I'm getting ready to install the clutch on my 69 corvette with a 350/350HP. I've been told that I should go with a Luk clutch. This is a factory restoration project. I just priced it and a Luk clutch kit with clutch disc, pressure plate, pilot bearing and throw out bearing is $110 which seemed pretty cheap. I've never heard of Luk. Can anyone comment on the Luk clutch brand or make another recommendation? Thanks
Last time I changed a clutch, I used a Centerforce unit. I had the flywheel cut at Arizona Clutch & Brake and that was probably the smoothest, sweetest driver I have ever had. It was in a '79 Chevy shortbed stepside with a 350 and 4-speed (granny low). While I was at it, I replaced every piece in the clutch linkage with brand new Chevy parts from across the counter at the local dealer. NIIIIIICE, :thumbup:
the only clutch I have ever used, even in my old dirt car was ZOOM.
I have one in my 68 Camaro 500 + hp . it does have strong springs!
friend of mine just had issues with the centerforce in his 72 Z. part of the lining came off
Centerforce, McCloud, Ram, Zoom, Hayes you can't go wrong. A stock replacement usually isn't a bad choice either. Never heard of Luk. Not sure I would push my "luck" either.
Luk is a huge OE supplier of clutches. There is probably not a better clutch for a stock engine. If the engine is modded,or you plan on abusing the car, consider a McCLoud.
I wouldn't put a centerforce I or II in my car if you paid me. Not here in the northeast. That fosdick weight ring gets corroded from the humidity, sand, salt and road schmutz we are exposed to here. At that point, the weights don't swing in unison. Lots of vibration issues. Maybe I see more of it than the average guy because we only do stickshifts where I work.
My second problem; the one I pulled out of my Dad's car was made from Sach's pieces. Not a problem per se...but if I wanted a Sach's clutch, maybe I would have went to the AutoZone and bought one for way less money.
Luk is a North American OEM clutch supplier; your neighbors Z51 corvette most likely has one on it.
My recco? McLeod/Hays/Ram or Luk. Stock car, resto candidate? What is a hot rod clutch going to give you? More clamping power? For what? Stiffer pedal? Why do you need it? Buy the clutch for what you're going to DO.
To be fair in my previous comment; I have customers who use the more modern CF clutches; with very little complaints/issues. My bugaboo is the CF I and II
I'm running a luk set up with an 11 inch disc in my 80 Z28 406 roller M21 with 410 gears six years no problems I'll be replacing it now due to a worn pilot bearing and I will go with the exact same setup $112 delivered to my house ,Parts Warehouse
Luk is the largest manufacturer of clutches in the world. They are OE for just about everybody.
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