mitchell or SBC clutches?

[Scrappy]

I'm in the market for my truck, I've read a little about the 2 companies,and their products. My goal with my truck is 500hp, 1000ft-lbs torque. I need a clutch will hold reliably at this level. I don't plan to pull a sled with it but things change. Which one is better?

 

[DSteinel]

I don't know much about the SBC but I know that my mitchell clutch will hold anything you can throw at it. It is also very streetable. Make sure you get the big input shaft when you do the clutch. Dean

 

[TomGolden]

I am certainly not current with Peter's offerings from South Bend, but I know last year when I got my SBC, they didn't have anything really intended for much beyond the 400 - 450 HP level. They may now, though... .



Tom

 

[CumminFast]

I heard that with the Mitchell clutch you have to wait 3 seconds between each gear. I don't think this clutch is compatible for drag racing. Peter at Southbend can custom make you a clutch. Mark Kendrick can get you a good deal. I am definately going to get another clutch before I do twins. My OFE is slipping now and will probably get worse when I get my electric fans.

 

[TomGolden]

I have ridden in a pulling truck that has the monster Mitchell clutch, and yes, you almost have to double clutch when shifting. Also, when you are in nuetral, there is very noticeable "rattle" from the clutch. So, I would not think it a very good choice for drag racing... ...

 

[Rob Thomas]

You don't need to wait 3 seconds for each shift, someone is yankin your chain, you can't shift as fast as other clutches, but it ain't that slow. I can shift mine plenty fast, trust me.



jvan, you already have the 1 3/8" input shaft, it doesn't get any larger.



I love my Mitchell clutch, but I sled-pull, if your even thinkin' about pulling, get it.



CumminFast, how much power do you think you'll gain by goin' to electric fans? I assume thats what you mean when you say, your clutch will slip more when you install them. I have electric fans, didn't notice squat, as far as power goes.



Later, Rob

 

[DSteinel]

I agree with Rob, The Mitchell clutch might be a little slower than others but you can still row through them pretty fast when provoked by that little rice burner. Secondly, We own the loudest truck on the road, rip off all sound deadening parts of the exhaust and drive with the windows down just to hear the power. and some people still want to complain about a little chatter from the clutch, If that is a problem buy a gasser

 

[zjones]

I just lost my clutch (haven't pulled it apart yet) & ordered a McLeod dual-disk & 1 3/8" hardened input shaft. I talked to Enterprise Engine (I thought I wanted a Mitchell dual-disk), Peter at Southbend, Haisley Machine, & many others. From what I was told by EE the Mitchell would not be a good clutch for everyday driving (very aggressive). The SBC Con 13. 25 FE is supposed to shutter in reverse, I've heard about it being sluggish about releasing & was told since I regularly gross 35,000 Lbs. it may not hold at my power level?? The McLeod dual-disk was recommended by many (EE, Haisley ect. ) It is supposed to be a smooth clutch that will not slip & should be a trouble free unit that will last. The only bad things I've been told about the unit are it is necessary to push the clutch petal to the floor to shift into 1st & reverse (2nd through 5th are supposed to be like stock) & the disks are unsprung centers which are good & bad. (stronger & a crisp engaugement / broken input shafts & more vibration through the transmission)



The clutch should be in around the 30th. I will post my opinion on the clutch after its broke in.

 

[CumminFast]

Rob:

My fan clutch is locked up right now so I am hoping to notice a difference when I put the electric fans on. I am hoping to get like 20hp. So you don't think you gained ANY hp? What electric fans did you get? Do yours run off thermostat?

 

[Sled Puller]

All dual discs rattle when disengaged, not neutral.



Check with Mitchells about their big single discs, not pullers, but hold plenty of power on the street.

BTW, My Mitchell pulling clutch is at least TWICE as street friendly as another companys supossedly Hi-PO $1000 single disc, that failed almost immeditaly. (not SBC)





TOM GOLDEN,

Riding is for girls!

I'll let you drive mine, then you can post about how you think it shifts, if you can stop the tires from spinning!

 

[Rob Thomas]

Originally posted by CumminFast

Rob:

My fan clutch is locked up right now so I am hoping to notice a difference when I put the electric fans on. I am hoping to get like 20hp. So you don't think you gained ANY hp? What electric fans did you get? Do yours run off thermostat?

I may have gained a little, but not noticable, and I didn't dyno after installing them. I use Perma cools for now, but by the spring I'm switchin' to Flex-a-lite's, and yes, they are on a temp switch.



Later, Rob

 

[Roger rodbolt]

Originally posted by jvanwaardhuizen

I'm in the market for my truck, I've read a little about the 2 companies,and their products. My goal with my truck is 500hp, 1000ft-lbs torque. I need a clutch will hold reliably at this level. I don't plan to pull a sled with it but things change. Which one is better?

500hp with 1000ft-lbs or more of torque is right at the limit of a factory McCleod dual disc street clutch. I ran one with a 5 speed, it made no noise as the floater plate is "sprung", had lighter then stock pedal pressure and SMOOTH clutch engagement. The McCleod is a great street clutch below maybe 1100 or so ft-lbs. The factory McCleod will not take any serious sled pulling with your power though. Due to space limitations it is difficult to get a single disc clutch to hold the Cummins torque and have good streetable manners. I now run a Mitchell dual disc sled pulling clutch and it is very, very streetable. Pedal pressure is higher then stock but engagement is smooth. I pull a trailer with zero problems and my 5' wife drives the truck in parades with me throwing candy while standing in the bed (smooth engagement is imperative here!!). The Mitchell is noisey but it is also the only clutch that you don't have to baby or coddle while sled pulling. I hate to admit this but on the 4th of July this year(Union, MO sledpull), I pulled a lighter sled (30,000lbs) and had my truck in 4th gear highside instead of 4th gear lowside transfercase. I came out hard, got the sled started real well and let the clutch all the way out... ... ... ... ... ... ... . crawled down the track wondering when my turbo was going to light , figured it out at 150ft--downshifted to 2nd and spun out at 154ft. Got beat by a sixspeed DuraMax , fortunatley Big Don was there with his Big Dodge and won that class. The Mitchell never slipped simply humbled my Cummins. The next class I won with a full pull in the correct gear. IMO the other clutches mentioned on TDR are not in the same class as the Mitchell when it comes to "holding power" sled pulling or otherwise. Your power and usage should dictate the clutch you use, I can name a few pullers that would have saved money by spending more the first time... ... ... ... ... . Larry

 

[CumminFast]

How much hp/torque can a single disc Mitchell clutch hold? They are alot cheaper than a dual disc, right? My intentions are strictly drag racing and street fun.

 

[DSteinel]

Mcleod makes a good clutch, mine held 375 hp pulling 35k-37k just fine. On the other hand when I jumped 4th low to pull it took about 3 good pulls to wipe it out. Lesson, If you want to pull, tow very heavy, or hold insane amounts of hp. then get the Mitchell imho. Dean