Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) clutch question

[Qualey]

Can anybody explain the difference between the Centerforce dual friction clutch and the South Bend models? My HO doesn't produce a ridiculous amount of power (4" turbo back, VA box and 275s), but it pulls a lot of weight daily. Is there a difference between high power applications and high load applications? My local shop deals in Centerforce and I like to keep my money there, but I also want to do it right the first time.

Thank you



Matt

 

[Deezul1]

Dont know the technical differences but SBC makes it work and stands behind it way beyond whats expected. I know several folks that have replaced Centerforce with SBC with good results.

 

[kaffine krazed]

A dual friction clutch has the flywheel, then a friction disc attached to the input shaft of the transmission, then a steel plate on slides and rotates with the flywheel then another friction disc attached to the input shaft, then the pressure plate. The pressure plate pushes the back friction disc up against the steel plate and it pushes the front friction up against the flywheel doubling the surface area of the clutch.



The Southbend clutches are a single disc clutch. The pressure plate pushes against a single friction disc that gets pushed against the flywheel.

 

[rubberneck]

Actually, a "dual disc" clutch is what was described above with flywheel , clutch disc, floater plate, clutch disc, pressure plate. A "dual friction" clutch is simply a clutch that has two different friction materials on the opposite sides of the clutch disc. An example of this would be the Southbend Conofe. It has organic material on one side and feramic on the other. This way you get the holding power of the iron and the drive-ability of the organic. A compromise between full feramic and full organic. The centerforce is not a dual disc clutch, but as you said a dual friction unit, i do not know what friction materials they are using on the clutch disc. Do yourself a favor and at least call Peter at southbend. He is a wealth of knowledge and will answer all your questions gladly. As mentioned above also, some members have been less than satisfied with the performance of the centerforce products in our rigs. And yes, high load applications can be very hard on clutches, especially when you add good power, small fast spooling turbos and a heavy foot. If you are going to stay where you are at power wise, you will probably be very pleased with an all organic unit. If you foresee any more power mixed with some heavy trailer towing you may want something like the OFE. I have one in my 98 12valve that i tow 15k 5er with and it is a nice unit.

 

[csevers]

I think when they say "Dual" Friction they are referring to having organic lining on one side of the clutch disc and semi metallic on the other or as SBC calls it Ferrametic ?sp. The SBC is a diaphragm spring pressure plate. I think the Centerforce is a straight coil spring with weighted fingers that apply more clamping force when spun at "high" rpms witch the ISB doesn't go very high in rpm so I don't know how much that is going to help. The dual friction disc is suppost to make for smooth engagement depending on witch side of the disc it is put on or for more power they put semi metallic on both sides. I would also check in to Mcloed clutches if you are going to do a good job of reschearch for your clutch purchase compare them all.



Good Luck

Craig