CLutch recommendations for 1969 Z/28

[sdkar]

Hey guys,

Looking to install a new clutch, pressure plate and bearing in a 69 Z/28.  Still has the original motor and tranny.  I want to get something that is a little tougher than OEM and will give me great performance but will not increase the pedal pressure or shifting east.  This car is not drag raced and sees only some slight mild street duty.  What do you guys recommend?  Also, Do I have to stay with a 10.4" clutch or can I go to an 11" with no problems?

Thanks.

[1968RSZ28]

Read this CRG thread...  http://www.camaros.org/forum/index.php?topic=3454.msg22329#msg22329

Paul

[Jerry@CHP]

There is a real nice HD Hays that we use at CHP.  More money (about $425 w/ t/o bearing) but good dependable unit at the drag strip and on the street.  Very similar to the GM 10.4" L88. 

We've been putting the Borg Warner Power Brute in the stock cars (about $150 for the kit) and that works well for them.  The Hays is a step up.
 
I should also point out that bigger is not always better.  Stay away from the large diameter clutches.  Chevy's ultimate clutch was the L88 and that was 10.4".  All of the NHRA Stock eliminator race cars use a small clutch.  The one I run in Old Reliable is eight inches in diameter.  Bigger is heavier and that takes horsepower to turn it.  NHRA Pro Stock cars run a 6" dual disc clutch.  10.4" is good for just about any street performance car.

Just some food for thought.

Jerry 

[firstgenaddict]

I asked alot of Z owners and I got the recommendation of a centerforce and I couldn't be happier... the pedal pressure is light and the feel is great.
 

[Jerry@CHP]

We have used Center Force clutches but had issues with the counter weights on the fingers.  Not using them now.

Jerry

[melav8r]

Jerry,
old thread, are you still using this hays clutch set-up? can you post part numbers?
thanks,
Mel

[melav8r]

here what i found on the hays street & strip hd set up:

http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/KeywordSearchCmd?storeId=10001&catalogId=10002&langId=-1&N=0&Ntk=all&Jnar=0&Ne=1%2B2%2B3%2B1147708&searchTerm=85-103

http://www.summitracing.com/search/?keyword=85-103&dds=1

a bit cheaper than what Jerry said.

[sixt9x33rs]

I have had good results from LUK...similar to factory. Great pedal feel and for the way I drive the car it works great.

[melav8r]

Just picked up this set:

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/RAM-92760/

price is very reasonable and is an upgrade from a stock set.
emailed RAM tech support with questions, here is the email I sent:

"Hello,
I wanted information on clutch kit 92760 sold by Summit Racing and
advertised as part of your "Musclecar Series" clutch line.
Why is this kit not shown in your catalogs on your website, is it a
discontinued set?
What is the clamping force in pounds for the pressure plate?
What is the clutch surface material made of?
What is the horsepower rating for this clutch set?

I intend to install this in a 69 Camaro Z28 with a 302 cubic inch SBC
producing 350-375HP, Muncie M20 and 3.73:1 rear gears. Car is driven only
on the street, not daily, with the occasional enthusiastic hard run.
Flywheel is 153 tooth and trans is 1.125" 10 spline input shaft.

Thank you for any information you can provide.
Mel"

This is the reply:

"Mel,

We do this kit specifically for Summit racing, thats why it's not on our
site.  The pressure plate is 3,000lb static, disc material is organic and it
will hold slightly over stock horsepower.  Either this kit or our 88760HDX
kit will work fine the difference is the HDX kit has a steel backed clutch
disc.

Doug
RAM Clutches"

I'm planning on installing it soon, possibly over this weekend, I will post my impressions, car currently has a RAM replacement clutch set installed about 10 years ago.
Mel