So I just got my Ram Powergrip clutchkit #98730 and I'm dissapointed that it comes w/ a Valeo Korean made pressure plate. My original clutch I had 130,000 mi on and when I put my T-56 aftermarket trans in w/ t5 bellhousing 4yrs ago I put in a Zoom Dual Friction. I recently changed to Maf TPI. About a month ago I hit the clutch hard, 4000rpm launch, lit the tires and smelled a lot of clutch. Never pulled the same, a month later I'm slippin in 3rd &4th gear. After looking at Centerforce, Spec, and Ram I went w/ the Ram since they claim clamping pressure is the best way to control high hp & torque loads.
The first clutch I ordered wrong. Got an 11" Ram PG. Heavy PP, nice disk, really impressed. Reordered the 10.5" #98730, extremely disappointed. A Valeo PP that doesn't even appear to be in the same class as the 11". None of the clutch sites I've been on show you an actual picture of what you're getting. Kinda bent about that. Can't find pound pressure info either. The 11" looks like it would handle 550 hp, the 10.5 I'm thinkin 400hp.
I'd like to see some real pictures of pressure plates and see if anyone else has run into this.

 

Can't believe they say this PP has 30% more clamp load. The # on the Valeo PP is GMC-35/279270. Searching the net only found someone got one from Autozone for a 4.0L Jeep. Doesn't sound like a perf. PP to me.

 

Because your Grandpa fought in a war?

So?

It can help but the friction material and surface area need to be up to the task.
So, basically operating on mere supposition, paranoia and maybe the fumes of the paint drying on the pressure plate, you're a racoon for big shiny clutch parts and / or a size queen.

Then take it to a local brake and clutch rebuilder and have them tell you what pressure it has.
Are you really honestly hurt that GM and Chrysler both used diaphragm clutches that shared a clutch pressure plate bolt pattern?

Instead of babbling on and grasping at straws, go get a 10.75" clutch for an '88 Vette. The 11" clutch on a 168 tooth flywheel does nothing beneficial in comparison, doesn't fit your bellhousing, only makes sense in a much heavier vehicle and adds weight.

 

Had some trouble with the RAM clutch. After about 40,000 miles I had trouble getting the trans into gear with the engine running. turns out the disk warped between the friction material and was rubbing on the flywheel, even with the clutch disengaged. I had been driving it 80 miles a day, 8 months of the year in Detroit/Pontiac city traffic.
Replaced it with a Spec stage 3+, seemed overkill for my 300hp 305 but it was worth every penny. Softer pedal than the Zoom clutch I had before. Clean chatterless engagement even with 3.08 gear. Been driving on it for 2 years now and no problems. Switched to 3.73 gear and it performs great. I give it 10 out of 10.