Solid hub clutch opinions
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Solid hub clutch opinions
Anyone running one? I have one, (not installed yet). I'm going to be running a 383 with 451HP and 466TQ at the F/W, TKO 600, and a hydraulic clutch. I want to autocross and maybe road race some, but the car will probably be 90% plus street. I'm just looking for some experienced opinions.
Thanks
Thanks
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Since you have one you might as well use it. Is this one of the Ram higher HP clutch assembles?
IMO - clutch companies have it pretty much figured out with the clutch disk dampening springs. Even my 800 or something HP Centerforce 11 inch has them. They just use more HDuty springs. It is also my opinion that they serve a function. They do cushion drive line shock a little.
I did manage to rip all 5 springs out of a stock GM clutch disk once. But that is just being stupid and dumping the clutch at high rpm with big rear tires.
I don't like hydro assist clutches. Modern quality high powered clutches are easy on the leg anyway. It's not like the bears of yesteryear.
IMO - clutch companies have it pretty much figured out with the clutch disk dampening springs. Even my 800 or something HP Centerforce 11 inch has them. They just use more HDuty springs. It is also my opinion that they serve a function. They do cushion drive line shock a little.
I did manage to rip all 5 springs out of a stock GM clutch disk once. But that is just being stupid and dumping the clutch at high rpm with big rear tires.
I don't like hydro assist clutches. Modern quality high powered clutches are easy on the leg anyway. It's not like the bears of yesteryear.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Thanks gkull, I'm going to see if speedway will swap it out for a spring version for me. I think since most of my driving will be on the street I'll be more comfortable with the spring setup. But the solid hub might keep the ol' lady from getting behind the wheel... 
If anyone else has an opinion please speak up.
If anyone else has an opinion please speak up.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
I don't think that a human could tell if it was solid or had the springs. Your U-joints, half shafts, and out spindles might be happier though. It just dampens drive line shock.
Driveability is a combination of flywheel weight, final first gear ratio, and motor TQ.
When you get this all together if you have wheel hop. Buy or build your own aluminum diff. crossmember mount reinforcers.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-bushings.html
Driveability is a combination of flywheel weight, final first gear ratio, and motor TQ.
When you get this all together if you have wheel hop. Buy or build your own aluminum diff. crossmember mount reinforcers.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...-bushings.html
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
Come to find out the lightweight flywheel I picked up with the clutch won't clear a sprung hub, so unless I want to replace the F/W too... No removable crossmember so changing out later will be a bit of a hassle with the TKO. hmmmmm
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
What kind of light weight flywheel are you running. Why won't the spring hub one fit. The raised part of the hub goes to the pressure plate side. The other side of the clutch disc should be quite flat.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 575
Likes: 3
From: Tampa / Ft. Myers FL
20 pounds, Speedway Motors S/B CHEVY, 153 TOOTH - 1 PIECE MAIN, 20 LBS Item #6051530
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Lightw...Chevy,898.html
The writeup reads (as I see now) "Note: Not for use with stock clutch disc as springs on friction disc hub will not clear flywheel bolts."
http://www.speedwaymotors.com/Lightw...Chevy,898.html
The writeup reads (as I see now) "Note: Not for use with stock clutch disc as springs on friction disc hub will not clear flywheel bolts."
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
I don't know what brand the Speedway flywheel is, but I've got a Hays 10lb billet steel flywheel. When I bought it, it said the same thing about a stock disc hitting the flywheel bolts. They said that I would have to use their flywheel bolt kit. I think the heads are shorter. I bought them and no problems. You might purchase them when you pick up a disc when you check clearance. They are: Hays flywheel bolt kit 530. Kinda pricey, but well worth it if you wanna use a light weight flywheel.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 21,953
Likes: 1,444
From: Reno Nevada
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
gkull,
I made a mistake, it's not a Hays Flywheel, it's a Ram. when I bought it two years ago it was listed as a 10 pounder. I see now it's listed as 9.2 lbs. They also make a 12.1 pound which I used before the 10. I could actually tell the difference between the two. As far as a billet steel flywheel, it's a good price.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAM-1512-10/
I made a mistake, it's not a Hays Flywheel, it's a Ram. when I bought it two years ago it was listed as a 10 pounder. I see now it's listed as 9.2 lbs. They also make a 12.1 pound which I used before the 10. I could actually tell the difference between the two. As far as a billet steel flywheel, it's a good price.
http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAM-1512-10/
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 198
Likes: 0
From: Colorado Springs Colorado
Yeah the 12 lb. was for internal balance, when I put the forged rotating asm. I had it external balanced and went to the 10 lb. 'cause it only comes external bal.
I'm not sure if they make a 168 wheel that light. I'll see if I can find one.
I'm not sure if they make a 168 wheel that light. I'll see if I can find one.
