Kit sooner than expected! Clutch selection

[Bill Elliott]

So my kit was ordered on Jan 23, expected completion Jun 17 (wow thats fast).

I have a local builder for a 351w/427 . Going to connect a Tremec TKX. So I would like ideas and thoughts on Clutch and Flywheel assemblies and Flywheel balance weight tooth count.

[steno]

I’d talk to your engine builder.

[mladen]

Personally, I like hydraulics more than cables if it's an option. There seem to be two main ways if you go hydraulic. One is what I have from BPE on my 427, which is a McLeod throwout bearing. The other is a slave cylinder. Forte sells a very popular kit for that.

For the TKX, another common suggestion, get the the 0.68:1 ratio in 5th gear. You want it to lower the RPMs when cruising.

[Jim1855]

I'm solid in the hydraulic system, just not sure if I'll go with the throwout bearing style or the external slave. Ran external in the past.

I had a heavy steel flywheel and also ran a lightweight aluminum. They spin up differently, the heavy holds momentum better and is probably a bit easier to drive, engine torque helps a lot. This time I bought a lightweight steel from Mike Forte.

The McLeod RST dual disk clutch works well but I'd go with the RXT or whatever the new version is. Unfortunately, not cheap.

As previously mentioned, talk to your engine builder, Forte will also have appropriate suggestions.

Jim

[rich grsc]

You need to know from your engine builder what the balance of the engine is. I'd have him get the balancer and flywheel if you have any doubts

[tonywy]

Jim, I have to ask, what didn't you like with the aluminum flywheel and what are the weight differences between the aluminum and steel lightweight.

[Jim1855]

Tonywy,

No real issues with the aluminum pieces, they spin up real fast which may not be the best for a more relaxed street driving, they'll also loose rpm much faster during shifts. There has also been discussion about the inserted steel clamping plate, but I don't remember all of the particulars.

I bought the lightweight steel after a fair discussion with Mike Forte, he also built my aluminum IRS differential. I'm not worried about the torque, got lots of that and expect to use and drive the Challenge car differently than the previous Superformance cars.

I think the standard steel flywheels weigh about 35#, the aluminums are about 15. Best to check with the various manufactures and their spec sheets.

As rich grsc mentioned the balance must meet the needs of the motor. I think Ford has two standard weights, mine is neutral balanced.

Hope this helped.

Jim

[Rdone585]

Clutch selection:
* The clutch you choose needs to be based on the HP and Torque the engine puts out. Otherwise the clutch will either slip and burn out quickly, or require a stronger force to engage than is necessary.
* The clutch also has to match the input shaft of the transmission.
Flywheel choice:
* The balance is based on the rotating assembly specifications, mostly the crank - the engine builder should specify this to you.
* The number of teeth has to match the starter you have, or will be using.
* Steel, lightweight steel, aluminum, is based on how much you want to spend and how you will drive the car. Already previously well detailed above.

[Bill Elliott]

Clutch selection:
* The clutch you choose needs to be based on the HP and Torque the engine puts out. Otherwise the clutch will either slip and burn out quickly, or require a stronger force to engage than is necessary.
* The clutch also has to match the input shaft of the transmission.
Flywheel choice:
* The balance is based on the rotating assembly specifications, mostly the crank - the engine builder should specify this to you.
* The number of teeth has to match the starter you have, or will be using.
* Steel, lightweight steel, aluminum, is based on how much you want to spend and how you will drive the car. Already previously well detailed above.

Thanks, very good info here.