A look at the RAM single disc sintered iron clutch system

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 LocRoger

 

This is our current Ram disc & pressure plate:

With the engine out of the '57, it was time to replace our clutch disc. 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!

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

Our current Ram Long-style pressure plate with adjustable static pressure

 

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About Roger

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.
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4 Responses to A look at the RAM single disc sintered iron clutch system

  1. TK of the Kelly & McKelvey race team says:

    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.

  2. Butch says:

    Roger, how did the car behave differently with the solid hub disc compared to your current one?

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