When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I am about ready to complete the engine and with that I need a clutch before I can put the thing on the chassis. I have been thinking about the centerforce dual friction, any positives or negatives with it? What would be other choices. I have a 383 and hoping to get 400 hp out of it so I need better than stock. Whatcha think?
A Centerforce Dual Friction is what I selected for a replacement. I don't think I've ever driven a stick with a more solid clutch. Also, a clutch disk is included with the dual friction package, but it is a short lifetime disk and will wear out after just a year or so. Buy a disk seperately and use it instead of the supplied disk so you don't have to pull the tranny in 12 short months to replace the disk.
Centerforce Dual Friction . Just make sure you use the correct ball stud, geometry of the clutch rod, clutch fork and throwout bearing change from stock. Potential of not dis-engaging the clutch with the pedal compressed if you use the stock ballstud.
The Centerforce Dual Friction works well. I used one for 3 years behind my low 11 sec 427 with numerous dragstrip runs on slicks. Then I installed it right back on the first version of the 540 (732 hp) and it held perfect for 2 more years. It still looked brand new. Lots of street miles too. Broke lots of axle parts with both engines!
I then stuck it back on the newest version of the 540 (825 hp) and finally found its' limits. It would slip if you flatfooted it in the upper gears.
I had to install a custom built Mcleod dual disc at that time.
But the Centerforce is still alive and well. I gave it my buddy who stuck it in his '65 with a nasty little 327 and Doug Nash 5 speed. Works great...except it held too well........he scattered the spider out of the differential and the Fastest Street Vette in TX race.
I can't imagine how that disc wore out in one year. I definitely have not been easy on mine and it's been great.
Ditto on making sure geometry is right with adjustable ball stud.
A Centerforce Dual Friction is what I selected for a replacement. I don't think I've ever driven a stick with a more solid clutch. Also, a clutch disk is included with the dual friction package, but it is a short lifetime disk and will wear out after just a year or so. Buy a disk seperately and use it instead of the supplied disk so you don't have to pull the tranny in 12 short months to replace the disk.
I would suspect a problem with your setup - these clutches are extremely tough. I had one in an 81 Jeep Scrambler with a "spruced up" '80 Vette 350 and 35in tires for 6 very hard and fast years - never even phased the Dual Friction. Sold it to a guy who beat the zhit out of it, but never fried the clutch.
They're the best, in my opinion and I will definately put one in my 69 later this year.
I think the CF dual friction is overkill for 400 hp. The CF II should be fine for you. Not that it won't work well, just think it's a bit much. I've got the CF II on mine (400 hp NA and 525 with NOS) and I love it. I used the stock clutch fork and shaft, no issues at all. I've heard though that with the dual friction you need an adjustable shaft. JMO..... :thumbs:
MasterD, the dual friction is about the same price as the ll which is one of the reasons I was going for the DF.
This brings me to another question, is an adjustable ball stud required and how does one work on the geometry? Since the body is off it should not be a big deal to set, but need a bit more info.
Hayes Street/Strip clutches are really good. I replaced the Centerforce in my vette with one and it works alot better. I had trouble with the CF sticking at high rpms.