Who is running what clutch?

[Spec3HOR]

As I go to bleed and then drive my LS1 project, the slave cylinder explodes.. Prompting me to pull out the transmission.

I currently have a Spec X-Trim Triple Disc clutch. I might as well hvae it rebuilt while it out, but I am considering other options. I am only going to be at about 390-400rwhp.

A monster Stage 1/2 clutch will serve my needs and be easier on the street, but the triple disc will throw whatever I want to throw at it. Wether that is clutch dumps/more power etc.

So I guess I am wondering, what is everyone else running in their E36/LS1s? I Am debating selling the triple disc.

[sdobart]

Slave cylinders are always fun with the T56. General rule is, if you've got the trans out - replace the slave.

I'm running a Spec Stage 3+ with billet flywheel.


I believe most people here just run an LS7 clutch kit, although I believe I have seen a few threads about Monster clutches.

[jai5]

I will be running Monster Stage 2.

[Bluebimma]

ls6 on fidanza 12lb

[TipsyMcStagger]

I believe most people here just run an LS7 clutch kit....

I plan to run the LS7 clutch on my LS2. Still undecided between the OEM LS7 flywheel or an aftermarket aluminum unit.

Tipsy

[ckpitt55]

will be running the monster stage 2 w/ 18lb billet flywheel. expecting it to be fine for my power level (480ish). probably also doing a tilton or willwood 7/8" clutch master based on the consensus that the "stock" pedal feel is too light w/ the m3 master.

[AutoRotate]

I've got the monster stage 2 with 18 lb FW.

[James39]

I'm running a diamond stage 1 with the lightweight flywheel. Like it a lot for the price so far (30k+ plus miles)

http://www.diamondclutch.com/

[nsogiba]

Diamond Stage 2 clutch with 18lb flywheel. Can be a bit tricky to drive sometimes due to the weight of the car, but I love it. I'm also running a stock Advance Auto LS1 slave cyl with no issues. Just be sure to shim it as necessary for your application.

[TipsyMcStagger]

Diamond Stage 2 clutch with 18lb flywheel. Can be a bit tricky to drive sometimes due to the weight of the car...

I'm still pretty new to this stuff. Can you please elaborate a on the "tricky to drive" comment? Does the weight of the flywheel factor into this?

Is shimming necessary when using a stock LS7 clutch? I'm not familiar with the process.

Tipsy

[73 L92]

LS7 clutch and flywheel. Have one on my 73 Camaro TKO 600/L92 and it works well.

[Schitzo]

LS7 clutch kit here. No shimming was required. It is up for sale with ~25K miles.

[jai5]

I've got the monster stage 2 with 18 lb FW.

How's the driveability with it?

[nsogiba]

I'm still pretty new to this stuff. Can you please elaborate a on the "tricky to drive" comment? Does the weight of the flywheel factor into this?

Is shimming necessary when using a stock LS7 clutch? I'm not familiar with the process.

Tipsy

Weight of the flywheel makes a big difference. With a heavier flywheel, although it takes longer to spin up to speed, because it has more inertia it's tougher to slow down quickly as well. In a performance application this is not that desirable because it affects acceleration, but day to day driving is easier since you are using that flywheel's extra inertia to get the car moving. What this means in the real world is that you need to use slightly more revs and modulate the clutch more to get the car moving (the heavier the car is the more dramatic the effect is). So, in an E36 this would be less noticeable than on a big sedan like the E39. I would not trade the performance factor in for the ease of getting going since it is for the most part negligible - you get used to it after a few days/weeks.

[unnatrl]

Ram power grip and billet flywheel here. It holds great, but it chatters horribly on an easy acceleration. I had the same clutch and same issues on my mustangs. It was ok in the mustang as it was pretty much a race car, but in the M3 it's horrible. It does nothing to preserve the refined feel of the BMW.

[Spec3HOR]

Thanks guys!! Made my order with Maryland Speed for a Monster Stage 2 with 18lb flywheel. Looks like ill be putting up the triple disc for sale. Maryland Speed helped with pricing too which was nice.

Now to figure out how to get a line from the OEM f-body slave to my AN-3.

[gnx7]

For those people planning on the LS7 clutch.... the factory steel flywheel is a damn tank. Get an aluminum LS2 flywheel.
This is a performance application. To not run an aluminum flywheel you should have your head checked.

For medium HP setups like 450rwhp and below... you don't need a twin disc. Hell a Monster single disc can handle 600rwhp if you break it in properly.

[asinapple8805]

i think i would have preferred to run a monster stage 2 with the 18 lb flywheeel.

i currently have a spec stage 3 (6 puck) with the spec aluminum flywheel. The setup has less than 1000 miles right now, but i'd like to sell (or trade) the setup. my trans is out right now so it would be a perfect time to replace the clutch.

[rao]

For those people planning on the LS7 clutch.... the factory steel flywheel is a damn tank. Get an aluminum LS2 flywheel.
This is a performance application. To not run an aluminum flywheel you should have your head checked.

For medium HP setups like 450rwhp and below... you don't need a twin disc. Hell a Monster single disc can handle 600rwhp if you break it in properly.

That makes sense because the LS7 isn't a performance application

I can't imagine why anyone would use a lightened flywheel, so my car must not be a performance application either.
18 lbs seems awfully heavy; why would you use something that weighed more than 2 or 3 lbs, maybe a flex plate with some friction material added to it?

FWIW I would't use a Spec clutch on my lawn mower

[James39]

I was torn on the flywheel but the new clutch was larger in diameter and heavier, so the real difference in weight was a lb or 2.

[bimerok]

I have LS7 clutch kit and have no issues with it whatsoever. Street driving and two seasons on the road coarse track driving. Works perfectly.

Stock LS7 flywheel too and last time I checked my head, it seemed fine sitting on my neck.

[ckpitt55]

Thanks guys!! Made my order with Maryland Speed for a Monster Stage 2 with 18lb flywheel. Looks like ill be putting up the triple disc for sale. Maryland Speed helped with pricing too which was nice.

Now to figure out how to get a line from the OEM f-body slave to my AN-3.

Speedway motors has this fitting that replaces the quick disconnect gm fitting: http://www.speedwaymotors.com/LS1-an...ing,25017.html. You just remove the roll pin and its supposed to pop right in. You could give it a try, but I've had two from them that didn't fit into the slave cylinder supplied with my monster clutch kit. the OD's of the new fitting were cut 0.007" large in comparison to the gm fitting. I plan on turning mine down in a lathe to make it fit. I dont know how tightly controlled these things are dimensionally, especially since they're plated. Might be hit or miss, but I haven't found any other solutions short of welding an an3 bung to it.

[sdobart]

I used this to connect to my Wilwood Master. It's -4AN though. http://www.speedwaymotors.com/McLeod...nch,39869.html

[Thaniel]

That makes sense because the LS7 isn't a performance application

I can't imagine why anyone would use a lightened flywheel, so my car must not be a performance application either.
18 lbs seems awfully heavy; why would you use something that weighed more than 2 or 3 lbs, maybe a flex plate with some friction material added to it?

FWIW I would't use a Spec clutch on my lawn mower

RAO your comments always make me smile.

In my car I ran the factory LS1 camaro flywheel & clutch (my engine trans was new enough it didn't need replaced). My tires couldn't come close to holding even that torque so I didn't see a need for any more clutch clamping force. Seems to me people should talk about what kind of tire grip they have when discussing clutch selections. But maybe that's just me.

[eurautodave]

my drivetrain came with a monster level 2 and 18# flywheel. no track experience with the car yet, but i like this set-up for the street. i can take-off in 2nd gear. 3.73 rear, smooth as butter.