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View Full Version : Pull style clutch experience?


69hugger
02-06-2017, 07:05 AM
My car has the early LT1 pull-style clutch setup. Currently has Centerforce centrifugally assisted PPlate, "regular" type disc, and aluminum flywheel. My 534 big block makes over 600 ft/lb of torque below 3000 rpm, and 700 max Tq & HP. The clutch is marginal to put it mildly. I have driven through it several times, and need to be very careful with how I drive to keep it from frying the clutch.
I have been looking for another clutch option for a couple years, and the only logical option I have discovered is a dual disc setup from McCleod that uses the same pull-style PPlate. McCleod says it will fit in my current bell housing and drop right in. The only other change needed is a new master cylinder that provides more throwout travel. The new master cylinder is included in the kit.
As far as I know, I can't use other dual disc setups because my short bell housing, which uses an external slave cylinder and throwout fork, won't accommodate an internal throwout bearing. Converting would require way too much work to the car. Different bell housing, new trans input shaft, moving shifter location, cross member change, different driveshaft. This just isn't an option.

So, my question is does anyone have experience with the McCleod dual disc setup, how does it work for you, how did installation go, does it drive well, and are there other options I should consider?

Thanks for your input.

WSSix
02-09-2017, 01:08 PM
Bill,

I know a lot of people love their street twin clutch on higher horsepower LT builds. I've never driven one personally to comment. You might want to try searching camaroz28.com and the LT1 section on LS1tech.com for more information.
Spec also makes clutches for LT1 transmissions. They modify the pressure plate in order to increase clamping pressure on some models. Otherwise, the single disc pressure plate for LT1 transmissions are all the same regardless of who you buy it from.
Good luck.

69hugger
02-10-2017, 05:16 AM
Thanks Trey. Those are some good leads.

woody80z28
03-03-2017, 06:39 PM
For what it's worth, I absolutely love the SPEC 3+ in my early T56. I only had about 425lbft in my last 355 combo, but I beat the ever loving piss out of it since 2007, with zero issues. It held better than the stock 8.5" rear did on drag radials. Haha

I'm saving it for my current 383 build and don't expect problems. SPEC rated it at 800lbft iirc.

SSLance
03-04-2017, 10:46 AM
I don't have any experience with the twin disc Mcleod but I put the single disc Mcleod Street Extreme behind my 525 ft lb LT1 style SBC last spring and beat the living daylights out of it on many autocross and road course days without one hint of slippage. The Ram clutch I had before lasted less than one season.

I would call Mark Bowler at Bowler Transmission and speak with him about your options. He helped me find the best clutch for my setup and I've been very happy with it so far. The Street Extreme is very driver friendly and will take lots of abuse and keep on gripping.

69hugger
03-08-2017, 03:33 AM
Thanks guys. Both are helpful ideas.

Dave95z28
03-09-2017, 06:57 AM
I had a Street Twin in my bottom 10 Second LT1 Z28. It held well over 500RWHP and 5000RPM drops and drove great. Not a single complaint.

69hugger
03-09-2017, 07:36 AM
Thanks Dave. I appreciate the feedback. I am close to ordering one.