Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) Double Disk Clutches

[sparks57]

My ultimate goal is the 500-550 HP range with a set of HX35-htb3 twins. The truck is mostly streeted, with regular heavy towing (29' 5ver). I would like to maybe hook up to a sled a few times, but I won't take it up as a sport.



Driveability is a must. As little noise as possible, and not-much-more-than-stock pedal effort are a must.



I may be staying in the 350-380 HP range for a while, and I was considering an OFE for now, but I only want to buy one clutch. That may also be a factor.



With that being said, which DD clutch do you guys recommend?

 

[JGK]

SouthBend clutches are very popular and you can't go wrong as far as customer service and support goes. There are other brands, though, and I'm sure you won't get stung with the popular ones. It's a matter of personal taste. The problem is, as always, its tough to have an informed opinion without trying them all out!



There are trade offs, though. I discovered my SB will make a noise when disengaged. Sort of a metallic rattle. That's due to the floating second metal disk that engages the flywheel via tabs around the perimeter. Between it and the flywheel is one of the clutch plates that engages the input shaft. I tend not to sit with it disengaged for more than just a few seconds at stop lights. I'll pop it out of gear and take my foot off the pedal. Some sound deading material around the bell housing helped, but you still hear it.



Also, the dual-disc clutches are less forgiving to engage from a stop. That is, they can chatter and jerk a bit until you learn how to work them. I have 1000 miles on mine and I'm still learning, but I'm getting better. Once you get rolling, however, there is no difference really between it and a standard clutch as far as shifting goes, other than the 3rd trade off... pedal pressure.



The are by design, stiffer. Mine is rated for 650 hp and its moderately stiffer. I noticed it right off. But honestly, after a while, you don't notice it so much. I wouldn't want to hold it in for 5 minutes, but for quick stops at the light or stop sign, no problem.



On the other hand, it holds like your transmission is welded to the crank! I intend to do twins with a PDR HX40/16 and an BHT3B/26 and I'm sure it will hold it just fine.



So, expect more pedal pressure, but you get used to it. Expect some noise when disengaged, but maybe other brands have a way around that. Expect some chatter on take off, though you can learn to minimize that. But to eliminate it all together, you'll have to learn to get moving a bit agressively, which can be tough in traffic. I think the single disc clutches are limited to about 500 to 550 hp in most cases. So if you exceed that, you'll need to compromise.



-Jay

 

[sparks57]

Have you noticed that running one well below the rated HP that it reduces driveability? I'm just nervouse because I plan on staying around the 350-380hp range for 12 months or so.



Thanks a lot!

 

[JGK]

Not at all. Other than the issues of a little rattle, some chatter at take off, and a little more pedal pressure, it drives pretty much like my previous Con O and my stock clutch before that.



My recommendation is call the folks who manufacture the ones you're thinking of and talk to them. Tell them your plans. I spoke to Peter at SBC 2 or 3 times before I ordered mine.



-Jay

 

[Got Smoke?]

I'm running (probably) around 400RWHP in my truck right now, and I have Peter's 3850 plate load 12 Ceramic Button DD. I LOVE IT! Oo.



I have a friend who has the same clutch with a couple of hooks on it and he loves his too. I plan on doing some sled pulling this summer, but I didn't get my clutch till Nov. so we will see how it does.



The clutch pedal is significantly stiffer than OEM, however this clutch HOLDS!



JGK is right it takes some getting acustomed to, but after a while you get the hang of it. If your only going to be driving it on the street with just a few occasional pulls I would go South Bend definately!

 

[sparks57]

That's what I'm thinking. From what I've heard and read, SBC is the way to go for driveability.



Thanks.

 

[Brayden]

Enterprise Engine's Double Disk. They claim 2800 lb/ft. It's a great clutch just a bit difficult to set up. Kinda pricey at 1800. 00 though

 

[Got Smoke?]

Enterprise Engine's Double Disk. They claim 2800 lb/ft. It's a great clutch just a bit difficult to set up. Kinda pricey at 1800. 00 though

EEP has a great dual disk, but I wouldn't recommend it for a daily driver. I have friend in Indiana (SmokinDodge12V on here I think?) who has a 98 QC SB with the stock input size EEP DD and its very grabby and less streetable than other DD's. I'm not knocking EEP's products everybody who attends pulls knows how well EEP's clutch does on the track and I will not deny that.

However CB stated this truck will be daily driven, tow sometimes, and occasionally sled pull. For those requirements I cannot recommend EEP's DD to him, and that's based on fact not internet information.

 

[Brayden]

I'm here in Indiana also. We're streeting the '02 with the EEP DD and it's fine. Just a little bit more pedal pressure and some chatter when disengaged, but that's the name of this game. It's all a tradeoff. I would definately say that it's streetable. That's where all the fun is. 400 RWHP 3rd gear WOT dumps from the stoplight

 

[sparks57]

No need for hostility! I apreciate everyone's opinions! The only reason I mentioned SBC (although pricey) is because I've noticed that they have always had a track record for great driveability. I'm also looking into Haisly and Mitchel.



Thanks a bunch.