Replacement clutch recommendations

Hello all. I currently have an 06 GT that is Whippled charged, 600+ rwhp. It currently has a McLeod RXT, with the magnum XL 6 speed. This combo has seen plenty of time and use. It has started grinding going into reverse, even putting it into first before hand. I have been told by a pretty reputable high performance trans specialist, that it's indicative of the clutch going out. Needless to say it's time to pull the clutch and trans. I'm looking for recommendation's for a new clutch other than the RXT? (I'm not opposed to using again but I am wanting to see if there is anything else comparable out there)? I'm especially curious about ACE Racing Clutches (Street King). I have used the search function and have found very little about ACE or RAM for that matter. I was wondering If anyone has experience or feedback with the twin disk from ACE or RAM? All other suggestions are welcome as well. Also What is a reasonable labor cost for R&R on the clutch and trans? (metro Detroit area if that helps) Thanks.

Ummm.. Why do you want to change clutches? The McCleod RXT is tried and true and served you well... Just put in the same clutch. If you want it more "streetable" do the RST.

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If your transmission still has the stock 10-spline shaft and your car has 600+ rwhp then you will be wasting your money to put ANY clutch in that doesn't have the 26 spline hub. Of course, that will require changing your input shaft to match as well.

I've seen LOTS of twisted 10-spline input shafts and particularly on the 05-10 TR3650 transmissions. Maybe it is because that input shaft is a bit longer? Sometimes those shafts will shear off completely.

The early symptoms of an input that is beginning to twist is difficulty getting the car into gears like first or reverse even when the car is stopped. The reason is that the clutch can't "float" on a twisted input shaft and will remain smashed against the flywheel even after the pressure plate has released. of course, this condition will overwork the synchros and cause them to fail, so people always blame the problem on the synchros...

Stan

msvela448 said:

Ummm.. Why do you want to change clutches? The McLeod RXT is tried and true and served you well... Just put in the same clutch. If you want it more "streetable" do the RST.

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I've had the RXT for 7 years and it's perfectly streetable. It does grab more aggressively but pedal weight is the same as stock and I have no problem crawling stop-go in traffic jams. I'd recommend the same clutch again for 600+rwhp.
@SPeace-ATL made a very good point about the stock 10-spline input shaft of the TR3650, but I see you have a T56 Magnum XL and that should have a 26-spline input shaft.
@Froggy5_0 , I'd assume you've rebuilt the bottom end of your 3V with forged rods/pistons and added billet OPGs.

Yes, I totally missed that you have the XL Kit in there.
So, what I said applies only to people with the original TR3650 transmissions.

I will add that with SOME aftermarket clutches (and the RXT is a great clutch) it is sometimes necessary to add a spacer plate behind the hydraulic cylinder on the front of the transmission to get the full clutch release movement when the pedal is pressed. That could be the clutch issue mentioned. I guess it will just need to be pulled and inspected for wear.

There is a procedure to measure the throw of the release cylinder. I think there is a YouTube video on that.

Froggy5_0 said:

Hello all. I currently have an 06 GT that is Whippled charged, 600+ rwhp. It currently has a McLeod RXT, ...... I'm looking for recommendation's for a new clutch........

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Call McLeod service for shipping instructions and send it back to them for a rebuild. Cost will be about 1/2 of a new clutch.

Thanks everyone for the replies, keep them coming. Dino Dino, Yes it's the magnum XL with 26 splines. The motor is also fully forged. I agree with the Rxt being streetable and I am leaning towards using another one.
Racer47, thanks for the suggestion. I called McLeod last week. They are running about 40 plus days give or take for rebuilding the clutch. Cost is approximately $600 (not to mention the shipping costs) including resurfacing the flywheel. Add in shipping time from Michigan to California, and back again. I'm looking at least a two month lead time for the car being down. It wouldn't be an issue if it was winter, and I was doing the install. Unfortunately that's not the case. So since I'm going to end up buying a new clutch, I figured I might as well see if there is anything else out there better, or at least comparable?
The ACE twin disk isn't supposed to require a break in period, and the pressure plate housing is supposed to be aluminum. Which would give it a weight reduction over the Rxt. Also it's supposed to have a sprung hub if I'm not mistaken. That's why I was interested if anyone has used one or has feedback about them?

Just because ACE says it doesn't require a break in doesn't mean that it should not get one. Its just marketing. Don't make that a deciding factor.

I haven't had an ACE, I have had a Spec 3+ (it sucked). 2 Exedys, a 400 and 500 both very good. A McLeod RST, I killed it in 2 years, nice clutch but it isn't really up for much punishment. Now I have the RXT and I like it the best so far. I'll see how long it lasts.

Racer47, thanks for the feedback on the clutches you have experience with. No matter which clutch I pick, I'm sure that I will do some sort of break in.