When I put the engine in the car 2 winters ago, we put in a brand new, OEM clutch, was right around $100. Since then, it's seen maybe 40 miles, give or take, of fairly easy driving, I only got into it every now and then, but never really ripped through any gears, and zero launches at any RPM. Tonight was the first real ride through town. I was in lots of stop and go traffic for about an hour before we headed out to the country. I lined up with a friend, and gave it hell through the top of 3rd. Run 1 was fine. Second run, I went to WOT in second gear, and I had nothing. I stopped for about 5 minutes, let it cool, and drove it home easy.
I found out afterwards that I should've broken the clutch in properly. Was the 40 miles enough? If so, is my measly 350 with 305 heads too much for the clutch? If it wasn't broken in properly, did I ruin it? The clutch did, and still does, engage smoothly with no chatter, never slipped until tonight.

transmission is an 88 WC T-5, engine is a 350 with 305 heads and some aftermarket cam (no idea what), clutch is some OEM clutch for an 88 camaro.

 

I am not an expert with Camaro clutches.. But did you inspect the pressure plate and throwout bearing for proper tolerances before you reinstalled everything.

 

nope, we didn't check anything, but it was a complete clutch kit with clutch, pressure plate, TOB and pilot bushing

 

Main question I have is..........
Did you clean the pressure plate with solvent or soap&water prior to instal? They put a light oil film on them to keep them from rusting..... If this was not removed your disk will be contaminated and become useless aka. Junk

Proper clutch break-in is 300-500 miles of "normal driving" however, you will not burn it up it will just glaze over and begin to chatter.......

 

It was a long time ago, but I'm pretty sure we used brake parts cleaner on it