Inliners International Forums General Discussion Drive Train Centerforce clutch question

I've been considering a Centerforce clutch for my '64 Nova Wagon with a mildly modified 194 in it. In talking to folks at Summit Racing, I've been told that the Centerforce clutches don't really hook up well until the engine rpm is over 4000. This didn't sound exactly right to me for a street setup, but looking at the Centerforce website didn't really clear things up much. Have any of you had experience with a Centerforce setup for the street? Most of my driving in the Nova is going to be on the street; cruising, shows, Inliner events, etc., and I doubt if I'm going to be running it over 4000 rpm a whole lot. With the cam that's in it, 5000 is the max rpm it would ever see, and that not often.

For your application,a Centerforce clutch would be a waste of money.
Just install a good aftermarket clutch disc & have it all balanced as one assy.

Flywheel ,pressure plate & new clutch.

MBHD

A good(3000 lb) Diaphragm style clutch with maybe? a heavy duty disk Is all you'll need for a daily driver.It is also much easier on the leg.Over a Borg&Beck long style.I tried Centerforces set-up once and I wouldn't give you
a wooden nickle for it. For the matter I bought a new disk and GAVE The whole set-up away. And If you do not get centerforces 500 mile braken before
you smoke it. THEY will not back it up.Another reason I gave it away.So i'd say go with RAM or hays for your clutch needs.

i've used centerforce clutches behing a serious ford 302 with a tremec TKO with great results (car ran 11's), and behind a hopped up chevy 350 with a 4 speed again with great results. i'd recommend them to anyone who's making enough power to warrant such a set up, but on a stock engine i think it would be a waste.

Zeke,

I think your 194 will have the flywheel with the recessed clutch surface for the smaller 6 cyl clutch. If you don't already have a standard, flat-faced 10.5 inch flywheel, try and find one. Then just go to any parts counter and ask for the HD clutch assembly (clutch disc, pressure plate and throwout bearing) for a 1964 Nova V-8 with HD clutch. I ran the same setup in my 63 Nova on the street for years behind a 250 with about 11:1 compression, solid lifter cam and 5 speed with no problems.

Dave

I have a Centerforce set up on my 292 and get on it occassionally with no problems. I DO NOT do 4000-5000rpm dumps or power shift it! It's not designed for that. If you want a easy on the left leg smooth cruzin' clutch, I would buy another Centerforce.
After my T-5 burned up on last Spring, I "nursed" my ride home for 15 miles riding clutch when I had to. When I pulled it apart to repair it, I had expected to find a cooked disc, bearing and plate but they were fine and did not need replacing. Why would spending a little more to get a solid clutch be a problem? My complete set up only cost $150. 7 years ago.

Make your own decisions.

RapRap
1940 ChoppedChevyCoupe

I have a Hays set (diaphram not borg and beck or long) and I like it. It's on an O/T V engine but it holds at whatever RPM you let the clutch out and you can push the pedal down by hand (so it's REAL easy on the leg). IIRC they bill it as a 27 or 2800LB pressure plate. It's a Hays 95-201 set (PP, Clutch disc and T/O bearing) if you're interested. Probably wouldn't fit your application, but they're bound to have something that will work.

I looked it up, Hays claims a static load of 2750Lb with the pressure plate in that kit.

Dear Zeke;

Don't spend a bunch of money on a 'trick' clutch. A good diaphram on will be just fine for your application.

Hank & Larry are right, spend it somewhere else.

Good luck.

PS: Be sure to use #8 shouldered bolts is all.

Thanks, guys, lots of good information there. Happy New Year to you all.