ETH vs ETC clutch

[Archive]

After reading Joe D's article on the clutches I am confused about the clutches in the ETH and the ETC. I reallized that the outside diameter is bigger. But is the contact surface bigger? In the article they are comparing it to a Sach clutch which has a 3 inch wide contact surface vs the 1. 6 on the ETH. I guess my question is, how does the clutch on the ETH compare to the ETC? It seems that the ETH clutch will slip with very few mods. . Thanks for the info...

Bryan

 

[MikeR]

That's the difference right there. The ETH clutch is a bigger diameter,but the ETC clutchs' contact surface is 2" wide.



-Mike

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Tractornut,





Some people may argue this point but the ETH clutch is awesome except for one matter, the friction mateial. We believe that by changing the friction material to a much higher quality the clutch will produce all the torque necessary for any mods. that you can throw at your truck. If more torque is needed the pressure plate can be tweaked to produce more plate load.



We can not for the life of us figure out why the OEM's can not produce a quality friction material.



But hey, if they did, I would not be here.





Peter

 

[Pete Peterson]

Peter, I gather that if the friction plate was replaced and the rest of the OEM stuff kept and the motor was stock then this would be a great clutch? I have only a few miles on mine but have pulled 13,000 lbs alot and the clutch seems to be working... ... ... ... thanks ... ... Pete

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Pete,



Actually, if you're stock and have done no MODS the clutch in the ETH will last you a long time. The clutch will do what it is designed for, but if you increase the HP the type of material that they use will not stand up. My point was that if they would only start with a better material the clutch would not be a problem.



That would cost them extra though and if it does what they said it would do then they have done their job.



Peter

 

[Pete Peterson]

Thanks Peter, I agree that the factory clutch works good. I expect to get at least 100K out of it. But hanging around with that John_P the winner of the torque contest last year at Scheids well you can imagine the pressure to BOMB Anyway thanks for the quick response, and when I need a new clutch I will be giving you a call... ... ... . Pete

 

[HVAC]

Replace Disc Only?

Peter, what are the chances that you could produce a disc to work with the ETH oem clutch cover?



Is this possibly a viable upgrade for the new ETH model, i. e. , just swap the disc? Maybe bring it in line with the clutch in the 5-speed? My stock clutch sorta held up to 400 hp and change(was a 5-speed).



What would you say the horsepower limit would be for a single disc clutch while still maintaining some drivability?

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Nowel,



My disc is a direct fit with the OEM and will go with the OEM cover. The cover I sell is the OEM, I just tweak it for added clamping power. It may not need it but we thought why take the chance. As for the 5sp, essentually that is what we do there. We did not like the spring design from the OEM so we came up with a stonger one and put a higher quality lining on it.



Like you said, your OEM almost held 400hp. Better linings a little tweak and WALA!!



We started our venture with the button theory and soon realized that it was extremely difficult to provide a smooth ride. Using a product called Kevlar helped but it was not perfact, so we pressed on and I think that we have come up with a good combination for both the 5sp and 6sp.





Peter

 

[South Bend Clutch]

To answer your other question, our single disc feramic clutch for the 5sp will hold into the 600's. The driveability is fine until you tow past 12,000lb of weight. The reason is, there is no give when it clamps, and the center of the disc starts to bottom out. That is the chatter that is felt (bucking or bottoming out of the springs). This is why our organic clutch tows so well, it enables the driver to drift into the heavy load without bottoming the center of the disc out.



Will our organic hold into the 600's?----Bully Dogs truck dynod 640 but I will not back it to do so, I just know the feramic will!!!





Peter

 

[Ranger Dick]

Hey Pete, What a great Explaination!!!!. Your reputation is great on this board, and even though I am still on the stock clutch, I have been very curious about your eth clutch. This answers my question. Right now I only have an EZ, loaner now, permanent in a day or so, so I think I will try and keep the stock clutch, but If and when it goes, I'm placing an order. Keep up the good work.