camaro350tpi

hi , just want some info about what clutch is best for my iroc , centerforce dual friction or ram power grip hd !!!??? if you have other sugestion tell me... thanks all

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

Even though it's slightly more expensive, if you can afford it, definitely go with the Ram Powergrip. I have that clutch in my 69 Camaro, and it works awesome. I tried several other ones before, and none of them come close to the Ram. You don't necessarily need to use the HD one. The regular Powergrip model would probably be more than adequate. I'm going to use the Centerforce DF in my 89, but only because I managed to snag an almost new one off ebay for roughly $100. The guy put it in, and then wrecked the car like a week later. If I would've had to buy a brand new one, it'd be the Ram for sure. In fact, I'm a little nervous about running the Centerforce since other members here have reported problems with the weights sticking or sliding to one side, causing it to slip and wear out prematurely. The Ram doesn't use the weights gimmickry, it's just a well built clutch. Another couple of clutches you might want to consider would be a Spec Stage 2, or the Zoom Multi-Friction. The Zoom one only runs about $225.

freestylzz

My centreforce clutch no longer holds up to the power in 3rd or 4rth gear above 4k rpm (severe slipping).

jtrescot

A few years back I had an 85 Z28 with about a 350hp 355. I used a brand new Centerforce DF behind it. I was less than impressed when I tried to do a burnout from a dead stop in 2nd gear, and the only smoke was from the clutch, not the tires.

1MeanZ

iTrader: (9)

I have a RAM powergrip (non HD) I'm using with my TKO600. My 305 ran 13.70s at 100.5mph I dumped the clutch from 5000rpm on slicks and it bit every time. In fact it bit so hard that with my 3.23 gears my 305 just fell on it's face. I have slipped it hard at the track and never even gotten it to smell. Now I autocross mostly and obviously this clutch is still going strong. The clutch has 20,000 miles on it and I am re-using it behind my 450hp 383. The ceramic pucs have taken their toll on the pressure plate, it is worn in pretty good but it is not abnormal for the driving I do. I'll probably get 30-40,000 miles out of this clutch which is pretty good considering I dont treat it the best sometimes. It does chatter a bit sometimes and it engages quick, but I got used to it pretty quickly. I will be buying another one when mine needs replaced.

5678TA

i also would recommend you stay away from centerforce.. i have a dual friction and i took the weights off of it.. yes, i basically have a stock clutch now.. i found that my clutch works 10X better without the weights.. my theory is that the weights would sort of make the fingers on the pressure plate somewhat of a springboard.. bending at the weights instead of moving on the pivot.. i had ALOT of problems trying to powershift this clutch until those weights came off.. now i can powershift easy.. i'll be going to a ram once i roast this clutch.. but dont get me wrong, the centerforce still bites hard.. i've done a 5500 dump on drag radials and slicks.. NO problem.. i just spun the radials hard.. and the slicks..

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

Hmmmm. After reading the last few posts, I'm even more hesitant to put the Centerforce in now! I've also got a Spec Stage 3 sitting on the workbench. Maybe I'll throw that one in instead. It's got more wear than the Centerforce, but maybe I oughta use it anyways. Any of you guys think the disc from the Centerforce DF clutch would work good with the Spec pressure plate? I've been debating setting it up that way since the Centerforce disc is practically brand new, and I like the design of the Spec pressure plate better. What do you guys think?

Confuzed1

iTrader: (4)

Pat,
It's your call, but I wouldn't play "mix-and-match" with clutch components, but maybe that's just me. I'd use the Centerforce.

I have one, and I have no complaints so far. It made the stock clutch seem stiff by comparison, and hasn't slipped once. But then again, I don't frequent the track and attempt speed shifts and 3K clutch drops very often. Maybe the Ram is better suited for that, I don't know.

-I had a cheap (by comparison) Rhino clutch in mine before, and even though it was stiffer (in clutch feel), it never slipped either. But keep in mind, I don't have a hydraulic assist clutch linkage, just the old Z-bar setup on my car.

BTW....the weights Centerforce uses on their pressure plate isn't anything new or even special really...they've been around for at least 2 decades that I know of in various brands.

Pat Hall

iTrader: (31)

Actually, I really never see the track much either. I just like to have a clutch that's solid and reliable. I like to harass the occasional import on the street. For that matter, living in Utah, I had some dumb hick in a diesel pickup truck trying to race me the other night. Lol. I'm not real keen on playing the "mix and match" game either. Even if it ended up being a bad decision, I guess it's kinda nice to have some support when you're delving into the unknown ya know? Maybe I'll just throw the Spec clutch in for now, and just ebay the Centerforce. If and when the Spec goes south, I'll just pony up the cash for a Ram PG. I read a post on here where a brand new CF went bad after 4K, and another one where the weights slid to one side of the ring, causing it to slip, and not engage/disengage properly. I don't mind having to change a clutch because I abused it, causing it to burn out, but I'd hate to be changing it due to a bad design (i.e. the weight gimmickry).