Valair clutches

[JAmos]

Anybody out there running a Valair clutch? If so what type and how do ya like it?



Jordan

 

[JAmos]

Bump. Anyone got one?



Jordan

 

[RobertP]

save yourself the trouble, and headache just buy a southbend. they are the only way to go.

 

[JAmos]

Southbend has an outstanding reputation, but the valair clutches are priced more in my price range at this point.



Jordan

 

[SHobbs]

Jordan,



I felt the same way, price was a big thing. I chose Southbend due to reputation not only from here but installers as well. Out of the 8 shops I called to have my clutch replaced all but one recommended Southbend. Infact the shop that installed mine told me that they stopped installing clutches in diesel trucks due to alot of failures and Southbend was the reason they got back into the business and that Southbend is the only clutch they will install. Ultimately it is your money and your decision which direction you go. Look around, call some installers and get thier opinion as well.



Not trying to get the whole battle of the clutches started here but, I am happy I went with Southbend.

 

[RobertP]

we wont install or sell and clutch other than a Southbend either.

 

[CRWilliams]

I have a Valair and am very happy with it. I need to post a thread on the install and information about it, but have been waiting until I had some more miles on it. I have about 7500 miles on a pretty aggressive clutch and haven't had any problems. Dan is also a great guy and very helpful. Give him a call. Now, I have nothing bad to say about South Bend. I had one in my last truck and it was great. But the budget was tight and I wanted to give Valair a try, and I'm glad I did.

 

[JAmos]

Thanks CR. What model did ya go with? You're the first positive feedback I've heard for valair. But in all fairness I've only heard one bash too. For me cost is a big issue and I have the way of thinking that just cause someone else does it one way(south bend) doesn't mean i want to. We all are building our trucks, I like to be a little different though. Not in any way bashing south bend, as I've heard nothing but good about them.



Jordan

 

[CRWilliams]

Yes, SBC are good clutches. I had one in my last truck. I found Valair on ebay, watched them for a couple of months and then wrote them to ask some questions. They asked me to call in and they would build a clutch for what I needed. I was originally wanting features from two different clutches that they had. When I called I spoke with Dan directly. I told him what I had wanted and he asked about my truck, what power I was running, and what I primarily did with it. I explained it all to him and he said that he was getting a shipment of some new hubs in that would be much stronger that the hubs generally used with 5 speeds. This is the hub he now uses in his ceremic clutches for the 5 speed. I expressed my concerns about how aggressive a ceramic clutch can be and his response was that he could side it 1/2 and 1/2, one side with ceramic and one side with Kevlar, and see how I liked it.



When I received the clutch I was VERY happy with what the materials looked like. Everything looked high quality and the hub looked VERY strong. I have torn the center out of a couple of clutches and that was a strong point for me. I installed the clutch and started driving with it. It was a little grabby at first, and if I tried to drive it like a stock clutch it would shake the truck starting out. After a couple of weeks, I called Dan, who had given me his number! I asked him if the clutch would smooth out at all. He said that it might, but if I didn't like it he would just build me something different and ship it out to me. He also suggested trying different revs while taking off from a stop, that you could usually find a sweet point that the clutch slips enough without revving the engine too high. After a couple of weeks I got it figured out and now it's easy.



When the clutch gets hot, like in stop and go traffic, it still gets grabby, but I haven't been able to slip the clutch in anything that I've done to it. To answer your question, they don't list the clutch I have, but it is basically the NMU70119-04 with one side done in Kevlar and one side in ceramic. I also have the 3800# pressure plate. If you want something that you don't see, just call them and Dan will be happy to discuss it with you and build what you need. I am planning some more upgrades and if I get to the point that this clutch starts slipping, I well just give Dan and call and tell him what I need.



By the way, I noticed that you are in Greeley. I live over in Montrose, on the western slope. I have a good friend that lives in Greeley. Anyway, I took several pictures of my clutch before I installed it, I could try and post some if you would like to see.



Cory.

 

[Hammer]

Do a search and look at the photos that Rob took during the removal of the Valair from his truck. Then when your looking at them remember also all the trash talking that Valair did about their product and how they bashed SBC. Keep in mind that cheaper may not always mean better.



Once you do that,you will see why not many here like them... ... Andy



Here is a thread with some reading for you. .

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...4886-valair-centerforce-sbc-luk-spec-etc.html



And here is Roberts thread on his damages from the Valair...

https://www.turbodieselregister.com...hocking-clutch-findings-you-have-too-see.html

 

[SHobbs]

Two questions here,



1) A clutch is advertised to hold say 450hp and 900ft/lbs for example. How does one test or know that this is what it will hold? What is the process?



2) How bout a side by side comparison, take SBC, Valair and Luk for comparison. Lets see the flywheels, disks, pressure plates, throw out bearings and pilot bearings. Any vendors out there that have these clutches and can do this? Let show what one will get for thier money?



Not trying to start the clutch battle just curious what each one looks like when compared side by side.