A good look at the new Ram clutch which we have considered for future use in our ’57. [Note, we did install this new Ram clutch in the ’57 in late 2017] Our current Ram clutch does not use centrifugal assist and uses a 6-paddle disc. Our only current adjustment is static pressure. This new clutch features both static and centrifugal adjustment. However with a clutch-assisted gearbox where you use the clutch on every shift like ours, I’m not convinced this clutch would be a gain. Neither was Ram when I asked them about it a few months back and showed them video of our ’57.
This is Ram’s answer to the well known McLeod Soft Loc – Roger
This is our current Ram disc & pressure plate:
We get about 45 runs on these Ram discs and about 90 runs on their pressure plate in the ’57: They also make this same disc in a solid hub (no springs) which the car loves but it is absolutely BRUTAL on the transmission and rear gears!
Our current Ram Long-style pressure plate with adjustable static pressure
Driver of our '57 Chev from 1972-2019, Vietnam veteran (A Troop, 3/17th Air Cavalry Scout helicopter Line Chief and later Cobra Periodic Inspection team leader), retired ASE rated automotive mechanic. Roger became involved in drag racing during his high school days and after his stint in the Army ran E & F/MP [Modified Production] here in Division 6 before switching to bracket racing when the '57 became obsolete for class racing. He often raced at Puyallup, Kent-Pacific Raceways, Bremerton, Portland & the original Mission, B.C. track.
Although our Nova didn’t have any clutch problems so to speak, I wish this ingenuity was available way back then. I was always very carefully not to over heat the old units if possible, especially during the burn outs (as I only did mine in second gear instead of third, which 3rd would have accomplished more in heating the tires) I’m impressed at how far they’ve come in helping the sportsman gear~jammers. Looks like a great piece Roger. Let us know how it works for the FIVE SEVEN.
After September 2026, I will no longer be hosting our entire website. This includes military news, the Silver Spur sites, nor our racing pages. After 27-years it will be time to close it all down. Be well. – Roger
Pam, U.S. Navy – YN2/E5
CINCPAC Joint Command
Vietnam-Era Veteran Operation Homecoming
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Engine Porn - Updated January 29, 2023
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We wish to acknowledge the invaluable photo contributions by the following talented individuals that make our photo galleries possible: Candy Caldwell, Jim Doyle, Robert Fedyk, Mike Gardner, Tony Hutchison, Gary McMillian, DataMutz, Larry Pfister, ProStreet Photography, Dave Stoltz, Mike Ward, Gary Wells, Troy Williams (Purple Nurple) and our family, Chris, Pam & Roger Young
Although our Nova didn’t have any clutch problems so to speak, I wish this ingenuity was available way back then. I was always very carefully not to over heat the old units if possible, especially during the burn outs (as I only did mine in second gear instead of third, which 3rd would have accomplished more in heating the tires) I’m impressed at how far they’ve come in helping the sportsman gear~jammers. Looks like a great piece Roger. Let us know how it works for the FIVE SEVEN.
I’m in no rush to spend the bucks Terry, but it is a consideration for the future and necessary if we ever install a clutchless transmission.
Roger, how did the car behave differently with the solid hub disc compared to your current one?
Reacted harder