ive got an 86 firebird, 5spd, the clutch is going out in it, im looking for a higher replacement clutch, i have a 350tpi motor that im building and am looking to make 300+hp, so i need some good suggestions on clutches, ive got enough cash to afford a decent one, so let me know the price on them too! thanks everyone.

 

I'd suggest a Ram Powergrip or a Spec Stage 2, with preference going to the Ram unit. They cost about $300 give or take. I'm running a Ram PG in my 69 Camaro, and it's the best clutch I've ever had in it so far. Had a Hays unit in there before, and it was a POS.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Dual-...QQcmdZViewItem

Those are made by Fort Wayne clutch. I buy my clutches direct from Scott at Fort Wayne. Might be able to get them a little cheaper if you call direct.
I've run them, and they hold great. Just break them in properly.

-- Joe

 

I'm running the Ram Powergrip HD and highly recommend it. I don't have the PN handy but it's the one that's rated for 700 HP and costs around $300. It's super heavy duty. Bigger hub 8 puc disc. The heavy duty pressure plate is much beafier than stock. There is a little clutch "chatter" but it's not that bad. Pedal pressure is higher than stock but not like the "old days" clutches.

I ran the Zoom Mulit-friction unit before. A good clutch if you're not racing. It lasted only 10 runs at the strip. Smooth engagement and stock type pedal feel.

Ditto on breaking a clutch in. Just run it like normal for a week or so - 500 mi.

 

what type of pressure plate material do you have to run with the rma clutch?

 

Im thinking about running a spec3 in my 91 I have a nicely built 355carb ~400hp.. any suggestions? I like the harsh engagement, thats why stage3 and spec seem like good quality, so does the price. But Ive heard horror stories about spec in 4th gens, any for 3rd gens?

 

Well, you know what they say about opinions... . Seriously though, a buddy of mine was running the Stage 3 in his LT1 powered, highly modified 4th gen(supercharged, nitrous, etc.), and he was quite happy with it's mannerisms. He said the engagement was quick, but not overly harsh for such a stout clutch. Another guy I know had a twin turbo'd 406 in his 86 Z/28 with a Tremec TKO. He tried the Centerforce DF clutch first, and he fried that in pretty short order, so he tried the Spec Stage 3 next, and said it held up a lot better than the Centerforce. That motor was cranking out roughly 750 HP, and almost 800 ft. lbs. of torque! With that in mind, I'd say the Stage 3 clutch should be more than adequate for your needs.

 

The Ram clutch has Kevlar on the flywheel side of the disc. You have to get your flywheel resurfaced before installing their clutch if you want the warranty to be valid. That's the only thing I did to mine before installing it, and it's held up great for a few years now.