Hey,
I am starting my research for the best clutch for my new motor. Im probably going to be around 380hp ish at the crank. Ive been looking at mcleod spec centerforce etc. (was considering spec stage 1 or 2).. However today I see this Summit 700830 LT1 clutch for $211! Some people in the QA section are saying it can handle 400+ HP. Even a summit rep responded to the last question saying it can handle 490hp and 510 tq! Anyone running this clutch? Seems too good to be true. Wonder who makes them for summit.

 

did some more research on this. This kit sure does look like a ram HDX kit. The photo on Summits site shows what looks to be heat treated fingers just like the RAM HDX kits have. The friction discs look the same too (although it looks like the material could be different).

 

I have that exact same Summit clutch in my 91 Z28 with very few engine mods. Factory rating for my car is 245 hp and 345 ft-lbs. I'm not far over that and have been able to make it slip. There is no way I would use this clutch if I was making any more power. The only reason I went with this Summit clutch was to save a few bucks and only planned on using it for daily driving. I am happy with it for the money but I suggest you go for something a little better.

 

LT1 clutches started out as a design used on '89 Vettes. They used a sprung hub on the flywheel and a solid hub disc.
In the '93 F-bodies, they had a (reverse) sprung hub disc (to clear the pressure plate) and a regular but deep dished flywheel.
The pressure plates were updated mid 90s and the Valeo design OEM pressure plates were used by the OEM and the aftermarket for quite a few years before aftermarket began making them.
Updated LT1 clutches were pricey until the LT1 market started dropping off. There's no surprise at a good PP/Disc setup being affordable. It's imported stuff now.

Your planned power level isn't overbearing for a properly working 11" clutch. I am sure someone who knows how to minimize slippage and drive reasonably can drive 490hp through one. Of course, abuse and slippage can trash anything.

You must start a new disc with a freshly turned pressure plate surface and freshly turned flywheel surface. Sometimes, a "new" part still needs machined to be truly flat and not concave or convex surfaced. A brake and clutch relining service business can be your friend to get your new clutch off to a proper beginning. Summit is just a parts shipper. Enjoy your build.

 

Thanks for the info VortecZ and jmd! I tend to be easy on clutches dont do hard launches or anything. I ended up finding a new centerforce pressure plate for a decent price. Im thinking its an older one because it says Valeo on it and is painted gold instead of orange. Not sure if that means its a Centerforce 1 instead of CF2. But I will get the centerforce friction disk to go with it and im sure it will hold for my needs.

VortecZ, I bought a flywheel from you a while back... Its working out well for me!

 

Centerforce did use Valeo pressure plates at one time.

The early design PP fingers are stamped w/ ridges. The later design had flat fingers.