Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) South Bend OFE or FE

[MBFARMS]

I am in the process or deciding which clutch to put in my truck. I keep changing my mind on the overall mods I want to do to my truck. The one set of mods I want to do puts me in the 500-550 hp catergory and the mods I probably will go with put me in the 380-425 hp caterogy. My main question to the guys that are running the FE, how is the driveability compared to the OFE. I was thinking of going with the FE just in case I decided to do the higher mods or should I choose another clutch that Southbend makes? I pull quit a bit( mostly heavy weight) and the misses drives it from time to time.

 

[Jetpilot]

The FE is not too grabby but it isn't near as smooth as the OFE. The FE is a pain to back up a trailer with though... ... I would recommend deciding just where you will take the truck as far as HP and go that route. An HO truck with the original (-028) VP44 will only produce around 500-550, so you will need to add a fueling box, turbo, large injectors, etc. to get to this HP mark.



Doug Smith

 

[LUnderwood]

Im running the FE . Its not bad at all, if i backed alot of trailers i would just get a 4lo switch to be able to go 2 lo . If your pulling alot of weight i would recomend a double disc! Much more forgiving! If your ever up this way stop by and ill let you try out mine with the clutch its got in it! Are you right in Asheville.
I would recomend Olee Poole, Or Doug Smith (Jet Pilot) as a supplier. Olee is closer with clutches in stock, Probably help on shipping! Dougs great to work with too! Id say they would be much easier to work with on a good deal than a small shop! Will you be at the dyno day? I will be ... ..... If i can make it.

 

[Froadin]

Because you have the 4x4, and can easily use low range, get the FE, and not worry about it.

I got the OFE because I am 2wd, and tow pretty heavy at times. And I wanted a smoother clutch engagement for backing up my 5ver in tight spots.



Only downside is other people driving it. They will have to get used to it grabbing a little more. But it should only really make a difference when trying to go SLOW with a heavy load.

And the FE will give you a better sense of security, and a better start down the slippery slope

 

[JWestley]

I am using a FE in my 12valve and i love it. Went from an old 12" OFE to the 13" FE and it feels like the FE grabs a lot better

 

[zstroken]

I doubt if he has the CAD to allow 2 low on the 2002. You do have the 4. 10s which will help some unless you use a huge tire. Get used to using 1st most of the time. If you tow alot and your wife drives it I wouldn't suggest the FE. It is grabby. I tow 12K -13K and if I back it up a slight incline, I typically stop once or twice cause the clutch starts to grabbin. I am either going to a DD or an OFE. I have since put my truck to stock, so the FE is overkill, but if I don't sell it, then I am getting new sticks, and going with another charger, and a DD, if it stays stock I am going to an OFE. I could sell you my FE if you want one with about 15K miles on it.

 

[jgillott]

FE gets my vote.

 

[AHire]

FE gets my vote too.

 

[Signal73]

Just get the FE so you dont have to do it twice like I did... . :{

 

[kelly4463]

I run an fe i put it in 4lo when i back up my 5er

talk to (jet pilot) if you want good customer service !!!

 

[COWBOYDUALLY]

Fe!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[MBFARMS]

Thanks for the replys guys. That should give me more to think about. No I do not have the CAD. Yes Lunderwood I will be there at the event with my truck on the dyno. Looks like the event is going to go good. Another member and myself put together that event. Hope to see you there. Yes I am on the Northwest side of Asheville. Should be a fun event.

 

[LUnderwood]

Me and Olee talked about it this morning. I might try and make it! Its all up to the old lady. Its going on the dyno in the morning but i thought i might come for poops and giggles:-laf