Factory DM Flywheel question
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
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From: Guntersville Alabama
Factory DM Flywheel question
What would be the most HP that the factory DM and clutch can handle? I am planning a rebuild on a LT-1 with a 5-6k budget for the engine. Need advice on component selection. I will do the wrenching. Thinking of having the heads ported and i definitely need to replace the crank. I am not to keen on having the stock crank reground. Please chime in with your opinions.
Thanks,
93cruiser
Thanks,
93cruiser
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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I've asked that question alot. Opinions have come from several (historical) retailers and the ZF Doc. Also, some users.
Really, the answer depends on how aggressive you'll be driving the car. If you'll be racing, revving, and dropping power into the clutch HARD, it's going to wear out faster. Official numbers I've seen say it can handle about 425hp/tq. OTOH, I've heard of people using them successfully well above 500hp.
If your power will exceed 400hp/tq, you better be easing into it most of the time or I wouldn't count on it lasting. But, if cruisin/street driving is your gig (with the occasional burst), you've got a little room above that.
Really, the answer depends on how aggressive you'll be driving the car. If you'll be racing, revving, and dropping power into the clutch HARD, it's going to wear out faster. Official numbers I've seen say it can handle about 425hp/tq. OTOH, I've heard of people using them successfully well above 500hp.
If your power will exceed 400hp/tq, you better be easing into it most of the time or I wouldn't count on it lasting. But, if cruisin/street driving is your gig (with the occasional burst), you've got a little room above that.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
Likes: 1
From: Guntersville Alabama
I've asked that question alot. Opinions have come from several (historical) retailers and the ZF Doc. Also, some users.
Really, the answer depends on how aggressive you'll be driving the car. If you'll be racing, revving, and dropping power into the clutch HARD, it's going to wear out faster. Official numbers I've seen say it can handle about 425hp/tq. OTOH, I've heard of people using them successfully well above 500hp.
If your power will exceed 400hp/tq, you better be easing into it most of the time or I wouldn't count on it lasting. But, if cruisin/street driving is your gig (with the occasional burst), you've got a little room above that.
Really, the answer depends on how aggressive you'll be driving the car. If you'll be racing, revving, and dropping power into the clutch HARD, it's going to wear out faster. Official numbers I've seen say it can handle about 425hp/tq. OTOH, I've heard of people using them successfully well above 500hp.
If your power will exceed 400hp/tq, you better be easing into it most of the time or I wouldn't count on it lasting. But, if cruisin/street driving is your gig (with the occasional burst), you've got a little room above that.
Thanks again for the reply.
93cruiser
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Manassas VA
NoVa Events Coordinator
St. Jude Donor '14
I'm putting down around 440rwhp and 418rwtq... I don't dump the clutch, no burn outs, etc.. I've had zero issues with it holding but I have a pressure plate that is 200lbs heaver.
Carolina clutch put the package together for me.
Carolina clutch put the package together for me.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 505
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From: Guntersville Alabama
What kind of mods do have on your engine?
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 12,221
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From: Overland Park Kansas
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (appearance mods)
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The ZFDoc confirmed this attitude.
So...If you need more holding power,,,go with a stage 2 or higher clutch.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 4,230
Likes: 0
From: VA
Cruise-In II Veteran
I talked to Tom @ Carolina Clutch. He said he'd never "recommend" putting a higher pressure platch with the stock DMF unit. He added that it could be done -- but would seriously shorten the life of the DMF.
The ZFDoc confirmed this attitude.
So...If you need more holding power,,,go with a stage 2 or higher clutch.
The ZFDoc confirmed this attitude.
So...If you need more holding power,,,go with a stage 2 or higher clutch.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 3,014
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From: Raleigh, NC
400 RWHP won't destroy the dual mass. Some of the LT5 guys are claiming almost that much power stock.
I would put a different disk in it and use the stock pressure plate and flywheel. Maybe a Center Force dual friction and the stock dual mass.
I would put a different disk in it and use the stock pressure plate and flywheel. Maybe a Center Force dual friction and the stock dual mass.