Need a Clutch [Archive] - NJFBOA - Home of New Jersey's Camaros and Firebirds

01blackz28

06-07-2009, 07:20 PM

Talk to Josh over at JS Performance. He can get a clutch custom made for your application.

- Justin

Why would he need a custom clutch for his application when he wants to spend as little as possible? FWIW, if you want to spend as little as possible get a spec 1 or 2, if your clutch see's a lot of abuse and you feel like spending extra cash go with a monster or textralia.

JSPERFORMANCE

06-07-2009, 09:21 PM

Why would he need a custom clutch for his application when he wants to spend as little as possible? FWIW, if you want to spend as little as possible get a spec 1 or 2, if your clutch see's a lot of abuse and you feel like spending extra cash go with a monster or textralia.

Thanks, I appreciate your endorsement of my product.. Besides what you think our clutches are actually very competitively priced. When we build a "custom" unit you are paying for what you need and only what you need. Not cool paint, BS warranties, or a flywheel and alignment tool so that it can be called a "kit".

NJ346

06-07-2009, 09:24 PM

JSPERFORMANCE

06-07-2009, 09:35 PM

but appearance sells products:lol:

As I stated before, my product is not for everybody. If you want a clutch that looks nice then by all means go for it. If you want something that is quality and works then I can help.

Isn't the clutch inside the bellhousing? Isn't the only time you will see it is when you are installing it and when you are pulling it back out? I guess its a good thing that the other guys spend so much time and money making their stuff pretty, this way you will have something nice to look at when you are pulling it back apart so much..

I am not about quantity, I am about quality. Our product is a bit more time consuming since everything is set up by the hand of an experienced craftsman. Not somone getting his $7.75/hour and watching the clock.

NJ346

06-07-2009, 09:41 PM

As I stated before, my product is not for everybody. If you want a clutch that looks nice then by all means go for it. If you want something that is quality and works then I can help.

Isn't the clutch inside the bellhousing? Isn't the only time you will see it is when you are installing it and when you are pulling it back out? I guess its a good thing that the other guys spend so much time and money making their stuff pretty, this way you will have something nice to look at when you are pulling it back apart so much..

I am not about quantity, I am about quality. Our product is a bit more time consuming since everything is set up by the hand of an experienced craftsman. Not somone getting his $7.75/hour and watching the clock.

lol I was just being sarcastic...I guess you didn't get that by the smiley. I'm sure your clutches work great, just wasn't for me.

qwikz28

06-07-2009, 09:59 PM

I have a JS performance clutch. if you have any questions, you can ask me. I don't race often (since 2006 i think) and don't drive hard or have a tremendous amount of horsepower (~400whp). I love my clutch, I came from a Spec 3i. I had to go with something that I knew people had first hand experience with.

JL8Jeff

06-07-2009, 10:01 PM

lol I was just being sarcastic...I guess you didn't get that by the smiley. I'm sure your clutches work great, just wasn't for me.

Yeah, a clutch that works right isn't for everybody! :-?

Camvill, give a sponsor a call to see what a custom setup has to offer and check out the cost. Don't fall for the warranty bs that the other salespeople want to give you either, if you install the clutch yourself the warranty is usually thrown out.

NJ346

06-07-2009, 10:14 PM

Yeah, a clutch that works right isn't for everybody! :-?.

As stated in my thread that got deleted...there are 3 or 4 manufacturers that make all clutches on the market. So, most likely, any clutch camvill picks will work fine.

Btw, Js told me not to go with his clutch, so I went and ordered the other clutch I was looking at the next day. It's now in the car, grabs like no tomorrow, and I'm happy with my choice.

Camvill- If you want a sponsor to do it, go with JS, but if your looking to get it done the cheapest and do the install yourself(it's not hard at all), then JS is not for you since they only install their clutches.

NastyEllEssWon

06-08-2009, 01:19 AM

i actually like the fact that you can talk to josh and custom taylor a clutch to meet your needs. as someone that has bad knee problems buying a clutch blind can put you at a loss of cash really quick if you get a clutch thats too heavy for your liking. if i needed a clutch i would be talking with him about one...too bad i have a brand new one :lol:

MonmouthCtyAntz

06-08-2009, 12:18 PM

Thanks, I appreciate your endorsement of my product..
:rofl: ..I think when people hear custom that usually means expensive.

JerzLT1

06-08-2009, 04:43 PM

If you get a clutch that's rated for much higher up I believe it'll just be really grabby. For example, I told josh I want my clutch built to hold nitrous ( it's a track car) and was told that off of spray it'll be a little touchy

01blackz28

06-08-2009, 05:00 PM

Thanks, I appreciate your endorsement of my product.. Besides what you think our clutches are actually very competitively priced. When we build a "custom" unit you are paying for what you need and only what you need. Not cool paint, BS warranties, or a flywheel and alignment tool so that it can be called a "kit".

I'm pretty sure 95% of fbodys out there have an "off of the shelf clutch" in them. 'm not knocking your product at all. I never said a spec clutch was my choice becuase it was painted blue did I?The guy wants something a decent clutch for as little as he can spend. A spec stage 1 clutch is $294 from thunder racing. That is rated well above stock hp levels. If you can build me a custom clutch for 294$ please pm so I can get further details. As far as bs warranties go I bought a used textralia clutch and was said to only have 1400miles on it and THEY STILL RESURFACED IT FOR ME !!! All I did was pay shipping.

JSPERFORMANCE

06-08-2009, 08:15 PM

Thats great that you had a good experience with Textrailia. I am glad you are happy with it and them.

I have done clutches as affordably priced as $150 for a standard style 10.5" unit. Some styles are more expensive to do (such as LT1 pull clutches) but it usually turns out that when given the option most people don't mind paying a little more for a better part that is better suited to his or her needs.

emolineaux

06-08-2009, 09:18 PM

i know when im getting my new clutch put in im not even going to bother dealing with looking for "the right clutch" im just going to have josh put one of his in my car.

Camvill

06-08-2009, 10:30 PM

thanks for the input guys is there any sites that explain how to do it step by step

NJ346

06-09-2009, 05:22 AM

thanks for the input guys is there any sites that explain how to do it step by step

this is the guide I used:http://www.installuniversity.com/install_university/installu_pages/donations/mcleod_clutch_install.htm

You don't even need it. I just used it for bolt sizes that way I didn't have to keep going under the car and guessing. Took me 10 hrs the first time taking my time.

BonzoHansen

06-09-2009, 08:34 AM

That guide makes no mention of resurfacing the flywheel. Don't forget that step.

WildBillyT

06-09-2009, 09:06 AM

That guide makes no mention of resurfacing the flywheel. Don't forget that step.

It doesn't because they are replacing the clutch and flywheel at the same time. But you are absolutely correct in situations where you aren't replacing the flywheel.

BonzoHansen

06-09-2009, 09:08 AM

It doesn't because they are replacing the clutch and flywheel at the same time. But you are absolutely correct in situations where you aren't replacing the flywheel.

Ok, I didn't see mention of that, missed it.

NJ346

06-09-2009, 06:21 PM

Ok, I didn't see mention of that, missed it.

Yea. I was putting a new flywheel on at the time anyway.

98tadriver

06-10-2009, 01:22 PM

i went thru a few spec clutches and i was angry, but i bought a rebuilt spec stage 3 last november and its been holding up great *knockonwood*. The driveability is good and it holds up to 6k clutch dumps on slicks, and has been holding up to the 100 shot as well.

CamaroJoe1987

06-17-2009, 01:01 AM

when the TA needs a new clutch, im goin to josh first before anything else to see wat he can do for me

crainholio

06-18-2009, 07:42 PM

Well my car has hit 70,000 miles and it looks like i need a clutch. I was thinking a spec stage 2? I'm trying to spend the least amount of money for a decent product ya know? Any ideas?

Grab an LT4 kit from SDPC or other GM discount dealer. I loved that pressure plate!

NJ346

06-18-2009, 08:08 PM

Grab an LT4 kit from SDPC or other GM discount dealer. I loved that pressure plate!

he's got an ls1...why would he put lt1 parts on it?:-x

crainholio

06-19-2009, 12:21 PM

he's got an ls1...why would he put lt1 parts on it?:-x

Good catch, I misred his signature.

In that case, LS7 clutch FTW here!

NastyEllEssWon

06-19-2009, 03:46 PM

Good catch, I misred his signature.

In that case, LS7 clutch FTW here!

ls7 is awesome :nod: but its still a stock style clutch.

crainholio

06-19-2009, 04:32 PM

ls7 is awesome :nod: but its still a stock style clutch.

It is rated for much more torque than his engine (or mine) makes, not much more pedal effort than the LS6 clutch, may be the right option for him. Just throwing it out as a data point.

NastyEllEssWon

06-19-2009, 04:33 PM

yeah his car will do fine with a ls7 clutch....mine does 8-)

one of the easiest clutches ive ridden.

NJ346

06-19-2009, 05:37 PM

It is rated for much more torque than his engine (or mine) makes, not much more pedal effort than the LS6 clutch, may be the right option for him. Just throwing it out as a data point.

only thing is that the ls7 is rated at those numbers in a much lighter car. If you don't beat the **** outta the car at the track every weekend, ls7 is still ftw though.

PolarBear

08-13-2009, 08:14 AM

JSPERFORMANCE

08-13-2009, 08:24 AM

My God! You make sense!! Someone ban this guy!!

These are the main reasons that every JSP clutch is custom taylored to the vehicle. We make the decisions for the customer based on their needs. There are only a few actual "manufacturers" of clutch parts. We pick the best parts from all of them and assemble a clutch that will be perfect for the application.

There is more than three different kinds of driving styles, how can you group them all into three "stages" of clutch packages?

JerzLT1

08-13-2009, 01:02 PM

If anyone wants to see how a js clutch feels you can go for a ride in my car

deadtrend1

08-13-2009, 04:42 PM

I like how people say they hate a product but provide no experience to back up why they hated said product. Why did you "hate" the SPEC? Was it too grabby? was it too soft? did it not last long enough? Chances are you didnt have the proper clutch for your application or you didnt break the clutch in properly before you started beating the hell out of it..

I hate spec because the one I got was defective (was milled .002" off on one side) causing a low spot. I never made it out of the garage after putting it in. Had to pull the transmission back out which wasted my day.

Then I had to send it back to spec to get a new one which took forever. Then sent it back to thunder racing for another brand, and somehow took a month to get one to me. Not the first time thunderracing took their time in shipping a product out to me. I hate them also.

That's my reason,. It had nothing to do with me not having the proper clutch.

http://home.comcast.net/~tstrella/96ta/clutch1.jpg

http://home.comcast.net/~tstrella/96ta/clutch2.jpg

PolarBear

08-13-2009, 04:50 PM

I hate spec because the one I got was defective (was milled .002" off on one side) causing a low spot. I never made it out of the garage after putting it in. Had to pull the transmission back out which wasted my day.

Then I had to send it back to spec to get a new one which took forever. Then sent it back to thunder racing for another brand, and somehow took a month to get one to me. Not the first time thunderracing took their time in shipping a product out to me. I hate them also.

That's my reason,. It had nothing to do with me not having the proper clutch.
I wasnt singling you out in particular, others have posted "I hate" with nothing to support it and I wanted to know why. I am not saying you should like them and it sucks that it took so long for you to get a resolution but almost any manufacture can have a defect occasionally.
I can understand that someone may not like how the clutch acts, I bought a SPEC stage 3 and I really like it. But I can understand that someone may not like the engagement, it is a very hard car to drive now.

deadtrend1

08-13-2009, 05:09 PM

I wasnt singling you out in particular, others have posted "I hate" with nothing to support it and I wanted to know why. I am not saying you should like them and it sucks that it took so long for you to get a resolution but almost any manufacture can have a defect occasionally.
I can understand that someone may not like how the clutch acts, I bought a SPEC stage 3 and I really like it. But I can understand that someone may not like the engagement, it is a very hard car to drive now.

I know you weren't singling me out. But I really should have explained my reasoning. All I tried to do after I got it back together was back out of the garage, and the car shook so bad the exhaust smacked the floor. I think, well, sounded like it. :lol:

transmaro93

08-13-2009, 07:51 PM

yea thunder racing sucks with shipping... i try not to use them to much.... they take forever... failon their part.... why does JS only install their clutches... i couldnt buy a clutch setup from them and install it myself??

JSPERFORMANCE

08-13-2009, 07:55 PM

Because there are many variables in a proper clutch installation. Every car is a little different. Installing it here allows us to assure proper alignment and throw before the break in period begins therefore assuring you get the most out of your new clutch..

transmaro93

08-13-2009, 08:26 PM

well thats understandable... but what do you propose for someone like me... my car as it sits now is a rear attatched to a unibody... i plan to put the engine and tranny back up together therefore installing the clutch on the ground... at my house... i know a few peoples whose opinions somewhat matter to me and they have good things to say about you over there... but if thats your policy ill just have to look else where...

JSPERFORMANCE

08-13-2009, 08:33 PM

I cant really reccomend any other brand. Maybe Ram? I know Hanlon uses them with good results..

transmaro93

08-13-2009, 08:56 PM

i had a ram or at least what i thought was a ram...( may have gotten ripped off before) pressure plate said valeo on it which is a factory pressure plate.. but i know some clutch companies use factory pressure plates with different discs....i dont want to go ram again... im leaning toward spec, mcloud, im going to check out this textralia company now... never heard of them dont know if they do ltx setups either.. seeing its a dieing trend... hah.. .monster doesnt do them either...

JSPERFORMANCE

08-13-2009, 10:11 PM

Valeo is one of the few manufacturers of components for clutches, just because it was a valeo plate dosent mean it wasnt a quality piece.. We use Valeo parts here as well depending on the application.

transmaro93

08-14-2009, 05:14 PM

i replaced one before and burned it up when i attempted a burnout with just a bolt on lt1... then i replaced with a ram... or what i thought was a ram but the press plate said valeo on it... and i still wasnt happy with the performance of that...

PolarBear

08-14-2009, 05:22 PM

press plate said valeo on it... and i still wasnt happy with the performance of that...

IIRC Valeo is one of 2 or 3 Pressure plate manufactures, EVERYONE is limited in this area

LTb1ow

08-14-2009, 05:44 PM

Brandon, get your car together and trailer it to JS perf?

Or trailer JS to you?

:)

NJ346

08-14-2009, 06:11 PM

Brandon, get your car together and trailer it to JS perf?

Or trailer JS to you?

:)

or go with one of the brands JS suggested so that brandon can save money and do the install himself?:lol:

Batman

08-23-2009, 01:46 PM

I would say talk to Josh first, it is ALWAYS better to go local if you can, You'll never see me give another penny to Spec, my Stage 3+ was absolute junk. Failing that the LS7 clutch is a very nice piece

transmaro93

08-23-2009, 01:51 PM

im probably going with the mcleod twin disc set up.... just trying to find the best deal right now...

Batman

08-23-2009, 01:52 PM

I like how people say they hate a product but provide no experience to back up why they hated said product. Why did you "hate" the SPEC? Was it too grabby? was it too soft? did it not last long enough? Chances are you didnt have the proper clutch for your application or you didnt break the clutch in properly before you started beating the hell out of it..

I hated the Spec because it melted after 4 passes at the track after proper break in and it was back when I was making maybe 385RWH, it should have been more then enough to handle my power levels. They had a rash of bad clutches that either melted or flat out came apart about 4 or 5 years ago. I have had 9 people I personally know who had one, 3 loved it (nearly stock cars) the rest had some kind of failure with in 7500 miles of the install. I've heard Spec ironed the problem out years ago but I still won't buy their product after something like that when there are better products out there.

And don't even get me going on TCI :)

BarneyMobile

08-24-2009, 12:39 AM

I've had 2 Spec 3+ clutches. The first one welded to the flywheel but I dont blame Spec for that. It was my fault for trying to slip the clutch at 6 kit with the nitrous on. From my experience with the Spec 3+ I find that it doesn't like to be slipped. I had many passes on both of my Spec 3+'s. The one thats in the car has seen many 6800rpm launches. The key (in my case) is not to slip the clutch. Neither one ever slipped on me. The first Spec I had lasted 15k miles and still had life left when I pulled it out. Before I welded my 1st spec clutch, I bought a spare 3+ to replace the one that was in the car because I enjoyed that clutch so much. Both of my 3+'s have great street manners and hold more power than I could throw at it.

I had a Centerforce clutch that I hated. It slipped pretty bad and when I pulled it out it still had plenty of life left. After the Centerforce I boutght an LS7 clutch which was the most comfortable clutch I've ever driven. I really liked the LS7 but mine had pressure plate issues after 14k miles and wouldn't disengage, Enter Spec 3+ :2cents: