Need advice on new Clutch plate /kit

[sixty3]

Getting geared up for the only week I take my 63 Galaxie to the Drag Strip, Byron IL Melt Down Drags, Nostalgic pre 66 cars.  This year I have the opportunity to run slicks so I put on a line lock some time back and thought I should brush up on my burn out.  So figuring out I can't hold the stupid button in and shift into second, I started trying to start out in second so I don't have to shift.  Long story short I burnt up my clutch disc.  Nice burn smell and lost ability to shift into gear.  Got car off road and found what I would call fiber strands of material and then they were coming out of clutch fork opening.

Can't say I have more than 2-3k miles on this setup. Not sure if we set up clutch incorrectly, but will say I had the assistance of my neighbor who has 15+yrs working as an mechanic and has many certifications ( Senior Master Mechanic last I knew) , we are all human so it could be on us.  TKO 600 with RAM components.

Getting ready to drop tranny tomorrow and see how much damage. Figure I should just replace disc,plate and even pilot bearing?

Should I stay with RAM or try another brand?

Thanks
Kevin

[cjshaker]

RAM makes good stuff, but did you have their "stock" style clutch? If so, it would have a very limited life for any racing. And starting a burnout in 2nd will kill just about any clutch. Coupled together, a stock style clutch would last about.....oh, zero times.

You could get rid of the momentary switch and add a constant "on" switch for the burnout. That would make it hands free until your done. Just don't forget to toggle it back off

And if you fried the clutch, the flywheel is likely to be burnt also. If it's discolored from heat, it's junk. It only takes once....and just a couple seconds at that. Been there, done that

[fastback 427]

I dont think you can go wrong with a mcleod set up. I've ran a few in different applications and have been flawless for me. I would also check the flywheel for cracks as its pretty common.

[fe66comet]

I am looking at the street RST twin, is that the one you are using?

[MustangGT]

I am using the street RST twin in my mustang. Nice feeling clutch pedal and grabs good without the harshness of a sintered one. Only street tires for me so far. When the car is moving and I floor the throttle in second gear, no line lock, the tires smoke for as long as I want. No clutch slippage.

[fe66comet]

I figured it would grab nice, same as having 20" of clutch in a faster revving package.

[sixty3]

Thanks Doug and everyone,

I must have been mislead thinking I could start in second. Lesson learned....I'm just hoping the flywheel will be usable 

The car is still coming together as this will be its second full season on the road from a frame off restoration.  Its not a track car, only plan on taking it to the drag strip 2-3 times a year for Nostalgic races.  My wife says I'm hard on stuff and hope some day to build a 445c.i. to finish the project. Currently just have a stock 390 block and valvetrain, mild 262XE cam, RPM Perf. intake and Edel. carb, 2 1/2" headers usual bolt on stuff.

Thanks Kevin

RAM makes good stuff, but did you have their "stock" style clutch? If so, it would have a very limited life for any racing. And starting a burnout in 2nd will kill just about any clutch. Coupled together, a stock style clutch would last about.....oh, zero times.

You could get rid of the momentary switch and add a constant "on" switch for the burnout. That would make it hands free until your done. Just don't forget to toggle it back off

And if you fried the clutch, the flywheel is likely to be burnt also. If it's discolored from heat, it's junk. It only takes once....and just a couple seconds at that. Been there, done that

[sixty3]

first attempt at posting a picture so hope the quality is there

[sixty3]

first attempt went fine so here is some more

[sixty3]

and some more

[sixty9cobra]

I do my burnouts in 2nd but you wet the tires first. I also have the TKO600. This time out I got the tires good and hot and tore the perches off the rear and broke alot of expensive stuff. Check your welds on the perches.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nh09pHUpxqk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-FgiXpr2v80

[sixty9cobra]

I hope you took out the pilot bearing?

[sixty3]

Pilot bearing dropped out when I removed the clutch pack.  Hopping this is a good thing?  Didn't look damaged but will double check.

Looking at packages on Summit, Not sure what package I need to replace if the dealer can't get to me ASAP? Do I just measure the diameter of the shaft , count splines and measure diameter of flywheel to determine the correct kit?

Anything else you can mention I may need will be helpful, If I have the slightest chance to make this race I REALLY want to and at the same time do not want to have and drop this TKO anytime soon again.

[fe66comet]

Should be 1/8 28 spline, others may know better but generally all the ford transmissions are that input size. If you go with a twin disk clutch it should be the last one you ever buy. They are good for 1000 hp.

[sixty9cobra]

I belive its 26 spline. I bought mine from Brent he beat Summits prices. Was it a bronze pilot bearing? I bet the hole was way to big. The new clutch material kills the bronze-brass bearings. I put in a roller bearing.