Life expectency of South Bend Clutch?

[Jeff H]

I'm at the point where I need to get a stronger clutch. So far I have 206000 miles on the stock clutch.

With the motor upgrades I have done so far she is slipping easily.

I have 370 injectors in. 3 K rpm kit installed. I have delivery valves waiting to go in.

I plan on getting a hot plate for the injection pump and a larger turbo housing.

So I know I need to get a fully splined main shaft. No brainer there.

But how long will a South Bend clutch last? I pull nothing. I don't have a heavy foot. Unless provoked! But could use some feed back before I decide.

Thanks

Jeff H.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

if you get the one for your application, I don't see why it wouldn't last just as long as the stocker has...

 

[marksmith]

It all depends on your driving habits and power level. I have been at 440 HP for a while and the first SBC OFE didn't last but 5K miles. I called Peter and he immediately sent me another one, never did hear what the problem was but the second one now has 17K on it and is in SORRY shape. I can blow through it at will, takes some creativity to dyno w/it without slipping it. All in all I think the SBC is a good clutch, just make sure you are NOT anywhere close to the border between two clutches or you will be finding yourself spending another 1K bucks "climbing the ladder" If you were say 400 HP on the OFE I believe it would last a while.



Hope this helps

Mark

 

[Forrest Nearing]

exactly, the key is picking the right clutch... as long as you're not overpowering it, it should last a long time...

 

[South Bend Clutch]

Right on the head... .



Mark, sorry to hear of this. If we haven't talked yet, we need to do so. We will get you fixed right up. If I remember right, we did talk and your torque readings are through the roof.



Just give me a call so we can get you on that dyno again.



Peter

 

[Fred Swanson]

Peter, not sure what through the roof is on torque for Mark's truck, but I've been over 400 HP for a while, and the Con FE hasn't even hinted of having issues.

I've put it through several heavy hauls with around 15K in tow, using ALL of this power. The clutch has responded perfect every time.

It's even handled some hard launches with all 4 rears looking for traction. It is true, the right clutch for the job will bring expected results. Shortcuts in this area are sure to disappoint.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

THIS is pretty much the first *I* have heard as to any short lifespan with the SBC stuff (unless seriously abused or misapplied!) - I had pretty much assumed, all things being equal and the properly matched clutch to engine and load would deliver as good or better lifespan than a stocker...



At least that is a major goal of "performance" as I see it - not much use for "strong" clutch with a poor wear rate - and I *don't* have any reason to suspect that is the case with the SBC stuff!



And that is ESPECIALLY important to me, since my stock clutch has developed substantial slippage, and an SBC replacement is somewhere in my future...

 

[marksmith]

Through the roof is two dyno's and over 1100 ft lbs with only 440 HP. If I were at 850-900 ftlbs I think it would be faring a LOT better. SBC is a great clutch, I just have had some issues with my truck not being like most others.



Mark



Peter- Second dyno run says what I thought it would say. I need to get another truck to see if it is just mine or is duplicable.

I'll give you a holler.

 

[Rman]

would a dual disc clutch help in your situation? Just curious. Sounds like you have a real torque monster.

 

[CMAC]

A new clutch is in my plan soon. . I keep thinking that I beeter pick out the right one. . Is A twin disc A garrenteed winner for holding power? I do not sled pull , but I will be looking for power until I just cant afford any more modifications. .

 

[SMorneau]

Jeff are if you aren't going to change your driving habits why would it wear out? I have the OFE with what some think is the low end of the power range for the OFE. I think it works well and when it does get a little touchy I just drive it a little harder. I don't know how it would do try to back a big load but for my empty and light loads it works fine. I hope to get the power on the proper side of the range next year

 

[SMorneau]

Jeff are if you aren't going to change your driving habits why would it wear out? I have the OFE with what some think is the low end of the power range for the OFE. I think it works well and when it does get a little touchy I just drive it a little harder. I don't know how it would do trying to back a big load but for my empty and light loads it works fine. I hope to get the power on the proper side of the range next year



Are you thinking of doing it yourself or having Mike's do it?

 

[Jeff H]

I think I'll have Mike do it. I've never done a manual transmission. Done an auto on a 74 Dodge about 14 years ago.

No my driving habits really wont change much. But if its to fun. Maybe? I don't do burn outs or start out in a higher gear to smoke tires.