I'm finally doing a manual tranny swap. it's a t-5 for now, but i'll find a t56 when i can afford the extra $1000. but for now, I need some suggestions on what clutch to buy. I'll be running a lightened billet steel flywheel, and I was thiniking about a centerforce DF clutch. any other ideas? the motor is a 383, about 400hp to the wheels.

 

The other clutch you might want to consider besides the Centerforce DF would be a Spec Stage 3. They're supposed to hold quite a bit of power while still having a feel that's close to stock. I have both of these clutches sitting in the garage right now, and I'm leaning towards using the Spec unit after reading posts on here about the weights getting stuck on the Centerforce clutch just a short time after installing one. When this happens, you can't get the clutch to disengage fully when trying to shift.

 

uh oh. you're scaring me now. I'm anxiously trying to find a tranny still, so i'm taking my time on a clutch. how much does the spec unit run? does it come with a throw out bearing and pilot bearing? (the CF DF kit doesn't)

 

350ci/330hp with GM lightweight flywheel and Centerforce II. Stock pedal feel. No problems whatsoever, but I'm not drive-it-like-I-stole guy.

JamesC

 

I just put the SPEC stage 3 in my car and its got its ups and downs. Its really aggressive compared to stock and you have to rev the engine and feather the clutch around 2500 rpm for smooth engagement. If you try to let it out below 1500rpm it chatters pretty bad. The kit came with the throwout bearing, pilot bushing, alignment tool, pressure plate, and 6-puck disk. The pedal feels lighter than stock, but definitely holds on tight. I highly recommended it for the drive-it-like-you-stole-it driver. Don't get it if you don't NEED the torque transfer capacity (650 ft*lb max). I'm not so sure I need it but it feels good to know its there.

 

Hmmm, after reading ttypecamaro's reply, maybe I'll try out the Centerforce first. I'm only going to be putting out between 300-350 HP in my ride. I've even considered using the Centerforce disc with the Spec pressure plate since they're both the exact same diameter. I think the Spec disc itself is what makes that clutch so aggressive. Usually you only see six pad discs in a serious race clutch, and the material looks pretty aggressive. If I decide to combine the two, I'll have to post and let you guys know how well it works out.
----------
Another clutch you might want to consider that looks like it's pretty stout is the Zoom Multi-Friction clutch. It's a little cheaper than the Centerforce and Spec unit. They're about $225 from Summit or Jegs, and they include the throwout bearing. I'm not sure if the pilot bushing is included, but you can buy a nice roller style pilot bearing separate for about $20. I've always preferred the bearing instead of the solid bushing anyways.

 

I've decided I'm going to take my chances and go with the centerforce DF clutch and the CF TOB they make to match it. I'll find a pilot bearing on the summit website to round it all out. does the centerforce clutch kit come with the alignment tool?

 

Like the TOB, the alignment tool is sold separately. After considering for a moment, I could swear the kit came with a pilot bearing, so you might double-check before ordering.

JamesC