clutch? which one!?
 

ive converted my 64 nova over to a 4 speed and was wondering what clutch is going to be the best option ive eyeballed some sintered iron units from ram, and a twin disc unit from mcleod, which one is the most commonly excepted "good one" to use? its a high winding 302 chevy launches will most likely be 5500-6500.

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

When i had a modified 302 motor i used a MCCLOUD sintered iron clutch. iI had very good luck before switching to auto trans.
Bob Lasko

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

Call Tim Hyatt he built my McLeod. He is very racer friendly. Ed

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

5500-6500 seems a little low for launching a "high winding 302". I know I'm old school, but back in the 70s I had a 331 that I left at 7600 rpm with and that was conservative to what other guys were doing at the time. Listening the revs from stick cars nowadays, I'm thinking they're still way upstairs when the hammer is dropped. My 2 cents.
I did use a McLeod unit back then and had very little problems with it. This was in a 66 Nova, around 2800lbs with 5:57 gears and a Super T-10. I miss those days. It sounds like you have a fun car there,,,,,take care.
Danny Durham

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

Use sintered iron w/adjustable pressure, pressure plate.5500-6500 why thats half RPM
for a high winding 302.I think you'll find that is way too low on launch if chassis&clutch are
right you'll probaly find leaving your high side chip will be fastest.
We launched my Dads 302 @ 10,000
Mike Taylor 3601

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

vote #2 for "Call Tim Hyatt"

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

You'll be leaving at least 7500 RPM, probably 8000 if you have a clutch that is built and managed well. A clutch not built correctly will require a low RPM launch like 5500-6000 and will bog the engine big time on launch and gear changes. The proof will be in the ET. 1320/MPH = optimum ET, no if's, ands or buts.
If you want info on "the best" as you inquired, PM me for info on the clutch manufacturer (manufacturer, not rebuilder) that has the record book covered for stick cars in Stock & Super Stock (Comp also). For a 302 I would recommend a Sportsman dual 7" on a 142t flywheel. It is a sintered iron assembly. This unit will weigh (complete, clutch, pressure plate and flywheel) in at 18 pounds.
The McLeod twin disk you mentioned is not only way to much clutch for your application, it is a diaghram pressure plate. In essence, a diaghram is more like an on/off switch and not what a serious drag car needs.

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

Only one person to call for a clutch. He manufactures them gives great personal service. Like Jeff said he has the records covered even if some of the racers won't acknowledge they have his clutch. Advanced Clutches Rob YoungBlood 208-880-6214. And 6500 is way low to leave.

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

the car was a footbrake auto car for the last 5 years so 6500 was just a guesstimate car has never had a "brake" and this will be 1st year with a clutch. also have switched form a solid to a solid roller.

Re: clutch? which one!?
 

I have a 327 and I leave between 7600 and 8400 depending on track conditions.