60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

[William B.]

I have read a lot of information on which clutch set up to use. Stock 290hp fuel car with a 4:11 rear. Any sugestions? Need cltuch presure plate and flywheel.

[Philip P.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

I just purchased a LUK it is listed for all 1960 283 engines. It IS NOT a Borg and Beck type (3-finger) type. My car is a 283/230.
LUK was recommended by several members.
Phil

http://catalog.schaeffler-aftermarket.us/results.phtml?make=Chevrolet&model=Corvette&year=1960&engine=283%22

[Jimmy G.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

I drive a 270 HP 1960 very hard and a couple of years ago I put in a Center Force set up. Works well. Before I had another brand extended fingers set up and it worked NOT AT ALL. Shift from 1 - 2 at 6500 rpm and the clutch pedal would stay on the floor. Not Good

[Al R.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

I agree with Jimmy on the extended fingers type. The one that was in my 59-290 FI car was this type and the pedal would stick down at high RPM shifts. I don't remember what brand I replaced it with though.

[John H.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

Assuming we're only talking about diaphragm clutches, LuK has an excellent replacement in their "RepSet" line, with the correct "bent-finger" configuration; Carolina Clutch has them, as does Paragon and www.dialaclutch.com.

Don't use a diaphragm clutch with "flat fingers" - they can go over-center at high rpm.

[Bill M.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

Assuming we're only talking about diaphragm clutches, LuK has an excellent replacement in their "RepSet" line, with the correct "bent-finger" configuration; Carolina Clutch has them, as does Paragon and www.dialaclutch.com.

Don't use a diaphragm clutch with "flat fingers" - they can go over-center at high rpm.

I'm wondering if even a bent-finger diaphragm might "over-center" if you leave the gorilla spring attached...

[Robert K.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

The best clutch ever made was the 68-69 ZL1/L88 clutch made by GM. It cost about twice what a hi-performance clutch in the day cost. I was talked into one for my first 62. I removed the 3300 lbs Hayes 3 finger and installed the ZL1/L88 clutch. I pushed the pedal in the first time and my heart sank. I felt like my 69 VW Bettle. So I went up the street and put the car in 4th and reved it to about 5000 rpms and side steped the clutch. To my amazement, the tire lit up and I was sold. I then put one in my 69 GTO.

Does anyone know if this clutch and pressure plate is made today or is there an aftermarket version?

[Jim D.]

Re: 60 290hp, Best clutch set up?

I'm wondering if even a bent-finger diaphragm might "over-center" if you leave the gorilla spring attached...

I've used them in several C-1's, left the "gorilla" spring attached and have never had one stick to the floor even in excess of 6500 RPM. I've inspected a few cars that had a complaint of the pedal sticking to the floor, don't know what clutch they had but found they were all adjusted incorrectly.