Moparts

What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car?

Posted By: Hemi_Joel

What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 12:46 AM

I need some recommendations for a clutch to put in my street/strip car.
This clutch needs to launch and hold good on the drag strip, release clean at 7000 rpm for quick shifts, and be somewhat streetable, and very reliable. My theory is to use good parts, not something iffy, that might work. I don't want to go to all the time and expense, just to drop out of a race because I bought a part that wasn't up to the job.
I have been using Mcleod and Advance soft locks in my other race car, but would prefer NOT to use an adjustable clutch in this car so I don't have to adjust it every time I transition from street to strip. Further, I have an adjustable softlock from another project that I test fitted, and the counterweights on the levers won't clear the Quicktime bellhousing. With the Quicktime, it is also limited to a 130 tooth flywheel.
I am considering setting up a "hillbilly softlock". http://grannys.tripod.com/clutchtamerdiy.html

The car is a 31 Plymouth coupe with a 4 link. It is still under construction, but I estimate it will weigh #3000. The engine is a stroker 469 early Hemi.(1st gen). According to Pipemax, it will make 600-650 horse. (I have no idea how accurate that program is, that could be a Pipedream) The trans is a Tremec T-56 Magnum, with a hydraulic release. The rear gear will probably be 4.20, and the tires 30" quicktime pro bias plys.

So what clutch is the hot ticket?
Thanks, Joel
Posted By: fourgearsavoy

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 01:33 AM

Joel I'm sure I don't have to mention your choices are limited with a 130 tooth wheel but there are guys doing it shruggy
I'm thinking scalloped 10.5 Mcleod BBL plate with about 2500 base and some weight on the levers. Maybe a dual friction Mcleod 500 or 600 series disc.
My new street strip clutch is a Centerforce plate with a 500 series dual friction Mcleod disc. I have yet to test it on the track but it works nice on the street. I'm almost afraid it will bite too hard with slicks on the car and I will eventually strip third gear teeth off the counter gear.
Gus beer

Attached picture my savoy.jpg
Posted By: ksj

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 04:13 AM

Joel ask on the DW forum on BS.Im sure 73Fish(Mike Crow) or JSias will have some good info.They are both 3 pedal DW cars.Your HP and weight are pretty close to JSias car.
Posted By: 72Swinger

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 05:21 AM

I have a McLeod RXT 10.5" in my Dart behind the 6.1 in a Quicktime bell. 0 miles on it so cant tell you how good it is or isn't, but have heard nothing but good about them.
Posted By: Biginchmopar

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 08:29 AM

I have a Centerforce DFX pressure plate and 6 puck ceramic spring loaded disk in my Roadrunner. It has a 469 that makes north of 650hp
I'm going to run an air cylinder to slide the clutch in first gear only.
It is an 11" clutch in a new Lakewood bell.
Posted By: madscientist

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/18/15 10:37 PM

McLeod sof-loc of if you can get the new piece from Cale Aronson through ACE I would use that. All that dual disc dual friction crap is just that. CRAP. A sintered iron disc is more than streetable, will last longer, use less base and counterweight and shift better.
Posted By: Jeremiah

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 01:18 AM

Originally Posted By madscientist
McLeod sof-loc of if you can get the new piece from Cale Aronson through ACE I would use that. All that dual disc dual friction crap is just that. CRAP. A sintered iron disc is more than streetable, will last longer, use less base and counterweight and shift better.


I have had good luck with a few different styles of single disc, b&b/long style clutch setups. After talking to a few of the clutch manufacturers all of them recommended a multi-disc clutch with steel floaters for a street strip application. This really surprised me. My latest disc is ceramic puck on one side and organic on the other. They said I can get it pretty hot and it would live. If you have room for the hillbilly soft locker give it a shot. Be conservative, too much slip time and it's game over.
Posted By: madscientist

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 02:07 AM

Originally Posted By Jeremiah
Originally Posted By madscientist
McLeod sof-loc of if you can get the new piece from Cale Aronson through ACE I would use that. All that dual disc dual friction crap is just that. CRAP. A sintered iron disc is more than streetable, will last longer, use less base and counterweight and shift better.


I have had good luck with a few different styles of single disc, b&b/long style clutch setups. After talking to a few of the clutch manufacturers all of them recommended a multi-disc clutch with steel floaters for a street strip application. This really surprised me. My latest disc is ceramic puck on one side and organic on the other. They said I can get it pretty hot and it would live. If you have room for the hillbilly soft locker give it a shot. Be conservative, too much slip time and it's game over.


I would think the manufacturers who said twindisc stuff didn't offer sintered iron. Multiple disc clutches have too much disc weight to shift correct at higher engine speeds. Since the OP said street and strip I figured he would be shifting it. Maybe he is clutchless.

The BB/Long style cover is a pain in the ass. You are better off spend the money up front and just doing a 10.5 Long with the correct flywheel. No sense doing it twice.
Posted By: Hemi_Joel

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 02:47 AM

Thanks for all the great suggestions.

The trans is a T-56 magnum with syncros, so the clutch needs to disengage clean for good shifts.

I looked at some of the dual disc, they are heavy. Lots of people say they are trouble.

Maybe if I do a soft lok with a high coefficient disc and no counterweight, then dial in enuff base pressure to hold on the street + use the hillbilly slipper for the launch at the track?
Posted By: Streetwize

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 03:22 AM

Might want to give these guys a call....

www.southbendclutch.com

They will make you a clutch that will do exactly what you want it to do

They may be able to rebuild your clutch and pressure plate, the DXD clutches are awesome
Posted By: Jeremiah

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 04:10 AM

Originally Posted By madscientist
Originally Posted By Jeremiah
Originally Posted By madscientist
McLeod sof-loc of if you can get the new piece from Cale Aronson through ACE I would use that. All that dual disc dual friction crap is just that. CRAP. A sintered iron disc is more than streetable, will last longer, use less base and counterweight and shift better.


I have had good luck with a few different styles of single disc, b&b/long style clutch setups. After talking to a few of the clutch manufacturers all of them recommended a multi-disc clutch with steel floaters for a street strip application. This really surprised me. My latest disc is ceramic puck on one side and organic on the other. They said I can get it pretty hot and it would live. If you have room for the hillbilly soft locker give it a shot. Be conservative, too much slip time and it's game over.


I would think the manufacturers who said twindisc stuff didn't offer sintered iron. Multiple disc clutches have too much disc weight to shift correct at higher engine speeds. Since the OP said street and strip I figured he would be shifting it. Maybe he is clutchless.

The BB/Long style cover is a pain in the ass. You are better off spend the money up front and just doing a 10.5 Long with the correct flywheel. No sense doing it twice.


To be fair I was asking for a streetable clutch for the Lenco deal when the two disc stuff came up. I agree on the long stuff. I'm back at the b&b for the a-833. Thanks for the lesson!
Posted By: 72Swinger

Re: What CLUTCH to run in a street/strip Car? - 05/19/15 07:51 AM

I will give a full abuse report soon. Same trans has had a single in front of it already.


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