Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Clutches

[Kissfan113]

I have been working on selling my 74 charger, i think i may have a buyer now, so time to start lookin at some clutch options. I want a clutch that will easily handle everything i plan to throw at it, and last me through my build (projected 700 horse) I have been looking at south bend dual disk clutches, so far i have been set on one of the "Iron Giant" SBC DD Extreme Comp 4200 lb. 12 FE clutches, however they don't reccomend it for street use, why is that. I have also been looking at the one size smaller clutch for street and competition.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

I got the 3850 lb 12 ceramic button DD from Doug and it's a great clutch so far. Maybe someday I'll wish I got the 4200 lb but right now the 3850 is doing the job. Pedal pressure on mine is almost like stock with the older hydraulics.

 

[jerrethomas]

Pedal pressure on mine is almost like stock with the older hydraulics.

Seeing this reminds of something. I'm looking at getting a dual disk also, i've heard your supposed to change it to a 94-98 hydraulic system if you have a 98 or above system. Is this true? How is yours working and is there any negative affects from keeping the stock system?

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The earlier hydraulics are suppose to make the pedal push easier. The only place I've heard of problems using the original hydraulics is on the 3rd gens.

 

[RJPotts]

The reason DD clutches aren't recommended for street use is because they are very unforgiving. Its usually all or nothing which is great for racing or pulling, but driveability is not the greatest.

-R. J.

 

[Turbo Tim 1]

The reason dual disks aren't recommended for the street is because they are slower shifting and some won't shift above 2000 rpm and because you don't usually want to sit too long in stop and go traffic holding the pedal down. Also dual disks are unsprung clutch disks so they are a little noisy and tend to be tough on the transmission. As far as my grocery getters street manners, I've got absolutely no issues with my dual disk being street driven, it took a couple days to get really use to it but it feels great to me now. They can be a little grabby which is more noticable when backing up with a load, a little rpm or a 2 low kit would help that alot. The feel of my stock clutch pedal was excellent and this clutch isn't too far off, but when it starts to grab you've got about 1/4 inch of pedal travel and it'll fully engaged. I actually think the dual disk I have has excellent street manners and if I was doing things all over again I would buy the exact same thing or even heavier duty.

 

[Todd T]

The reason DD clutches aren't recommended for street use is because they are very unforgiving. Its usually all or nothing which is great for racing or pulling, but driveability is not the greatest.

-R. J.

Absolutely not true. what Turbo Tim said was dead on. slower shifting, vibrates through transmission and hard in stop and go traffic.



I have the smaller 3850 SBC DD and LOVE it. i tow a 9800lb toy hauler and it will back it fine. i can slip it and it not get grabby backing long distances or up steep hills too. I absolutely love it. couldnt ask for a better feel and performance and still have the holding pressure needed for 550+ HP.



If you're making that kind of horsepower you've got to expect some trade offs.



with all that said i do plan to swap in an auto over the winter. I cant speed shift it and drag racing it, kills my ET's. 14. 34@103MPH pretty much sucks when an auto in the same truck would show in low 13 high 12 deparment.