Big block clutch recommendations

[Terry M.]

Re: Big block clutch recommendations

Terry-----

I don't think that LUK made the actual original clutches used for 1969-74 Corvettes. In fact, I think that these may have been of GM internal manufacture but I don't know the details (I wish I did). However, I believe that LUK did manufacture the clutches for C4 Corvettes. I do consider that the current LUK replacement clutches for 63-81 Corvettes are equivalent in every way to the original GM clutches.

In 2007 to 2010 when I went through Wixom (High Performance Engine Build Center for the LS7, LS9 and dry-sump LS3 engines for Corvette) the boxes the flywheel and clutch came in were labeled LUK. Likely still are.

[Michael G.]

Re: Big block clutch recommendations

Good day all,

Am soon to make my clutch purchase for '66 427/390 hp. Typically I've used a Hays street/strip but wanted to expand my horizons . The choices are numerous: Luk, Center Force, GM, Zoom on and on. What is needed is one that will hold up behind the torque generated by the big block and one that won't wear out my left foot. Hays has always served me well. Any suggestions/experiences with others? Thanks.

All,

Here's an update on the clutch I chose to go with now almost 700 miles later. I purchased a LUK Pro Gold Heavy Duty #04-902. This unit would comparble to a Hayes Street/Strip. Easy release, Easy in/out....no shaky leg however is considered a heavy use clutch. Great performance to date.

[Stephen G.]

Re: Big block clutch recommendations

I just used a Center Force clutch and pressure plate in my 67 427/400 and love it!

[Lawrence S.]

Re: Big block clutch recommendations

Lawrence-----

For 1969 thru 1974 all Corvette big blocks (except L-88, LS-6 and 1969 L-71 with MA-6) used the same clutch as 1969-74 small blocks (except ZR-1). Actually, to be 100% accurate, there was a slight difference in the 1969 L-71 clutch versus that used for other 1969-74 big blocks (except L-88, LS-6 and 1969 L-71 with MA-6) and all 1969-74 small blocks (except ZR-1) but the difference was minor and, for all practical purposes, insignificant.

Hi Joe,

The clutch that I am putting in my 67 L-36 will be the 11" clutch as compared to the 10.4" clutch I put in my 67 Corvette L-79, 69 Z/28, and others.

Thanks,

Lawrence

[Robert K.]

Re: Big block clutch recommendations

Michael,
I have a 427 cid 390 hp and also had a similar problem. I purchased an L-88 clutch and flywheel from a fellow Corvette Club of Michigan member and it has worked just fine. The pedal effort was nowhere near what I expected the HD clutch would take. Not too hard on the left leg.
David

This without a doubt the finest clutch ever made. I've installed 2, one in a 62 Vette and the other in a 69 GTO. I had a 3 finger Hayes in the Vette and was breaking linkage. I installed the L88 GM clutch and was greatly dissapointed in the lack of pedal effort. It felt like a VW. I took my Vette up the street doing about 25 mph, put it in 4th gear, reved it to 6000 rpms and side stepped the clutch. It smoked the tires!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish I knew where to buy them now.