High torque manual trans -- Which clutch?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
High torque manual trans -- Which clutch?
I'm planning to build a big inch (500-540) engine for my '68, that will live in front of my Richmond 5-speed. What type of clutch should I be looking at. Can a stock GM handle big torque? Or do I need something like a Centerforce 2? Maybe I need to go all the way to a Centerforce Dual Friction?
Please don't say I need $1000 triple disks :eek:
-Joe
Please don't say I need $1000 triple disks :eek:
-Joe
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (Flareside)
I have the centerforce Dual Friction behind my SBC 427 making 650hp/580tq and it slips. It's installed properly and the flywheel, disk, and pressure plate are not contaminated. Although I don't think it's really necessary, I even followed Centerforce's recommendation of going easy on it the first few hundred miles to 'break it in'. I think somewhere around 500, maybe 550 ft lbs is it's limit. I would recommend the McCleod Street Twin, which is what I'm going with this winter. It's about $800 though ( I know ), but it seems to be the clutch of choice for a high torque street application.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 4,148
Likes: 5
From: Roxbury NJ
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (Monty)
Thanks Monty. That McCleod Street Twin makes me nervous, it sounds like it bites real hard. I guess this is just the price you pay to identify components that need an upgrade. I can hear it now, "Richmond 5-speed, you are the weakest link, goodbye". :lol:
Since you're considering this clutch, you'll probably appreciate this quote from Chevelles.com:
"The dual disk clutches work well for high horsepower street/strip applications. I've been extremely pleased with the performance of the McCleod Street Twin. It has never once showed any signs of slipping. As previously stated the setup is somewhat finicky and regular adjustment intervals (checking the air gap) are a must. The dual disk clutches require a different launch technique than the single disks. Rather than side stepping the clutch you release the pedal quickly at the end of its travel. On a well prepared track you'll find that more RPM is required than with the single disk as there is ZERO slippage, the front end will drop and the car will bog.
Be prepared to spend a lot of cash with the twin disk setup, and I'm not referring to the purchase of the twin disk.
The first time out on the twin disk I broke my rear end yoke, didn't even get to make one pass. Now granted the yoke was 35 years old, so it may have been coincidence. I upgraded from a 3" aluminum driveshaft with the factory 1310 style joints to a 3.5" aluminum driveshaft with heavy duty Spicer 1350 style joints. I also added a billet rear end yoke.
The very next time out I got 6 passes before I demolished the first gear and main cluster in the Richmond. I usually launch at around 3,500RPM. I will say that my car posted the best MPH ever (just under 117) along with best 60', and ET. I decided to take a rest until next year.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. I have the twin disk out of the car right now and can take some digital picks. If anyone is interested in seeing a 1st gear and main cluster that's as smooth as a baby's (__|__) let me know and I’ll post those as well :-).
Since you're considering this clutch, you'll probably appreciate this quote from Chevelles.com:
"The dual disk clutches work well for high horsepower street/strip applications. I've been extremely pleased with the performance of the McCleod Street Twin. It has never once showed any signs of slipping. As previously stated the setup is somewhat finicky and regular adjustment intervals (checking the air gap) are a must. The dual disk clutches require a different launch technique than the single disks. Rather than side stepping the clutch you release the pedal quickly at the end of its travel. On a well prepared track you'll find that more RPM is required than with the single disk as there is ZERO slippage, the front end will drop and the car will bog.
Be prepared to spend a lot of cash with the twin disk setup, and I'm not referring to the purchase of the twin disk.
The first time out on the twin disk I broke my rear end yoke, didn't even get to make one pass. Now granted the yoke was 35 years old, so it may have been coincidence. I upgraded from a 3" aluminum driveshaft with the factory 1310 style joints to a 3.5" aluminum driveshaft with heavy duty Spicer 1350 style joints. I also added a billet rear end yoke.
The very next time out I got 6 passes before I demolished the first gear and main cluster in the Richmond. I usually launch at around 3,500RPM. I will say that my car posted the best MPH ever (just under 117) along with best 60', and ET. I decided to take a rest until next year.
Let me know if you have any specific questions. I have the twin disk out of the car right now and can take some digital picks. If anyone is interested in seeing a 1st gear and main cluster that's as smooth as a baby's (__|__) let me know and I’ll post those as well :-).
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 5,877
Likes: 1
From: Park Ridge IL
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (Flareside)
Yeah, I saw that post on Chevelles yesterday. I think the 3,500 rpm launches have soemthing to do with it, not to mention the fact that those ROD 6 are only rated at 425-450 ft lbs. As you know, Chevelles are not light cars anyway.
Of all the streetable clutches that can handle ALOT of torque and power, the Street Twin is the most popular hands down. While it would hardly ever be confused with an OEM clutch, it does have quite a bit of feel to it. It's not like alot of multidisk clutches - on or off.
Of all the streetable clutches that can handle ALOT of torque and power, the Street Twin is the most popular hands down. While it would hardly ever be confused with an OEM clutch, it does have quite a bit of feel to it. It's not like alot of multidisk clutches - on or off.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 923
Likes: 164
From: Hudson NH
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (Flareside)
I currently run a McLeod Street Twin clutch and like it very much. Pedal force is light yet there is good feel. Mine is the "old tech" Long/Borg & Beck style -- now McLeod offers a Street Twin w/ diaphram clutch. McLeod makes quality parts.
Good luck,
Mark
Good luck,
Mark
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 3,299
Likes: 0
From: Beltsville Maryland
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (Flareside)
I ran a Mcleod Street Twin when I had a 6spd.I now have a auto tranny.Let me know if anyone is interested in buying it.The clutch has ~6 runs on it.This is the way to go.
Thanks...Phil
Thanks...Phil
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 4,329
Likes: 10
From: Cape Coral fl
Re: High torque manual trans -- Which clutch? (wheelsup)
I used a RAM metallic "puck" clutch for about two years in my car and I loved it. It stood up to 3,500 rpm launches on slicks, nitrous and damn near anything I asked of it. I made 480 RWHP(on nitrous), and it took it all. It also used the stock pressure plate and flywheel, so the install was a snap. Best of all, it was cheap, $189.00. it looked something like this, http://www.ramclutches.com/Products/6000_series.htm , but it had a solid (unsprung) hub. You have to call to get info on a Corvette application.
Tony
[Modified by KLLRVET, 2:16 AM 12/15/2001]
Tony
[Modified by KLLRVET, 2:16 AM 12/15/2001]
