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Clutches and trannies....

July 16 2011 at 6:30 PM
  (Login blykins)
from IP address 74.130.231.121


Response to Clutch Help

I may ruffle some feathers here, but my advice is to stay away from Centerforce whenever possible. I should make a log of the calls I get from Centerforce customers complaining.

What it boils down to is that they use an OEM pressure plate (mainly from Luc or Valeo), then add their "counterweights". Those counterweights give all kinds of trouble and the issues vary from car to car. Sometimes the counterweights are such that they require an insane amount of rpm to function. Other times, they cause premature engagement.

In either case, a lot of guys end up removing the counterweights, which just puts it back to an OEM static pressure. In my opinion, if a guy has a Centerforce clutch and it's working, then a stock replacement clutch would work just as well.

There are a lot better choices out there for a dependable clutch kit and most are much cheaper than Centerforce. RAM & Mcleod make some great clutches and if you're under 450hp and have a small input Toploader, you can get a complete kit from RAM (including plate, disc, bearing, alignment tool) for $280.

As for the Toploader rebuild, anyone can rebuild a Toploader if you have a few tools. You can do it without a bearing press, but you will need some good brass punches or some bearing drivers, in addition to a good set of snap ring pliers and some patience.

My advice here would be to take a good look at the gears first to see what you'll need. Most Toploaders will need a few gears replaced as the synchronizer engagement teeth get blunt. If you don't need gears, a good quality rebuild kit will run about $100 and will come with everything that you need.

Brent Lykins
B2 Motorsports, LLC







 
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