Wc clutch replacement

[tccoupe]

My clutch is going to need some help before next season. I have a quartermaster 8 1/2" single disc clutch. The question is, do i buy the parts to repair my current clutch $550 +- or look for a better clutch and replace the entire flywheel-clutch asembly? Anyone been down this road???

Thanks
bruce

[Dawgfan]

Bruce, I don't have a clue but I am in the same boat. I feel I need to get a new clutch, pressure plate and throw out bearing just to be on the safe side. Starting tomorrow on the the winter re-build. We have 2 months to get ready for Sebring.

[Panoz26]

I purchased the centerforce dual clutch when I swapped over to the LS1... with hydraulic setup and clutch - it was @ the same dollars you are talking - I don't think for these cars, that you can get a good reliable clutch for less.

[NZGTRA17]

Originally Posted by tccoupe

My clutch is going to need some help before next season. I have a quartermaster 8 1/2" single disc clutch. The question is, do i buy the parts to repair my current clutch $550 +- or look for a better clutch and replace the entire flywheel-clutch asembly? Anyone been down this road???

Thanks
bruce

Just in the process of doing this job now.

I picked up a new surplus to requirements NASCAR 7.25" 3 plate clutch (can be had for as little as $120). Purchased an SFI steel flywheel and had it machined to accept the tripple plate clutch as you need a .100" step on the flywheel face and new bolt pattern drilled to take the clutch.

This combo reduces clutch flywheel weight for a 5.0 from approx 42 pounds down to 28 pounds and with an even bigger reduction in moment of inertia allowing the engine to accelerate faster.

3 things to look out for if going down this path though;

1. Most likely you will need to either change the centers in the clutch plates or purchase new plates as no surplus NASCAR clutches will have the same center splines for the trans.

2. 3 plate clutches will take lots of racing abuse (rated to approx 900ftlbs of torque) but cannot be slipped excessively or the linings will be destroyed very quickly (i.e. no driving the car onto the trailer etc).

3. You will need to convert to a hydraulic release bearing which will cost approx $450 if you already have a master cylinder etc.

Kel.