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-   -   Anyone running a Centerforce dual friction clutch kit on their ZF6 (https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums/c4-tech-performance/4136099-anyone-running-a-centerforce-dual-friction-clutch-kit-on-their-zf6.html)

JasBass 05-07-2018 08:46 PM

Anyone running a Centerforce dual friction clutch kit on their ZF6
 
Title says it. Feedback? Longevity? Satisfaction? Debating setup options. It would be mated to a billet steel 30# SMF. It's either this, a Carolina Clutch kit (I know the PP is a Valeo), or a regular Valeo pressure plate on a standard dampened disk complete kit. Mainly spirited street driving with occasional autocross duty.

Am I going overboard like Tim the Tool Man Taylor on the Centerforce setup? :lol:

MatthewMiller 05-08-2018 11:11 PM

In order of your questions, I run the Dual Friction disk in a NOS Valeo racing pressure plate (from the Escort World Challenge days). The disk is fine. I've been told by Jim Jandik (Power Torque Systems, a long time ZF6 clutch guru) that they are a cut above most other disks in uniformity of dimension and overall quality (I want to say RAM was the other?). But their pressure plates are another story. First, you have to understand that all new pull-type pressure plates for our cars are made-in-China mediocrity. It doesn't matter what name is on it - CF, SPEC, Carolina Clutch, or even Valeo - if it's newer than a few years old it's Chinese, and probably all from the same factory.

The thing that CF does differently is to add the little weights to create more clamping force with more rpm. It seems like it should be a good enough idea. However, a good friend of mine who worked as a professional tech in the service bays of a speed shop advised me that fully half of the dozens of CF pressure plates they installed came back with breakage. Typically, the weights came off and that caused havoc. So I would steer clear. Unless you can find an old made-in-US or made-in-Brazil NOS Valeo unit, then I'd say that the cheapest one you can find is as good as any other, as long as it doesn't have weights stuck on the fingers.

As for going overboard on the disk, it kind of depends on your drivetrain. If you are still at stock L98 power levels, you would be fine with a plain organic disk. In that case, the Caroline Clutch kit is probably priced pretty well and I have read positive remarks about their service and tech advice. My car with over 400rwhp that was tracked and autocrossed a ton went for years on such a disk. When it finally crapped out, I did opt for the CF dual friction disk and have no regrets. But the organic disk is nicer to drive on the street. It's less grabby and easier to modulate in traffic. If your car is stock or close to it, I'd go with that.

JasBass 05-11-2018 12:15 PM


Originally Posted by MatthewMiller (Post 1597161551)
In order of your questions, I run the Dual Friction disk in a NOS Valeo racing pressure plate (from the Escort World Challenge days). The disk is fine. I've been told by Jim Jandik (Power Torque Systems, a long time ZF6 clutch guru) that they are a cut above most other disks in uniformity of dimension and overall quality (I want to say RAM was the other?). But their pressure plates are another story. First, you have to understand that all new pull-type pressure plates for our cars are made-in-China mediocrity. It doesn't matter what name is on it - CF, SPEC, Carolina Clutch, or even Valeo - if it's newer than a few years old it's Chinese, and probably all from the same factory.

The thing that CF does differently is to add the little weights to create more clamping force with more rpm. It seems like it should be a good enough idea. However, a good friend of mine who worked as a professional tech in the service bays of a speed shop advised me that fully half of the dozens of CF pressure plates they installed came back with breakage. Typically, the weights came off and that caused havoc. So I would steer clear. Unless you can find an old made-in-US or made-in-Brazil NOS Valeo unit, then I'd say that the cheapest one you can find is as good as any other, as long as it doesn't have weights stuck on the fingers.

As for going overboard on the disk, it kind of depends on your drivetrain. If you are still at stock L98 power levels, you would be fine with a plain organic disk. In that case, the Caroline Clutch kit is probably priced pretty well and I have read positive remarks about their service and tech advice. My car with over 400rwhp that was tracked and autocrossed a ton went for years on such a disk. When it finally crapped out, I did opt for the CF dual friction disk and have no regrets. But the organic disk is nicer to drive on the street. It's less grabby and easier to modulate in traffic. If your car is stock or close to it, I'd go with that.


After being sent a bunch of wrong parts, I got everything returned and decided to go with the Ecklers complete DMF to SMF kit; weekend sale made it absurdly economical. 42# flywheel, 11 inch organic clutch, Valeo PP, TOB and Pilot bearing. It will be the most stock setup for now. When I pull the motor next year and do my build, i'll consider that nice Ram setup with the billet aluminum flywheel. For now, smooth revs and great daily driving feel. Doesn't really seem like too many people here on the forum have tried the complete kit. Everything will be in by end of next week, so i'll take one for the team and report back :yesnod:

MatthewMiller 05-11-2018 08:06 PM


Originally Posted by JasBass (Post 1597178901)
After being sent a bunch of wrong parts, I got everything returned and decided to go with the Ecklers complete DMF to SMF kit; weekend sale made it absurdly economical. 42# flywheel, 11 inch organic clutch, Valeo PP, TOB and Pilot bearing. It will be the most stock setup for now. When I pull the motor next year and do my build, i'll consider that nice Ram setup with the billet aluminum flywheel. For now, smooth revs and great daily driving feel. Doesn't really seem like too many people here on the forum have tried the complete kit. Everything will be in by end of next week, so i'll take one for the team and report back :yesnod:

Let us know how it turns out.

bill mcdonald 05-12-2018 03:53 PM

I had the centerforce clutch, dual friction (older one) on my 90 for about 2 years. Built engine with the usual mods around here.

I used the dual mass. I tried the turned down Camaro flywheel, and the rattle was not even reasonable.
Never had any issues with it.

I have no idea if anything happened with the issue with the weights. Heard the same stuff around here for years. Someone told me to cut them off. I would if they broke off.

Doing research on the sledgehammer, it seems it may have some relation to this centerforce. Bill hays dual friction.
https://www.lingenfelter.com/Sledgeh...ff%20Smith.pdf
Scroll down to Page 3.

Mine does not have those springs in the clutch disk, I have no idea why they are there since that car is not a 6 speed, at least not at that time.

I had the clutch come apart on my Z06, it put holes in the bell housing. Nothing happened like that on the 90.

JasBass 05-13-2018 07:11 PM


Originally Posted by bill mcdonald (Post 1597185914)
I had the centerforce clutch, dual friction (older one) on my 90 for about 2 years. Built engine with the usual mods around here.

I used the dual mass. I tried the turned down Camaro flywheel, and the rattle was not even reasonable.
Never had any issues with it.

I have no idea if anything happened with the issue with the weights. Heard the same stuff around here for years. Someone told me to cut them off. I would if they broke off.

Doing research on the sledgehammer, it seems it may have some relation to this centerforce. Bill hays dual friction.
https://www.lingenfelter.com/Sledgeh...ff%20Smith.pdf
Scroll down to Page 3.

Mine does not have those springs in the clutch disk, I have no idea why they are there since that car is not a 6 speed, at least not at that time.

I had the clutch come apart on my Z06, it put holes in the bell housing. Nothing happened like that on the 90.

I appreciate the feedback man. I went with a heavy single mass for now. Installing it sometime this week, time permitting... Plans are to build up something over the next year or so and doing my plan ahead research now. I'll def keep you all in the loop

JasBass 05-15-2018 05:28 PM

Sort of interesting turn of events. Turns out the FW that came with it was 23# not 42#. Kinda excited actually. It's at the shop now and hopefully out by Friday. Just didn't have the time to do this one myself :/

MatthewMiller 05-15-2018 10:46 PM


Originally Posted by JasBass (Post 1597205724)
Sort of interesting turn of events. Turns out the FW that came with it was 23# not 42#.

That's sort of a "tweener" weight. You'll definitely get some noise in neutral, but you'll also get a noticeable increase in 1st-gear acceleration. With an organic disk it shouldn't be too hard to modulate on the street. For reference, I believe at stock SN95 Mustang GT flywheel was around 25lbs.

JasBass 05-17-2018 08:47 PM


Originally Posted by MatthewMiller (Post 1597207757)
That's sort of a "tweener" weight. You'll definitely get some noise in neutral, but you'll also get a noticeable increase in 1st-gear acceleration. With an organic disk it shouldn't be too hard to modulate on the street. For reference, I believe at stock SN95 Mustang GT flywheel was around 25lbs.

So the verdict...I love it. I definitely have gear rattle, a lot of it. But this is not a daily driver luxury vehicle for me, so some rattle is ok with me. Car accelerates better and I actually enjoy the feel of the car so much better now. Overall, I think the kit was well worth the money and the feel is spectacular:cheers:

MatthewMiller 05-18-2018 12:11 AM

Glad it's worked out so well for you!

tdereggi 05-18-2018 12:56 AM


Originally Posted by JasBass (Post 1597153118)
Title says it. Feedback? Longevity? Satisfaction? Debating setup options. It would be mated to a billet steel 30# SMF. It's either this, a Carolina Clutch kit (I know the PP is a Valeo), or a regular Valeo pressure plate on a standard dampened disk complete kit. Mainly spirited street driving with occasional autocross duty.

Am I going overboard like Tim the Tool Man Taylor on the Centerforce setup? :lol:

One of the few excellent choices Ive made for selecting after market replacements, was choosing to install a Centerforce Dual Friction clutch in my 85 c4. I installed a RAM steel billet flywheel at same time. With the centerforce, the clutch pedal was super light, twice the ease of stock. So much easier now in rush hour traffic. Iwasnt expecting that. It also grabs and hold superbly, at all RPMs. There is no chatter. I chose the DF model, because it was rated near 600lb of torque, to prepare for my super charger add-on. I highly recommend it. However, I will mention that some people reported the DF did not last as long as some of the alternative. Ive had mine for only 1 yr now, so I cant comment on that. The CF weights on it can prevent it from working with most internal hydraulic throw out bearings, so stay with the stock ext slave cylinder system. I cant compare it to other options, cause Ive only used it and stock. But I can tell you, you cant go wrong with the CF dual Friction.

Strick 05-19-2018 11:42 AM

Has anyone changed out the ZF for a T-56 tranny?


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