ATLsilverSS

Okay so I am going to be needing a clutch soon and am looking at a full engine build and turbo upgrade, so obviously I am going to need something that will hold the power. How do I choose the right setup for streetability/durability that will not slip? I asked Exedy how much tq their setup holds and this is how the emails went:

Me: what is the torque capacity for the hyper single for the lnf?

Exedy: Chris, Thank you for your interest in Exedy products. The GH02SD is rated for 358 ft/lbs of torque to the wheels.

Me: Wow...that's low....a good tune with upgraded intercooler and downpipe can easily put an lnf over those torque numbers. In fact, the stock clutch is rated in that same area. So any upgraded turbo immediately dismisses the use of this clutch....bummer. Are there any plans of any beefier products?

Exedy: The stock clutch is rated for a about 175 ft/lbs at the wheels. Let me rate it for you like one of our competitors rated their products. 358+20% = 430 ft/lbs at the flywheel + 25% safety factor = 537 ft/lbs of clutch holding torque. Don’t let the hype get to you. We rate our products for the real world on chassis dynometers. The only way you will find something beefier is to use a multi-plate clutch kit.

Me: how the hell would the stock clutch be rated at 175 at the wheels when a stock motor makes 260 at the crank minus drivetrain loss is still way over 175???????????? oh and btw i dyno @ 318 wtq on a dynojet and my stock clutch has 74,000 miles.....something doesn't add up to me

Exedy: I am not going to try to argue with you. I have told you what we rate it at for real world use. Go put some 24” slicks on your car and do a day at the track and see how well the oem clutch handles the abuse. In every Cobalt project GM Racing or GM Performance has done they have used this clutch including their 600+HP Time Attack car.

Me: nor am I trying to argue with you but when I am looking at spending $1200 on something and you tell me it has a torque rating of just above what my stock clutch is currently handling then that doesn't really entice me to spend my $1200 on your product now does it? expecially when my new set up is going to be over 450wtq



I am not an expert nor would ever claim to have the knowledge to the questions that I am TRYING to find answers to. I don't see how a clutch has a torque rating of 358 ft/lbs but you say it handles more than that. And how does the stock clutch have a torque rating of far less than the actual wheel output of a bone stock vehicle????

If I am going to spend $10k + on a motor build and turbo setup I certainly want to be able to put the power to the ground. How do I choose the right clutch setup?

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1Panel2NV

I don't think the exedy will slip. It has destroyed a couple transmission because of that.

ATLsilverSS

I honestly think that it won't but I just don't understand the conversation that I had with the exedy tech specialist. He has confused me and has me rethinking my whole clutch situation. Why are they saying that the tq rating is 358 if it will handle 500??? How is the stock clutch rated at 175 ft/lbs???? I cut and pasted our email conversation so what is posted is right out of his mouth.

jonboyb

I was speaking with Dan over at Competition Clutch just outside Atlanta and they are trying to find a stock flywheel/clutch from an LNF for possible production. I love their clutches and they are the only company that has made one for the old Starion/Conquest turbos that can handle anything over 400 ft.lb. or so without destroying the thrust bearings in quick fashion and taking a hydraulic press to engage the pedal....LOL.

PM me a phone number if you like.....maybe a viable option for discussion given we're both local and I'll be needing a clutch soon as well

HHRSSouth

I'm going with either of these from clutchmasters:

http://www.thmotorsports.com/clutch_...t/g-53322.aspx

http://www.thmotorsports.com/clutch_...t/g-53323.aspx

The main difference between the first and second one is the disc types.

The first one will last a long time.
The second one will grab better because its segmented.

I would love a hyper single like BARTSS has, but I can't talk myself into spending that much money for a clutch.

By the way it helps if you look up Cobalt SS/TC clutches, vendors list more manufacturer of clutches for them, then us.
But we use the exact same part #'s when you cross reference clutch's listed for both.

mightymouse

i got my spec stage 3 installed in jan of 09 and so far no problems what so ever. the tq rating is close to 500(i think around 475-495). it was priced a little under $700.

gcsd3742

http://www.specclutch.com/cars/Chevy/HHR/2008/Single
I'm going with the Stage 5 Clutch and the Aluminum flywheel

ATLsilverSS

I appreciate all the input. I originally was planning on using the Spec Stage 3+. After reading what ZZP had posted on their website about some other clutch companies, spec included, I started to rethink...they have thier own clutch options, which are super high, like 800 for a stg 4, and they also sell the Exedy unit, so I thought it must be pretty good. That is the reason I contacted Exedy in the first place.

Jonboyb - I will check them out, they are in Athens if I remember, I will contact you, maybe they can do a prototype and I can get a discount!!!

HHRSouth - I have seen quite a few over on that other forum that we frequent, and a lot of guys over there are using the Clutchmasters.....hhhmmmmm?????? I wouldn't mind going with the Exedy and its price isn't that bad cause it comes with the flywheel, I just want to make sure that I make a good choice and from what they told me thier clutch is not the choice for me....but then again neither is the stock clutch if it is only rated at 175 ft/lbs...hahahahahahahaha

GCSD - is the ss your dd? if so, yikes! must be puttin down some whoop azz hp!!!!

gcsd3742

Yes sit it's my DD.... I got toys in the garage ready for install @ Secret Services Auto this spring....http://www.secretservicesauto.com/
they did my polished stainless steel intercooler and piping and tune....etc.......6262 Precision turbo ready for install.
Here's a few videos of the builds they have done. Next project is a T-Rex.. they just did a Bentley....http://www.google.com/search?q=secre...A&ved=0CFIQqwQ

ATLsilverSS

Sweeeeeet You should be putting down about what I am looking to, but I just can't go to a stg 5 for drivability, I drive a lot, as I already have 74k on the clock which also forces (pretty much) me to build the motor if I go big turbo, so throw on some heads and cams courtesy of zzp and depending on which turbo I go with I hope to get in the 475whp range and 425wtq range....while still being responsive on the street. I am up in the air about what turbo setup to use, been looking at several different setups. We will see, as my estimated build total is in the 12k range, and this is very comprehensive btw, replacing the water pump, oil pump, brand new block, new p&p heads with upgraded valvetrain, the whole 9....point is the tranny is gonna eventually go as well as axles, and those are not figured into that price, so either the pockets get deeper or I scale back or something goes BOOM