I posted this in the Tech section as well for the people that don't come in here.

I just put in a Mcleod RXT dual disc clutch in. When I take off at low RPM's it feels like the car is bucking. After the car is in motion the clutch is smooth as silk. A friend of mine told me the problem would more than likely go away as the clutch is breaking in. I have 200 miles on the clutch now and haven't noticed a difference yet. Has anyone experienced this and is it normal?? If it isn't normal what could the problem be??

Thanks

 

I don't have that clutch but most manufacturers say to put 500+ easy miles as a break in period. My spec was the same way (chatter) but now its perfect...

 

Put a couple hundred more miles on the clutch. Clutch chatter is normal on most aftermaket clutches during break in.

 

Unfortunately, I'd have to say it was normal for that clutch with the aggressive RXT clutch discs. I experienced the exact same symptoms with my McLeod RXT street twin and finally had it replaced after only 2000 miles.

The car would "shudder" when trying to go from a stop. It was worse when trying to use some RPM and slip the clutch (ie. dragstrip). Not a small chatter but enough to shake the drivetrain and bounce the dash around. At the dragstrip it would hold the power pretty well (just a moment of slip at peak torque), but for me personally, the inability to get a smooth launch made it slow and inconsistent. Other guys seem happy with the clutch so if it suits your driving style, you might have better results.

Good luck,
Scott

 

What you are describing is exactly what is going on with my car. I haven't had it at the drag strip yet but the shudder feels like it is going to break the car in half. I will give it some more miles but if this is as good as it gets I will be swapping out clutches. I ran the McLeod Street Twin in my Trans Am and did not experience anything like this but the pedal pressure would kill your left leg if you got caught in traffic. Which clutch did you end up with? I am thinking I will probably go to a RPS unit if the RXT dosn't smooth out. Thanks for all of the replies guys.

 

I hope you have better luck than I did. I gave mine plenty of miles but I hated the shaky starts. The pedal was also crazy light and I had a spring added to give it some feel. I think they compromised too much on this clutch with the lighter clamping and aggressive MIBA material. Take a look at the contact surface in the picture I posted.

Before the McLeod, I smoked an Excedy twin disc on low boost with drag radials. No crazy driving or launching - just torque, traction and an overrated clutch. I did my homework before buying but I refuse to spend another $2000+ on something unproven. Considering that BOTH of these clutches are rated for 850-1000+tq, I'm done with the aftermarket hype.

I had a chance to drive the 9 second Lingenfelter ZR1 with the stock LS9 clutch and I was really impressed with how smooth and strong that unit felt. If it can hold 700+rwtq, take a beating at the track and be smooth on the street... Then it's a damn sight better than the aftermarket clutches I've tried.

Here is a picture of the LPE LS9 clutch with billet steel flywheel I installed in the car. Take a look at the beef in this OEM unit compared to the McLeod that was pulled out. I also got a new modified pressure plate to provide 20% more clamping force over the standard LS9 unit. I'll see how it does at the track after a proper break on but considering the stock clutch has run 9's, I'm optimistic.

I'm waiting for a break from the rain, but after 40 miles the clutch feels so smooth. Especially after fighting with the McLeod for the last 2000 miles.
I'll offer some more feedback after I get some more miles on the car.
Scott