Clutch Shudder Normal?

[halbitton]

Hi folks, I just looked at, and test drove a gorgeous 69 Sport Satellete. Well built 440, A833 4 spd, and Ram heavy duty clutch. About 600 miles on this drivetrain.
It's an absolute beast, but I notice there is some clutch shudder when engaging from standstill in 1st gear. Owner says because it's a high performance clutch, it's grabby and this is normal.
What say you? Any comments appreciated. Best regards, Hal

 

[pnora]

I would say buyer be aware. Does it do the same in reverse?

 

[dadsbee]

Give it more throttle and let it out!

 

[halbitton]

I would say buyer be aware. Does it do the same in reverse?

Don't think so, but didn't fully release clutch in reverse.

 

[PRND21]

Combination of a stiff clutch and a tall gear, somewhat common. It won’t get any better and it might not get any worse. But I’d count on a new and better clutch sometime in the future.

 

[dadsbee]

Imagine a stock Sat came with a 2.94 or 2.76 in the back. Throttle up, feather it out and go..

 

[moparedtn]

The absence of asbestos in both clutch and brake linings increases the possibility of such behaviors in
those components, as replacement friction materials capable of similar grip are "harsher" by nature.
I had to hunt down an original (but new in box) clutch disc to minimize chatter in Fred the GTX - anything
new I'd tried on the market these days is a harsher engaging clutch.

 

[Dennis H]

Hmm. Big Block can be walked off initial engagement near idle. I love smooth launches and am clutch shopping due to a chatter.

 

[halbitton]

Combination of a stiff clutch and a tall gear, somewhat common. It won’t get any better and it might not get any worse. But I’d count on a new and better clutch sometime in the future.

Oh yeah, forgot to mention that this Satellite has 3.91 gears.

 

[halbitton]

The absence of asbestos in both clutch and brake linings increases the possibility of such behaviors in
those components, as replacement friction materials capable of similar grip are "harsher" by nature.
I had to hunt down an original (but new in box) clutch disc to minimize chatter in Fred the GTX - anything
new I'd tried on the market these days is a harsher engaging clutch.

Thanks for your response. Isn't this chatter detrimental to other driveline components (namely u-joints, ring & pinion, etc) ?

 

[Kern Dog]

Hi folks, I just looked at, and test drove a gorgeous 69 Sport Satellete. Well built 440, A833 4 spd, and Ram heavy duty clutch. About 600 miles on this drivetrain.
It's an absolute beast, but I notice there is some clutch shudder when engaging from standstill in 1st gear. Owner says because it's a high performance clutch, it's grabby and this is normal.
What say you? Any comments appreciated. Best regards, Hal

I converted my car from a 727 to a 5 speed using a clutch that looks like this:

This dude GRIPS but sometimes does shudder a little.
I'd think that persistent shudder would affect the U-joints but a little bit every so often shouldn't pose a problem.

 

[493 Mike]

Back in the old days I used to drive up to a substantial tree and slipped the clutch a little bit. I helped most of the time.
Mike

 

[AR67GTX]

I think the dual friction discs may under certain circumstances chatter or shudder a little. I have a dual friction McLeod clutch with a new, high dollar aluminum flywheel in my 66 Corvette. In normal driving it is very smooth and not a hint of chatter. Arriving back at the garage with it heated up and feathering it more than normal while negotiating a 90 degree turn into the garage it will start to chatter some.

But normally chatter or shudder is an indication of warped or worn parts or heavily glazed flywheel or disc. Chances are it will need a flywheel resurfacing and new clutch to get it smooth again,

 

[Bird 426]

Mine shudders, it's the dual friction disc. I may down the road do what AJ says, use a stock disc if you want smooth. Resurfaced Centerforce flywheel and new clutch disc and pressure plate, still shutters a little.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I find the chatter will stop when you get the tires smoking.....

 

[Dennis H]

I ordered this one today from SST. Allowing plenty shake down time for Los Angeles trip.
If you call, ask for Tech. Wade took order. Sounds imformed.

 

[1 Wild R/T]

I ordered this one today from SST. Allowing plenty shake down time for Los Angeles trip.
If you call, ask for Tech. Wade took order. Sounds imformed.

View attachment 1781793

I have the next one up, the Super Street Pro, considering I've watched how you drive your Coronet I think you would be happy with either clutch but the SSP might live longer...

 

[Dennis H]

Clutch, Pilot, and Release Bearing. $384.90 to the door.

 

[jimbosride]

I run a McLeod Super StreetPro Clutch Kits set up with a new flywheel and TO bearing. Zero chatter/shake when pulling out...... 409hp

You may want to factor your price for a new clutch set up