a 500+ horse motor?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 7,098
Likes: 378
From: Las Vegas - Just stop perpetuating myths please.
For great value i use LUK.
Many yrs ago i had the chance to talk with a clutch mfr in San Diego 'bout a clutch for my GTO. They recommended one of they'res of course but put it on a PP tester and showed me the actual spring force. They told me Center Force clutches are greatly over-rated (and over priced).
Well I'm running the BB 11" clutch (on my wimpy sb) made by LUK for only $150 mail order from Northern Auto Parts Wharehouse - includes disk, P-plate, brg. Pedal press is just fine and no slipping issues.
I have had trans shops recommend LUK so u may want to contact ur local trans shop. 
I did find out the hard way my linkage bars worn all worn and holes elongated but my vette has maybe a trillion miles on it though a good idea to inspect urs at replacement.
Hope this helps. cardo0
Well I'm running the BB 11" clutch (on my wimpy sb) made by LUK for only $150 mail order from Northern Auto Parts Wharehouse - includes disk, P-plate, brg. Pedal press is just fine and no slipping issues.
I have had trans shops recommend LUK so u may want to contact ur local trans shop. I did find out the hard way my linkage bars worn all worn and holes elongated but my vette has maybe a trillion miles on it though a good idea to inspect urs at replacement.
Hope this helps. cardo0
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,043
Likes: 4
From: Va
At the recommendation of Red Roberts
Pres. of McLeod , I went with the 12" clutch on my 383 stroker. McCleod said the 12" will handle up to 600 HP and have the feel of the OEM clutch, maybe even a little less pressure. haven't driven it yet so can't speak from experience. Red said that is what he used in his 57 Chevy so that made me feel comfortable.
Call McLeod and get their recommendation:
http://www.mcleodind.com/index.asp
For my 4 x 4 Ford explorer I installed a PRO GOLD Luk and am very pleased with it.
http://www.dialaclutch.com/
I would not recommend the Autozone, Advance clutches, nothing to base this on but don't think theirs would be a very good quality.
Call McLeod and get their recommendation:
http://www.mcleodind.com/index.asp
For my 4 x 4 Ford explorer I installed a PRO GOLD Luk and am very pleased with it.
http://www.dialaclutch.com/
I would not recommend the Autozone, Advance clutches, nothing to base this on but don't think theirs would be a very good quality.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Even with street tires you hava a lot of torque there. You will fry those "stock" clutches very quickly. Get yourself a good quality clutch that is going to take the torque of your motor. I am going to run the Cf Dual Friction on my new combo. There are others out there just as good if not better. Spend a few more dollars now and it will be in there for a long time.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 30,183
Likes: 313
From: Lake Norman NC
i personally like the Centerforce Dual Friction and would use it in anything with 600hp/600tq or less. As long as its installed correctly, its a nice clutch. I had one on both 383/450-500hp engines i've had and it feels and holds great.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 2,412
Likes: 3
Stay away from the autozone clutch, with 500hp you'll burn it up in 500 miles. The clutch needs to be able to hold the hp. I'm running a SPEC clutch, dunno if they make a clutch for your app. But they're grabby, although they're notorious for clutch chatter. But if you have a fat wallet, I've never heard anything bad about McCleod.
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 534
Likes: 2
From: Cookeville TN
Originally Posted by 69ttop502
Lots of options here. One of the more expensive options that I went with is a McLeod Street TWin. Normal pedal feel and probably the last clutch I will ever buy. I am running a 600+ horse big block. Just curious, why did you go for the TKO 500 instead of the 600 with a 500+ horse motor?