How's it going guys, I am about to put a hotcam kit with pacesetter headers in my z28. Terry at racetech is doing plugs and pushrods amoungst other things. I have a rear main seal leak so I figured I should have that done as well. Should I go ahead and put a stage 2 spec in there or will my autozone special RAM clutch hold? Also the dreaded question any ideas on how much power this setup will produce with CAI and flowmaster exhaust? I am doing this insead of buying a new GTO! Thanks guys

 

Any suggestions?

 

I have used the ram clutch on my 97 z. it is not impressive at all, even with a stock motor with just a few basic bolt-ons it slipped like crazy. it might just be my luck though

 

Yeah all I have is CAI and flows right now, but it does a great job and I have had it for 2 years. I don't do any hard launches though. I think I am going to go spec stage 2.

 

I have that RAM heavy-duty clutch from Summit. From what I've read it's the same Valeo brand pressure plate as the SLP and Spec clutches, just different discs for the Spec and SLP drills cooling holes in their pressure plate. My '97 is basically stock (intake/cutout) and the clutch holds fine. I was told by the tech at RAM not to do any "dry" burnouts or hot lap it. Waterbox at the track should allow it to survive, but on the street, no burnouts for me. When I first replaced this clutch, I realized the previous owner of my car had replaced it with this brand as well, and it was the new set of Nitto DR's that did the old clutch in. You are putting a cam in and headers, on street tires you might last, but any sticky track time and you better get used to that aroma of burnt clutch.

 

I've had a RAM clutch for about 10,000 miles. I put it in when I rebuilt the motor this Spring, and I've managed to take it to the track a few times. This clutch is awesome for day to day driving. It grabs well, does not chatter one bit, and the clutch pedal feels like stock. Hell, it feels exactly like a stock clutch. Now at the racetrack things change a little. If traction is so-so you'll probably be okay, as you can dump the clutch and let the tires do the spinning. However, if you try to slip this clutch even the littlest bit you'll be sorely disappointed. Once it gets heat in it it'll start slipping, but it'll still grab eventually. Last time I was at the track the track prep was awesome! I was sidestepping the clutch at 4K and pulling 1.99 short times. However, when I would drop the clutch, the RPM's would stay at exactly 4K and the car would play catch up for about 60 feet, putting insane amounts of heat in the clutch. However, the clutch would hold fine all the way down the track, even when I hot-lapped it a couple of times. I probably made six runs that night and the clutch is still going strong. It's still pretty disconcerting to dump the clutch and wonder when the clutch is finally going to let go. I would say that if you ever want to get a decent 60' you ought to invest in a Spec, but if you just want a good clutch at a good price and don't plan to abuse it too much then get the RAM.

 

I have just installed a Ram from Thunder Racing, think its the powergrip one $470, but as soon as i got fifty miles on it I beat the living crap out off it well as much as i could on the street. No problems! I had the engine rebuilt about 3500 miles ago and just left the Valeo LT4 clutch in it, BIG MISTAKE. When I replaced it the springs from the clutch disk had broke away from the disk. I think youll be fine. Just my 2 cent.
Red

 

Yeah I am thinking of going with a spec stage 3. I am gonna swap the old one out at Autozone and sell it on here if anyone is intrested! It will be brand new in the box!