SBC Selection help please

[Pmaloney]

Well I definately need to upgrade my current SBC now and once the twins are done I am sure my current one wont last long. I have talked with Peter but am somewhat on a budget here so I am considering either the 13" Con FE or the Double Disc, with my mods listed and twins in the next few weeks (HTB2/12 BHT3B/26 - going to run at 50lbs boost) will the 13" FE work good or not. Thanks for any advice.

 

[Forrest Nearing]

as long as you don't wail on it and try to powershift it, I think the 13" FE will hold... I think it's rated at like 550rwhp? Peter rates his clutches a little conservatively. I'm shooting for 600+rwhp on my 13" FE

 

[jwilliams3]

Go dual disc.

Get a lighter clamp load and 6 pucks per disc.

 

[Rman]

personally I think the dual disk clutches are more in line with racing and pulling sleds. Their performance is amazing, but if your putting miles towing on them I think it's harder on the synchro's in your transmission. The added weight of the clutch assembly takes its toll over time. I have the FE and it tows very well holds all the power I have and feels like there is room for plenty more. I'd go with the FE if it were me. But either way will perform, SBC makes an awesome clutch.

 

[Pmaloney]

I am glad to here that the 13" FE should hold good, like I said I am working on somewhat of a budget and for half the price of a double disc I can go with the FE so I would definetly like to. Keep the input coming

 

[Woodenhead]

I had this discussion with a few people before I had my 6spd conversion done. I was getting a new clutch because the FE I had before had a 1. 25" input shaft and the 6spd has a 1. 375 and I didn't have the time to send it away for a new center.



I was considering a dual disc (just for something different) but decided against it after hearing about having a little difficulty getting it into gear and harder shifting (gets back to the extra weight and harder on the synchros that Rman mentioned).



My first FE never slipped once, and always hooked up no matter what I threw at it. I'm equally as happy with this one.



It's a little grabby but thats just the nature of the beast and nothing you can't handle with the left foot. If you tow, you may want to get a setup for 2 wheel low range, otherwise it can get a little jerky if you're trying to do some fancy reverse manouvering (sp?) with something heavy.



Get the FE you'll be happy with it.



Just my $0. 02

Mike

 

[Will Manchester]

I have had several single disk clutches and one of SB’s 3600PSI 12 puck double disk. The DD was phenomenal when it came to brute strength for 3rd gear launches and sled pulling, however it wasn’t the greatest for a daily driver. Getting into 1st and reverse can be a pain, they shift a little slower due to weight and added drag (2x the clutch surface with the same clearance as your single) which also means decreased synchro life. I recently went back to the FE and couldn’t be happier. It’s just a little more grabby than the DD was off the line, but still extremely drivable. It holds the power with not problems whatsoever, I’ve just sworn off doing 3rd gear launches – I’m getting tired of changing clutches… My opinion is go with the FE for a dual purpose truck, and take your pick of Peter’s DD line if you are going to be doing any sort of competition.

 

[RonA]

I just got off the phone from ordering a new clutch for my truck. I was told my new pump will put me over the Con OFE. Talked to SB and they recommended an FE. Only have 15k on the OFE but I didn't want to take a chance. Have heard they are a little grabby, but you get used to it after a short while. As before they were great to deal with.

 

[Forrest]

personally I think the dual disk clutches are more in line with racing and pulling sleds. Their performance is amazing, but if your putting miles towing on them I think it's harder on the synchro's in your transmission.

The dual disk clutch made by McLeod is an excellent towing & every day driver clutch. Mine has been in there for about 5 years now. No synchro problems either.

 

[Beast2B]

RonA, Are you going to be in Sac 4/16? You're welcome to drive my truck. It's definitely grabby compared to stock, but not to a point where it's a negative issue.

 

[RonA]

No, I have the FE, a new injection pump and a new top turbo all coming next week. Lots to do.

Ron

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I know clutches are generally rated at HP levels, but it's torque that blows through them...



a lighter truck with a slower spooling turbo will hold more than a big heavy 4x4 dually with a little HX35



driving style has a lot to do with it also... hard shifts under throttle won't take as much as slow shifts w/ no throttle.



I say push it and find out



Forrest

 

[Pmaloney]

Thanks for all the input, earlier today I called 'em up and ordered the 13" FE so I'll let you all know how much abuse it can hold. Hopefully alot!

 

[Forrest Nearing]

I'm sure gonna try to find the limit!

 

[SpicyJam]

Just a little info on this matter. Read my sig and with what I have in my truck I slip the Fe. I called Pete, being that we are dealers for him, told him that I had been sliping the fe. He asked what I have done to the truck and asked if I was going to twins, I said of course, he told me to rid the fe and go double. So double is waiting as well as our twins we make.

My RWH is 485hp and I slip the fe easy in 5th and 6th. Get some customers out of the way and maybe I can my ride done.

 

[Beast2B]

SpicyJam, a few questions. How old is your clutch? Have you done much pulling, racing, dynoing? I think I'd call Peter if it's not old or abused, doesn't he say these are good for 550hp? I run 434hp/975tq with 37" tires and I've been told that I'm 25-30 down because of the tires and 3. 54 gears. I can't slip mine in any gear on any level... yet

 

[Fred Swanson]

Yeah, that seems odd to slip the FE. Curious to know what all the truck has been used for.

I've been running the DD 3600 12CB SBC for 15K miles now, and I like it's engagement better than the FE. I don't feel it is as grabby at all. Peter's done some great improvements over time, and this clutch is very smooth. No hard shifting or any resistance to going into any gear, even 1st to reverse, back and forth.

 

[amillstream]

Just a little info on this matter. Read my sig and with what I have in my truck I slip the Fe. I called Pete, being that we are dealers for him, told him that I had been sliping the fe. He asked what I have done to the truck and asked if I was going to twins, I said of course, he told me to rid the fe and go double. So double is waiting as well as our twins we make.

My RWH is 485hp and I slip the fe easy in 5th and 6th. Get some customers out of the way and maybe I can my ride done.

I have a ofe and it will hold all I have (somewhere in the 350-380hp range) but it won't tolorate goofing off with it much. I've tried launching it and thats when it slipped. I believe I could slip a fe if I tried very hard. (It don't take much when you weigh 9900lb empty) Bottom line is dual disks are for play and singles are more suited for towing. But I know people who do both with either one.

 

[Pmaloney]

When you say that you weigh 9900 lbs empty are you talking just the truck I would assume? That weight seems a little off to me. If I remember correctly I am at 7500 empty and that is with a larger truck. I think that I will be able to hold my hp/tq level just fine with my FE. I am able to hold pretty well right now with my current "cheap" clutch ($375. 00) I just towed my 8,000lb 5er home at level 3x5 on the comp and it held amazingly well. And this wasnt babying it at all.

 

[SRadke]

"Cheap" clutches can hold torque very well. My stock 5-speed clutch (which gets replaced this weekend) has held everything I've got on the street if I roll into it. It won't do 3rd gear launches or holeshots and does slip if the tires are spinning and then get hold in 3rd or 4th gear. I expect that, 500 hp is a lot to hang on to. It has performed well beyond my expectations and now I move on. Peter set me up with a new that should take some real abuse



-Scott