Clutch ?s

[azcummins]

Hopefully I'll be getting some DDIIs soon thanks to my tax return and I've decided to go with the Southbend Con O clutch since I won't be above 400 hp with just injectors plus my EZ. (Plus it is $500 cheaper than the ceramic clutches).



I'm wondering if I have to resurface my flywheel or if I can keep my old one.

 

[Rob Thomas]

Depending on your milage,I had upper 40's on mine and didn't turn it. It's no to expensive,yours is a '98, so yea I would probobly turn it. I have a ceramic clutch,a TST 1000#er,you can get the disk and pressure plate for $500! It's a great clutch,I love it,grabs great! Just my . 02

 

[Gizmo 007]

TST 1000# clutch

RamThis,

Ok, so you have the TST 1000# clutch. I'm looking into the same thing, but only want the clutch disk. Did you upgrade your pressure plate also?



I'm in college, so money is kinda tight, but not too bad. I can swing the disc, but not both. Should I go ahead and get the disc and use my stock pressure plate, or wait and get the entire package? My stock clutch is slipping like snot on ice, so I need to do something. Thanks.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

AZ,

You must resurface the pressure plate or you void the warranty. Peter's warranty is worth keeping



It's only about $40 and takes less than an hour. Just do it right the first time.





FWIW,

Mark

 

[Rob Thomas]

Gizmo007,



Yea, I just put in the disk $250,TST's pressure plate is just like our stock one,they (TST) told me there is no reason to replace it,I didn't have that many miles on the stock one. I did replace the disk the same week it started slipping,so my flywheel wasn't "glazed", so I didn't turn it. I don't know how long you have been slipping yours,so you'll just have to see when you or they pull it apart.

 

[azcummins]

Mark-

Don't you get a new pressure plate with the clutch?

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

The SBC comes with one. . is a kit. clutch,pressure plate, throwout bearing and alignment tool. It's a little more than the $500 mentioned though. I'm thinking in the 7-9 range depending on material and 5 ve 6spd. Give Peter a call for the prices though.

 

[azcummins]

Mark-

I'm looking @ just the "O" clutch($500), not a Con FE or OFE which are 800-900 bucks... :--)

 

[Rob Thomas]

azcummins, you don't want a ceramic clutch? $250 is a stealOo. AND it's a GREAT clutch! IMO And no,I don't work for TST I just like their products,great people too!

 

[azcummins]

Where did this $250 clutch come from? And if it is so cheap, why are so many people paying almost 5x as much for a southbend?



From what I read, southbend has the best name and product, but maybe I'm wrong??

 

[Rob Thomas]

TST



It's cheap If you just get the disk,the pressure plate is another $250,but didn't need it. As far as why most people get the SB,don't know... ... ... ... ... maybee they never tried the TST?

Ceramic is what the semi's use,so it's got to be good,they don't use fiber. That's just IMO,maybee they have another reason,I'm sure Mark_k has a say,will see... ... ... ... ...

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

I wouldn't want to disappoint



Big rigs only use the clutch in first... no syncros. They don't care about harshness. Puck clutches are hard to feather in w/o chatter. My SBC ConFe chatters a little in rev and 1st but all in all is pretty smooth.



The pressure plate is just a good Idea as all are not made =.



more or less counterweights, spring pressure etc. the combination of the two parts is what makes for satisfactory performance.



A $500 disc behind an OEM plate is only as good as the plate. I'd still call Peter and get his opinion.



Later,

Mark

 

[Rob Thomas]

My plate is holding fine,mines like yours chatters in first and rev. , but not to bad that I wouldn't buy another one,this thing just grabs great,I'll shut-up now.

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

As much as I think I know I'm not a pro. Call Peter. He'll answer all your questions with ease. I know what's right, usually. He'd know why its right.



There's a lot to be said for experience. I get more of mine from reading. Doing has a whole different effect.

 

[M Barnett]

Semi's use the ceramic clutches because they last maybe 800,000 miles and like somebody else said the have no syncros to worry about. {wish I could get rid of mine in the dodge!} I installed a con-O and love it. Smooth and it holds. I would recommend getting the flywheel resurfaced.

M Barnett

 

[Rob Thomas]

Alright guys,



We all know that both clutches drive and hold great,my question is ... ... ..... why would you spend alot more money?

 

[Mark_Kendrick]

SBC stands behind their products like none other.

 

[Fred Swanson]

azcummins, the SBC pressure plate is modified to give lighter than stock pedal feel, with more clamping force. Obviously, you've talked to Peter about pricing.

Yes, you need to resurface the flywheel while the transmission is out.



The Con O is perfect for your truck, and demands. Excellent clutch.

 

[Gizmo 007]

Cool, ok, TST it is. My clutch has been slipping for a good while. I'm going to have the flywheel resurfaced just for the fun of it (and I'm pretty sure it's gonna need it). I have a buddy in the racing business that will resurface it for me, he's set up for that kind of thing.



Chatter doesn't bother me, and I rarely use the clutch to shift anyway (I know, not good for the synchros). I've been thrashed for that several times. When I get it in, I'll report back how it holds up.

 

[Rob Thomas]

OK, that I understand,I can't speak for TST onacounta',haven't had any problems,but still,if you had a problem,and they warnted it you would still have to take it apart and replace it. I can replace mine 3 times for what you guys have into just one, thats my point. Not that I'm trying to beat this to death,I'm just trying to understand why?