Clutch recommendation for 450fwhp engine

[JC6715]

It's time to start shopping for a clutch to run behind my 450fwhp 331. I am going to run a T-56 to a 9" with 3.89 gears.

I know of the usual suspects, Centerforce, Hays, Mcleod, Ram, Zoom. Most don't give horsepower ratings, but from what I have found looks like I want a combo organic and kevlar disc.

The car is going to be mostly street with a little strip and using cable activation.

For those guys making in the neighborhood of 450 horse at the flywheel, what clutch kit are you running? Any recommendations? Good bad or ugly?

Thanks a lot guys!

 

[Aussie Mike]

I'm in the same boat and not having had 450FWHP before consulted the experts. Bruce Couture of Modern Driveline recommended a kevlar/kevlar version for longevity, smooth operation, and for holding a lot of power. I heard elsewhere that the full kevlar version will not overheat as quickly as others. I'm going with the 26 spline for my new Tremec.

I just checked my quote from Bruce but he hasn't stated a brand, so that's something else I must ask him.

Btw, what's the first gear ratio on your T56? I was thinking running the 3.89s out back but I'll have the 2.87 first.

Mike B.

 

[D.Hearne]

Centerforce Dual Friction is what you want. That's what I ran behind my 331, and the built 302 before it. And it's still doing the deed behind a torquey Explorer equivalent roller 5.0 in my 89 Ranger. This set(cluthc and pressure plate) is 4 years old now and shows no signs of wearing out. This is a 10.5" set for a late model Stang flywheel (157 tooth) Transmission is a Toploader 4 speed, rearend is a traction-loc 8.8 with 3.73 gears, tires are 275/60/15's.

 

[JC6715]

Btw, what's the first gear ratio on your T56? I was thinking running the 3.89s out back but I'll have the 2.87 first.

Mike B.

The T-56 I have has a 2.97 first gear and a .62 sixth... Thanks for the advice.


D. Hearne, thanks for advice too!

 

[Rusty67]

Centerforce Dual Friction is what you want. That's what I ran behind my 331, and the built 302 before it. And it's still doing the deed behind a torquey Explorer equivalent roller 5.0 in my 89 Ranger. This set(cluthc and pressure plate) is 4 years old now and shows no signs of wearing out. This is a 10.5" set for a late model Stang flywheel (157 tooth) Transmission is a Toploader 4 speed, rearend is a traction-loc 8.8 with 3.73 gears, tires are 275/60/15's.

Ya beat me to it. That is the next clutch I'm going to put in both my car and my dad's 01 Bullitt.

 

[garner67]

I'm in the same boat and not having had 450FWHP before consulted the experts. Bruce Couture of Modern Driveline recommended a kevlar/kevlar version for longevity, smooth operation, and for holding a lot of power. I heard elsewhere that the full kevlar version will not overheat as quickly as others. I'm going with the 26 spline for my new Tremec.

I just checked my quote from Bruce but he hasn't stated a brand, so that's something else I must ask him.

Btw, what's the first gear ratio on your T56? I was thinking running the 3.89s out back but I'll have the 2.87 first.

Mike B.

I purchased my trans & clutch from Modern Driveline, too. For my 400+ hp, 351w Bruce also recommended the kevlar/kevlar clutch, which is what I purchased. I'm very happy with the performance... it's both strong and smooth, no chatter at all.

The clutch is from http://www.superiorclutch.com/

 

[65FBE2]

one more for Bruce @ Modern driveline. I have the Kev/Kev clutch for 2 years and it works great. The brand he sells is Superior Clutch. I have about the same HP but use a T5z Modified by Bruce for extra strength and a .74 5th to get a usable top gear for the track. Side note I got 19 mpg wile I drove he car to a show 200 mile round trip. Not bad for a 347 set up for road racing

 

[Aussie Mike]

The full kevlar clutch (kit) is pricey at $450 but would probably be a good investment methinks.