Just bought a '69 Roadrunner and it needs a clutch (slips) and I was wondering which kind to get. I've done some searching here on the site and there is a lot of talk about Borg & Beck versus diaphragm clutch. I don't know a dang thing about clutches so I'm looking for help. I've heard that some of diaphragm clutches require that you remove the clutch spring.

The engine is stock and will stay that way. I don't want anything special and was thinking of just heading down to NAPA and order a stock style but wanted your opinions.

Let's try to say this without upsetting the purists. 1st of all, if the car needs to stay correct. No choice but to go Borg n Beck, it's proper.

Now onto the facts. All 3 finger set ups are old technology. The pedal has the most spring pressure at the wrong time, when it's released. The least amount when the clutch is engaged. So if the disc slips you need to add more spring pressure. What happens is you get a tiny bit more on the disc but mostly on your left leg.

A diaphram style places most of it's pressure on the disc while it's clamped. Basically it goes over center when it's released making the same pressure plate that can contain alot of power, easy to disengage.

Centerforce for me.

I put a LUC diaphragm style years ago in my Bee and it been awesome .

Center Force in my 65 440 also.Light pedal and hooks great.Been in for years and has been used and abused.Still like the day it went in.Did run McCleod B&Bs for years.Never will go back.Rocky

Do you live in flat, or hill country? If hilly country the dual friction clutches won't like it, or last very long.

Our first choice is normally Centerforce dual friction with a new flywheel. They also take a lot of the load off the Z bar mounts.

Sounds like most folks like the diaphragm style clutches, thanks.

I've looked at a few mentioned here and they are pretty spendy. I do understand the old adage " you get what you pay for " but for a completely stock engine would I be off-base to go out to NAPA or Rock Auto and get a clutch kit for $150?? This will be a 100% street car/daily driver.

Or have yours rebuilt.

For a stock street car, I don't think you have to necessarily go to a performance clutch, but just find a good reputable one.
It just ain't that much fun to do that job once, not to mention twice.
FWIW, the Centerforce in my Hemi car was less effort than the McLeod in the current 383 car.

Brewers has a good selection of clutches. If you read the descriptions on their website you'll become fairly well informed on what is available.

The old adage is never more fitting for a certain part more than a clutch. Roll the dice on a $150 clutch and it MIGHT work spend about $400-500 and it will last and work. I have $450 in a Centerforce II plate with Mcleod 500 series disc and it works very well for a street clutch. The car weighs 3550* with me in it and I have a 493 with lots of torque and it 's smooth and holds very well even under full throttle and it doesn't care where I drive it.

Gus

Over the years, I ran (and broke) a fair amount of clutches. Kind of settled and McCleods and Webers until I tried a Centerforce in my '69 Roadrunner. Took the over center spring out as recommended. Loved the clutch. Light pedal pressure, clean exact engagement, and it held up to abuse. If it was a car was going to keep I'd go Centerforce.

Thanks for the good information guys.

Don't forget to have the flywheel faced...................very important on new clutch installation.

Agreed at a minimum.
However, I have read articles that recommend replacing as flywheels purportedly develop hard spots from excess heat. These spots which are clearly visible before facing are hidden by the process. They then again, purportedly resurface and cause problems with the disc seating / grabbing. Don't know about the truth to the above but figured I'd pass it along. We have had no issues with resurfacing on a stock low power application but have never tried it on a performance application, they have always gotten new flywheels. Maybe someone else with a bit more information will chime in