OK, getting close to clutch replacement time.  On one end of the spectrum my mechanic is pushing Centerforce and I have looked at LUK and ZOOM on the other end.  My car is stock L-82 and a street driven machine with a few smokey burnouts now and then.  Any recommendations and experiences would be appreciated.

Stay away from Zoom...and that's all I have to say about that...

Luk stuff is about as good as you can get without going to the high dollar stuff. That's all I've used for years, and is what I went back with on the '74.
The Centerforce is a great set-up, and will work fine too, and it gives you a little less pedal pressure...really helpful if you get stuck in heavy traffic all the time. The CenterForce is actually just a stock clutch pressure plate that they modify. They don't actually MAKE any of their stuff! It's still good quality parts. So it would really come down to $$$, imo.

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Joel Adams
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Steve,

You probably already know this, but do the throw out bearing and check all the other stuff while you are in there.  Going cheap usually means going back in.

problem with throwout bearing noise. I just replaced the bearing for 2nd time, also replaced clutch etc. It was a centerforce dual unit. When I rev engine with clutch in it makes a rumbling noise. Any ideas what the heck is wrong? I have had this thing apart about ten times and its making me nuts.

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[QUOTE=ace]problem with throwout bearing noise. I just replaced the bearing for 2nd time, also replaced clutch etc. It was a centerforce dual unit. When I rev engine with clutch in it makes a rumbling noise. Any ideas what the heck is wrong? I have had this thing apart about ten times and its making me nuts. [/QUOTE]

Thanks for all the info!!  I will let ya know how things go.  I'm still considering doing it myself but I have access to a few good mechanics here in town that will do it for a reasonable price.  The two problems I have now with the clutch is it slips and I suspect a worn pilot bearing.  I have a vibration around 70mph that goes away completely when I stab the clutch sometimes. 

I have the hayes clutch in my '64 vette and I am very happy with it. I purchased it either thru Jegs or Summit--can't remember which one.

FYI...Hays IS the company that produces the CenterForce clutches...
Midway Industries is the company name now but it was started by Bill Hays in 1980. Hays is the brand name...CenterForce is a product name.

TOB noises are usually attributed to installation errors, but they do make boo-boos, too. Always check the fork for wear in the pocket where the pivot ball rides, as well as the ball itself. They both wear, and can cause the fork to be crooked as it pushes the tob into the pressure plate. This can cause the pressure plate to release un-evenly, and make the disc drag a bit with the pedal down, and chatter as it is released. The surface finish of the flywheel and pressure plate is a BIG contributor to clutch chatter, also. Most machine shops use a grinder to machine the flywheels, which leaves them pretty danged rough. I prefer to turn mine on a brake lathe, and dress them with a "roll-lock" disc while still on the lathe. This eliminates any of the fine grooves left by the lathe turn.

Ace, your problem noise may be the pilot bushing, and not the tob. If the input shaft of the trans starts "flopping" around inside of the bushing/bearing when the clutch is in, it will make a rumble/grumble noise.

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Hey Adam... ummmm  whats wrong with Zoom clutches...as i got one in the 78 vette.... button type(has the little pads all way around, looks like little geo metro brake pads around the clutch plate)... just curious, before i blow something up.. :)  

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StingrayJim
NCM Lifetime Member #1936

Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94

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There's a reason they're called "Zoom"!
Actually, they just never seem to work right, or survive in a hot rod/drag car situations. I've seen too many of them fail...sometimes within a week. Must be that purdy purple paint they use...
I always felt the pressure plates were just made of too thin a material...lots of flexin goin on.
Just my opinion, so don't take it to the bank...

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Joel Adams
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Thanks guys for the quick response. I'll replace the fork, stud and pilot bushing next. Thanks again for the help.

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Ok, Thanks Joel.... i've had that clutch(Zoom) for about 4-5 years now... and at times been a bit rowdy with it too ;) ... had no problems as of yet... (but, i'll cross my fingers just in case)... :)

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StingrayJim
NCM Lifetime Member #1936

Stingray's '76���������������������������� StingrayJr's '78���������������������������Lil Red '94

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The clutch with the pads instead of one continous disc is known as the puck or pud type clutch.  They are generally very agressive and used for high performance applications.  They tend to be more difficult to operate smoothy.  They like to bite and are harder go feather when applying.

For what it's worth, my mechanic, who is a drag racer, says stay away from Centerline for a street car.  They will chatter.  He likes Hayes, LUK, and Ram for street cars.

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[QUOTE=F4Gary]For what it's worth, my mechanic, who is a drag racer, says stay away from Centerline for a street car.  They will chatter.  He likes Hayes, LUK, and Ram for street cars. [/QUOTE]

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.

[QUOTE=Sarge81]...is bar/restaurant called Wilhoites still open?[/QUOTE]

It is indeed!! Alive and well...biker heaven around there.
Mama & I have eaten there several times over the years, as we go out "Antiquing" in Grapevine at least twice a year.
You ever been there, Darryl?

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Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
My Link


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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

[QUOTE=Adams' Apple] [QUOTE=Sarge81]...is bar/restaurant called Wilhoites still open?[/QUOTE]

It is indeed!! Alive and well...biker heaven around there.
Mama & I have eaten there several times over the years, as we go out "Antiquing" in Grapevine at least twice a year.
You ever been there, Darryl?[/QUOTE]

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GEN III 5.7L "LS6" Engine swap
TKO500 5 spd.