L78 Flywheel & Clutch Kit...What do you use?

[Chevelle SS 396 L78]

I'm building a 1967 L78 engine (mostly date coded) as close to stock as I can make it, but it will include some newer parts. This will go into a 1967 Chevelle SS 396.

I'm at a point where I want to buy the flywheel and clutch kit.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,

John

[Chuck_Burg]

I used a McCleod iron flywheel and Clutch kit on my 67 L78. My date coded original flywheel was cracked... I bought my parts from Summit. Very happy with the clutch feel and operation. Part numbers below for the parts I used. My engine is built to stock L78 specs.

MCL-75124
MCL-450130

[Chevelle SS 396 L78]

Originally Posted by Chuck_Burg

I used a McCleod iron flywheel and Clutch kit on my 67 L78. My date coded original flywheel was cracked... I bought my parts from Summit. Very happy with the clutch feel and operation. Part numbers below for the parts I used. My engine is built to stock L78 specs.

MCL-75124
MCL-450130

Thank you Chuck. I looked at those parts, and I definitely like the prices! I was thinking of going with Hays billet steel flywheel and the Hays centerforce dual friction clutch setup, but that's getting real pricey!

Was the original GM flywheel on your L78 steel or nodular iron? Whatever was stock spec in the L78 is fine with me, as my original L78 Chevelle was perfect...never had any issues and I raced it on occasion.

This car won't be raced, but I want it to be the real deal engine-wise! I am estimating, with headers to be in the 450HP+ range.

[Big Block Bill]

Originally Posted by Chevelle SS 396 L78

I'm building a 1967 L78 engine (mostly date coded) as close to stock as I can make it, but it will include some newer parts. This will go into a 1967 Chevelle SS 396.

I'm at a point where I want to buy the flywheel and clutch kit.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,

John

I never had an issue with LUK, Quality Stuff and priced right!

Bill

[Chuck_Burg]

My original flywheel was iron. I have no way of knowing if it was "original" to the car but it was date coded correct so I will ASSUME it was the original flywheel. Anyways it's probably been melted down and turned into a Corolla by now..

I have a LUK in my small block, they're popular with German cars. I've had good luck as well.

I have McCleod in my 396 and 496. Work GREAT! I chose McCleod because the clutches are made in USA, however the iron flywheel could be offshore

I have no experience with Centerforce.

[Big Block Bill]

Originally Posted by Chevelle SS 396 L78

I'm building a 1967 L78 engine (mostly date coded) as close to stock as I can make it, but it will include some newer parts. This will go into a 1967 Chevelle SS 396.

I'm at a point where I want to buy the flywheel and clutch kit.

What do you guys recommend?

Thanks,

John

I never had an issue with LUK, Quality Stuff and priced right!

Bill

[napa68]

I've used Centerforce before without any issue (I had the last one laying around from another project). Otherwise, I've been using Luk with good results and it's priced much lower than any of the so called performance brands.

Tim

[Chevelle SS 396 L78]

Originally Posted by napa68

I've used Centerforce before without any issue (I had the last one laying around from another project). Otherwise, I've been using Luk with good results and it's priced much lower than any of the so called performance brands.

Tim

Thanks Tim,

I'm leaning toward the less expensive end of these parts, as I'm just too old school maybe, but paying upwards of $900+ for a flywheel and clutch kit is a bit hard to swallow!

John

[iroc343]

If your planning on any high rpm exhibitions, I'd strongly recommend going with a steel flywheel no matter which clutch you choose. Safety first.

[DW31S]

I’d say you need to decide on what your ideas are as far as “spirited” driving and how often you want to go inside the bellhousing. I had a bad experience with Centerforce products and can’t say enough good about McLeod. I lean on my stuff pretty hard and will offer any info if you’re interested. Don’t base your decision solely on price; I doubt you did on anything else related to your car.