South Bend Clutch Stage 3 Kits

South Bend Clutch Stage 3 Kits are designed for high horsepower vehicles desiring a start performance similar to OEM. The pressure plate is Race Engineered (SS) and SFI approved with significant load increase over stage 1 and stage 2 pressure plates. Discs are assembled with heat-treated wear resistant hubs, drive plates and springs for high load transfer and dependable operation. The sprung centers on the disc in conjunction with the marcel fin between the linings create a dual dampening effect that simulates OEM start performance. A Performance Organic friction material with a high metal content increases torque and RPM capability and maintains low operating temperatures which reduces wear and glazing.

Key Features

• Recommended for Heavy Towing & Daily Driving.
• Full HD Performance Organic, Organic/Feramic
• Rated for 425 HP & 900 TQ
• Smooth Engagement – Slightly More Pedal Pressure Required than Stock
• Ideal for Moderate to High Power Upgrades
• Some Kits Include Flywheel & Hydraulics

Stage 3 - Daily:

Recommended for single mass flywheel (SMF) when original design is DMF. This clutch package is designed for high HP vehicles desiring a start performance similar to O.E. The pressure plate is Race Engineered (SS) and SFI approved with significant load increase over stage 1,2 pressure plates (+600-800 lbs.). Expect a pedal effort increase of 20%-25%. Discs are assembled with heat-treated wear resistant hubs; drive plates and springs for high load transfer and dependable operation. The sprung centers on the disc in conjunction with the marcel fin between the linings create a dual dampening effect that simulates O.E. start performance. A Performance Organic friction material with a high metal content increases torque and RPM capability and maintains low operating temperatures which reduces wear and glazing. Recommended usages are daily, spirited street and occasional track.

Stage 3 - Endurance: 

Recommended for single mass flywheel (SMF) when original design is DMF to achieve optimal performance. This kit uses the same Race Engineered SFI approved pressure plate as stage 3 daily package. The disc is designed for the special needs of a vehicle with circuit racing in mind. Kevlar friction material is used for its unique static to dynamic ratios of friction co-efficients at high energy levels. This translates to a perfect transition from one gear to the next. Discs are assembled with only performance components and equipped with torsion springs functioning as a damper between engine and gearbox. Recommend usages are Rally, endurance race, clubsport, autocross, street and daily.

Stage 3 - Drag:

Drag racing requires a Single Mass Steel Flywheel to be included with each kit when the original design is Dual Mass Flywheel. This clutch package is built to handle heavily modified cars and designed to function according to the specific needs of the 1/4 and 1/8 mile track. The pressure plate for this kit is SFI approved Race Cover engineered to disengage with less pedal travel shortening the shift time. Discs are a puck design, which reduces rotational mass and are assembled with all high carbon component pieces for maximum strength. The friction material used is Graphite impregnated Ceramic perfectly suited for drag racing because of its maximum friction co-efficient, rapid heat dissipation and abrupt engagement characteristics. Recommended uses are drag, pulling, drifting.

Before ordering, try to figure out how much horsepower your truck makes. It is important to get as close as you can. Many people don’t realize that you can over-clutch a system. A clutch designed to hold 550 hp may not act right in a truck that only puts out 350 hp to the rear wheels. Planning to upgrade your truck’s performance in the future? Realize that if you choose a clutch based on that, and you don’t upgrade later, you might end up with parts you’re not happy with.

South Bend Clutch General Important Guidelines:

• The hp rating of the clutch should match or slightly exceed the estimated hp of the truck
• Any truck used for competition sled-pulling should use an SFI approved multi-disc clutch.
• Trucks in excess of 450 rear wheel hp that regularly tow 15,000 lbs or more should use a double disc clutch designed for the street.
• Trucks that are above the 450 RWHP which are used primarily for towing should use a street double disc. A full metallic single disc clutch is likely to engage too aggressively, especially on 2WD trucks.
• High torque clutches often incorporate metallic linings which may cause an aggressive engagement. This may be even more apparent when towing.
• Performance or high torque clutches may feel, drive or sound different than the factory system.
• Break in your clutch with at least 500 miles of stop and go driving before pulling a load.
• Avoid down-shifting rather than using your brakes. Down-shifting flexes the pressure plate causing uneven wear. Brakes are less costly than clutches.