Decisions.. Decisions

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Well, since I have the getrag out I decided to replace the clutch. The problem is which one? I've read lots of good things about the Con-O, and would like to hear some more from those that have it.



Is it 13"? If not, is there any extra parts needed to bolt up. I think I read something about shouldered bolts being needed on the 2nd gen size clutches(can't remember). Another alternative is the Rally, which is much cheaper than the Con-O. But I think it is brand new? Maybe I could be the first to try it on here?



If I do decide to go NV4500/5600 in about 2 years wouldn't it be better to buy the cheaper clutch? Hopefully you guys can help me decide which one before i have to put it together next Thurs.



Thanks, Steve

 

[Grey Wolf]

Steve,



Have you looked around at the SBC site yet?



We put the Con-o in my sons '90 (it has a '96 engine) and it is really sweet! I have the rally for mine, it doesn't make as much HP as my son's.

http://www.southbendclutch.com/dynamax.html

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks GreyWolf,



I have looked at SBC's website, and emailed Peter too. He recommended the Rally, but it isn't on their 1st gen page? Anyone know why?



I was reading the page pertaining to Dodge clutches, and if I read correctly, the only 13" clutches would be the MU 13 series? Am I right?



Anyone else running the Rally? Thanks



Steve

 

[Grey Wolf]

Hey Steve check this out: http://www.southbendclutch.com/rally.html



You are correct about the 13" clutch, I measured the Rally and it's the same size as the Con-O 12 1/4".



If I remember my conversation with Peter correctly he said the difference between the two units is the plate that the friction material is attached to.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks Greywolf,



Peter said that he had the 13" Sachs, I had to email him back to check on the HP/TQ numbers. Is this the same as stock?



As long as the flywheel is resurfaced does it matter if it is 12 1/4" instead of 13"?



Thanks, Steve

 

[Grey Wolf]

Steve,



The OEM unit in my son's '90 was the Sachs 13" and I would assume that Peter would carry it for the people that would rather go original. I my opinion there is no comparison to the SBC. The original is just not user friendly, to me anyway. I haven't pulled the old Sachs out of mine yet, but when I jump into my sons truck and compare it to mine it's like day and night.



I'm not trying to say that the Sachs is a bad clutch, because look I have 278,000 + miles on it and it's the original. However I just see the difference in the way it performs to the SBC and it would have nice to have that one from day one.



Yes the flywheel needs to be resurfaced, that is one of SBC's requirements which I would do regardless of which unit I put in there. The 12 1/4" size hasn't made a difference as far a holding capacity is concerned for what we're using it for and we did use the same flywheel that came off the '90. We also aren't bombed out of site either If we were putting out way more horsepower plus pulling a real heavy load we would go with the 13"

 

[Excessive Force]

Steve, Get the good clutch right away,because when you do the conversion you can use the same clutch.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

So, that means that any 12 1/4" would be the ticket. The Rally seems good, but is it bolt on? No extra/different parts needed? It is hard to decide between it and the Con-O.



My main question seems to be how good they will work with sorta low power levels(200-250)?? Which may be optimistic. But I am making 35# of boost.



Thanks, Steve

 

[dpuckett]

Originally posted by Excessive Force

Steve, Get the good clutch right away,because when you do the conversion you can use the same clutch.

I know the G360 and NV4500 can use the same clutch, but I thought the 5600 had a bigger input shaft, thus necessating a different clutch?



Daniel

 

[Grey Wolf]

They will look the same but you can see the differences with them sitting side by side. It will bolt up the same as the Sachs, nothing else to buy!



I would go with the Rally if I was you, unless you want to spend more $ for the Con-O. At the HP you describe you should be fine.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Thanks guys,



The Rally looks pretty good. I think I will call Peter tomorrow and order me one.



Anything I need to look out for when I remove/install the flywheel? I can't seem to find anything in my service manual about it.





Thanks, Steve

 

[Excessive Force]

Originally posted by dpuckett

I know the G360 and NV4500 can use the same clutch, but I thought the 5600 had a bigger input shaft, thus necessating a different clutch?



Daniel

Yeah, I was referring to the NV4500. I'm not sure about the 5600 input shaft,but i bet it's bigger...

 

[1stgen4evr]

clutch

Anything to watch out for-----



Yes it is heavy and will mash the **** out of your fingers. And use a GOOD line up shaft to reinstall the clutch. The Input shaft works good if you still have it out.



James

 

[Grey Wolf]

When you have the flywheel machined I would add that you should replace the bronze pilot bushing with a new one... ..... about a $10 part at Dodge.



Also SBC has some good instructions that come with the clutch.

 

[Excessive Force]

My new clutch came with an alignment tool,and a new oilite bushing.

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

The Rally should hold up under even my max goal- which is about 300-350hp. And it would be a while before I even got that far. I probably would have to give up the Getrag if I got to that or any higher.





Steve

 

[Excessive Force]

Whatever you do don't go with the LUK. It has slipped every since it went in... . #@$%! I'll be changing it before long... ...

 

[dpuckett]

Ditto on the LuK- the stock Sachs is an upgrade fom that.



DP

 

[CAROLINA CUMMINS]

Does SBC's clutch kits come with a oilite bronze pilot bushing? I got to working outside Fri and forgot to call.





Cool, I just found out that TST has the Rally and I can order on the internet. I really would like to call SBC, but it is kinda hard for me to call during the day. So, nobody had any problems with the 12 1/4 bolting up? Just want to make sure going from 13" to 12 1/4" is an easy switch.





Thanks, Steve

 

[Grey Wolf]

The clutch didn't (mine that is) come with the oilite bronze pilot bushing. It came with the needle bearing unit, which I don't care for, the KEVLAR® bushing, through out bearing, clutch plate, pressure plate and clutch alignment tool.



I had the machinist install the bronze bushing when the flywheel was surfaced. You can get them at Dodge, they are somewhere around $10.