Another new clutch - REALLY???

sstutman · #1 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 12:23 PM

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I am experiencing exactly the same problems and symptoms, as "critical/mass" was experiencing, but on a brand new (2013 and I am original owner) 427 Backdraft, puts out a little under 500HP with 3.73 gears in the rear.

My story. Original brand new clutch was a Centerforce. About 5K miles into it I was getting a severe gear crunch every time I put it in reverse. Turned out to be warped flywheel. Replaced the clutch, flywheel, throw out bearing, etc, all brand new....Centerforce again 2 yrs ago.

Now I am about 3-4k miles into this brand new clutch and getting the chattering out of 1st gear. I have been driving muscle cars for almost 10 years now and I am not a dufus driver. I don't do burn outs, I don't ride the clutch pedal, I don't slip the clutch excessively ever.....I only like to nail it and wind out the gears on the highway. So I am pretty disappointed to be doing the clutch replacement again.

This time a Mcleod is going in.

So all that said and done what does the Forum got to say about this BS?? My 3rd clutch in 10,000 miles just ain't right.

Scotty Sad..

Ozzie Goat · #2 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 12:27 PM

Don't be sad Scotty

When I recently had these symptoms my hydraulic clutch slave was taking a dump.
Check for leaking by the clutch fork.

Could be something else ...

sstutman · #3 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 12:35 PM

no leaks...next!

hauss · #4 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 01:37 PM

master cylinder? follow brake-in after new install.Check for proper clearances ,during new install, do not just slap it in.

sstutman · #5 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 01:51 PM

haven't been slapping them in. Da boys at Vintage Motorsports (North Haven Connecticut) do all the work

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 05:16 PM

Don't buy Centerforce - not a fan. Do buy McLeod. Be sure your bellhousing is dialed in within spec with the engine centerline. Also be sure the flywheel is flat and doesn't have more than about .006 inch longitudinal runout when mounted on the crank.

hauss · #7 (**permalink**) 08-15-2019, 09:16 PM

Are you sure under 500hp maybe closer to six hundred?

Karl Bebout · #8 (**permalink**) 08-16-2019, 09:58 AM

I've been pleased with my RAM clutch, but then I don't have much over 400hp.

As mentioned, clearances are critical. 'tain't like a Chevy, where you can just throw anything at it and it'll work....

Shots fired....

sstutman · #9 (**permalink**) 08-16-2019, 10:26 AM

Nah...500. Wish it were 6! Never enough

sstutman · #10 (**permalink**) 08-16-2019, 10:28 AM

Another Centerforce would not be a good idea considering. I have faith in my installer, VMS, as they have a good rep with the crowd!

DanEC · #11 (**permalink**) 08-16-2019, 10:32 AM

Never had a Ram clutch but I have heard good things about them. I would definitely use a Ram over a Centerforce but still prefer McLeod overall.

t walgamuth · #12 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 04:07 AM

I had a centerforce fail...nothing catastrophic but failure to hold under full or even partial throttle. I have maybe somewhere between 500 and 600 hp. I replaced it with a mcloed dual disc....rated for more power than I have, two pounds lighter and it is easier to push in the pedal. Car is showing less than 4000 miles.

I like it so far.

strictlypersonl · #13 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 05:33 AM

Does Backdraft use a hydraulic clutch release system (internal or external)? If so, make sure that the hose is at least -4. A too-small hose (or one with a restriction) will eat clutches if you are even a little aggressive.

hauss · #14 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by strictlypersonl

Does Backdraft use a hydraulic clutch release system (internal or external)? If so, make sure that the hose is at least -4. A too-small hose (or one with a restriction) will eat clutches if you are even a little aggressive.

What are you saying I do not understand ?

MaSnaka · #15 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 06:34 PM

I am happy with RAM. External slave. Lots of problems with Mcleod hydraulic throw out bearings so I made a change. 500 plus at the flywheel.

John

Phx Mike · #16 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 06:39 PM

I have been really happy with my single plate Mcleod. Behind a 482 with over 600 lb-ft of tq and I can mat it in 5th gear and no slip. No chatter and really smooth on engagement.

strictlypersonl · #17 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 06:42 PM

*Does Backdraft use a hydraulic clutch release system (internal or external)?*
That is, a hydraulic (pedal-actuated) master cylinder connected to a remote slave cylinder that moves the release bearing.

If so, make sure that the (connecting) hose is at least AN4. (3/16" ID) A too-small hose (or one with a restriction) will eat clutches if you are even a little aggressive.

hauss · #18 (**permalink**) 08-17-2019, 08:01 PM

Good info thank you. Now I will have to check on things not sure what clutch I have. I do have a 7/8ths master cylinder and external slave.I also have 5000 miles with no clutch issues . Replaced the master once and the slave twice.My fault it was a leaking master that was the problem.My pedal is stiff as hell though,even with the new parts.motor is 600hp victor jr heads big cam with roller rockers. 750 Quickfuel carb. Runs great below 5000 ft. after that it starts to load up a little.

DanEC · #19 (**permalink**) 08-18-2019, 05:27 AM

I have a 7/8" master in my ERA to shorten the pedal stroke a bit and it is a little stiff. If you have plenty of pedal stroke room you could try a 3/4" master to lighten it up a little.

undy · #20 (**permalink**) 08-18-2019, 05:51 AM

I have a Ram clutch in my 600hp 482 and it's been flawless. I've had several Centerfarce clutches and they have been a POS, all of them. Auto stores' remans held better and have lasted longer. I'm not a fan of McLeod either. I'm dumping their 1000 lb ft RXT dual disc in my C6 Z06 after it started slipping after 15K miles of street use.