CLutch life/Expectations, LS3,LSA SC and a Cam. - Camaro5 Chevy Camaro Forum / Camaro ZL1, SS and V6 Forums

Joe.G · 12-24-2025, 11:40 PM

As you guy's know I am planning to add an LSA SC with a Cam ( Not 100 % sure which one yet ).
What are your thoughts with Clutch life, I don't plan on dumping the clutch or running drag tires. I understand there are a lot of factors in clutch life besides power. Just wondering what kinda luck everyone is having.
I did a search but there was nothing recent popping up.

Thanks

CamaroDreams76 · 12-25-2025, 05:09 AM

Heads/cam 513whp 462wtq. 68/69k on the clock at that time.

Lasted one launch on the street. 2nd launch it blew right thru the clutch. Thought my tires were spinning,, they weren't. Had 285 Michelin Pilot Super Sports. That was the beginning. After that even doing a 3-4 pull, the gears became super notchy and couldnt even get the car in reverse.

I went with a McLeod RXT. It has about 15k on it and has been holding 800whp for the last two years.

Joe.G · 12-25-2025, 08:38 AM

Well that's not very reassuring.

Moto-Mojo · 12-25-2025, 08:42 AM

Wow, maybe those 6 speed automatics ain't so bad after all!

Joe.G · 12-25-2025, 08:43 AM

I was hoping to get a little bit of time, putting an SC on plus a cam along with all supporting mods isn't the cheapest.

1JEWLDSSRS · 12-25-2025, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Moto-Mojo

Wow, maybe those 6 speed automatics ain't so bad after all!

Loving mine with the cam and 4500 stall!!

FASTFATBOY · 12-25-2025, 03:52 PM

Mine is living fine at 550wheel, low low miles though

Joe.G · 12-25-2025, 03:53 PM

Not 100% sure where I'll be power wise, guessing low to mid 600's

VChula · 12-25-2025, 07:19 PM

I replaced the original clutch assemby and flywheel at just over 141,000 miles on my daily driven stock 2014 ZL1.

FASTFATBOY · 12-25-2025, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VChula

I replaced the original clutch assemby and flywheel at just over 141,000 miles on my daily driven stock 2014 ZL1.

ZL1 has a twin disc, really doesn't apply

1JEWLDSSRS · 12-26-2025, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe.G

Not 100% sure where I'll be power wise, guessing low to mid 600's

My one friend that has a 2013 ZL1 modded with 653 at the wheels is still using a stock clutch, and it is his daily, my other friend with a Whippled up LS3 is putting down 683 at the wheels and is still on the stock clutch. I guess it gonna depend on how it is run/abused..

acammer · 12-26-2025, 10:28 AM

This question needs a LOT more information to really give you a good idea. Specifically, what are the power goals. A setup like you described could be anywhere from 600-800whp, and that's a pretty large gap.

The fact that you're not going on a sticky tire helps a bunch, as that puts the tire still as the most likely point to slip, at least in the lower gears where the tires are disadvantaged by the torque multiplication that happens after the clutch. As you get into the higher gears, the clutch will see more and more load, and that's where it's most likely to show it's limitations.

A 600whp setup driven mostly easy with some occasional spirited driving might tolerate that for a season, depending on the current condition of the clutch. But even at that point level, the stock clutch is on a clock. If you make more towards the high-side of the power range, then that clock runs out quicker.

What clutch is right for you eventually? Well, that'll again depend on that power level. The RST is a really nice driving clutch, but is about at capacity by 680whp - if the power is going above that mark then an RXT or Monster triple would be more suitable. When the time is right for an upgrade, give me a shout directly and we can work out what's right for your combo. Andrew@gwatneyperformance.com

CamaroDreams76 · 12-26-2025, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Joe.G

Well that's not very reassuring.

The clutch did last like 2k miles and prior to that was FBO for like two or 3 years and being daily driven. My FBO setup made 462whp and 460wtq. My cam i gained 3wtq and 51whp. So it lived a good amount of time with a fair amount of torque. There were a ton of pulls with FBO and heads/cam. But the launching after the heads/cam really did it in. Plus it had 69k miles on it too. I also learned how to drive manual on this car so im sure my early days of driving this car wasnt good for the clutch.

But I dont see your factory clutch lasting long even at 600whp. Your car with the ZL1 blower is going to make just as much torque early on.

My RXT is holding 800whp and depending on the dyno 700tq or 779tq. The driveability it pretty good. The start is where you can tell its not the factory clutch, requires more throttle input and if you dont itll chatter. But going through the gears its just as smooth if not smoother than factory.

Joe.G · 12-26-2025, 12:02 PM

Out of the clutches that can hold 800 HP, what ones would also be good as a street clutch? Good pedal feel and not a lot of chatter?

12-24-2025, 11:40 PM	#1
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	CLutch life/Expectations, LS3,LSA SC and a Cam. As you guy's know I am planning to add an LSA SC with a Cam ( Not 100 % sure which one yet ). What are your thoughts with Clutch life, I don't plan on dumping the clutch or running drag tires. I understand there are a lot of factors in clutch life besides power. Just wondering what kinda luck everyone is having. I did a search but there was nothing recent popping up. Thanks __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

12-25-2025, 05:09 AM	#2
CamaroDreams76 Tri-County Camaro SWFL Drives: 2013 IOM 2SS/RS/1LE Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: South West FL Posts: 3,419 View My Garage	Heads/cam 513whp 462wtq. 68/69k on the clock at that time. Lasted one launch on the street. 2nd launch it blew right thru the clutch. Thought my tires were spinning,, they weren't. Had 285 Michelin Pilot Super Sports. That was the beginning. After that even doing a 3-4 pull, the gears became super notchy and couldnt even get the car in reverse. I went with a McLeod RXT. It has about 15k on it and has been holding 800whp for the last two years. __________________ Just bolt ons........ https://www.camaro5.com/forums/showthread.php?t=343023

12-25-2025, 08:38 AM	#3
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Well that's not very reassuring. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

12-25-2025, 08:42 AM	#4
Moto-Mojo Fast Cars and Old Guitars Drives: 2015 2SS RS (L99, baby!) Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: N. CA Posts: 4,216	Wow, maybe those 6 speed automatics ain't so bad after all! __________________ “I don’t want to belong to any club that would have me as a member.” - Groucho Marx

12-25-2025, 08:43 AM	#5
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	I was hoping to get a little bit of time, putting an SC on plus a cam along with all supporting mods isn't the cheapest. __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

12-25-2025, 03:52 PM	#7
FASTFATBOY Drives: 2013 ZL1 Join Date: Nov 2018 Location: Mobile Al Posts: 542	Mine is living fine at 550wheel, low low miles though __________________ 2015 1SS 1LE, Magnuson 2300 Heartbeat and headers. 550rwhp STD, 535 SAE.

12-25-2025, 03:53 PM	#8
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Not 100% sure where I'll be power wise, guessing low to mid 600's __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.

12-25-2025, 07:19 PM	#9
VChula SoCal C5 Family Member Drives: 1996 Z28 SS & 2014 ZL1 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Santee, CA Posts: 821	I replaced the original clutch assemby and flywheel at just over 141,000 miles on my daily driven stock 2014 ZL1. __________________ Vance Chula - 1996 Camaro Z28 SS #1688 2014 Camaro ZL1 Coupe #1956

12-26-2025, 10:28 AM	#12
acammer GPI Sales Consultant Drives: 2011 Camaro 2SS SGM Join Date: Jul 2016 Location: Weedsport, NY Posts: 3,016 View My Garage	This question needs a LOT more information to really give you a good idea. Specifically, what are the power goals. A setup like you described could be anywhere from 600-800whp, and that's a pretty large gap. The fact that you're not going on a sticky tire helps a bunch, as that puts the tire still as the most likely point to slip, at least in the lower gears where the tires are disadvantaged by the torque multiplication that happens after the clutch. As you get into the higher gears, the clutch will see more and more load, and that's where it's most likely to show it's limitations. A 600whp setup driven mostly easy with some occasional spirited driving might tolerate that for a season, depending on the current condition of the clutch. But even at that point level, the stock clutch is on a clock. If you make more towards the high-side of the power range, then that clock runs out quicker. What clutch is right for you eventually? Well, that'll again depend on that power level. The RST is a really nice driving clutch, but is about at capacity by 680whp - if the power is going above that mark then an RXT or Monster triple would be more suitable. When the time is right for an upgrade, give me a shout directly and we can work out what's right for your combo. Andrew@gwatneyperformance.com __________________ GPI Max Package 2.0: Brodix BR7 heads/GPI porting, MAX3 cam, ST2116LSR, BSR Max Lift rockers, LS7 LSXR with 103mm TB, Vararam OTR, Mcleod RXT, G-Force/Strange 9" IRS setup with 4.63 gear. 551whp, 11.1@124mph. *Got a question about a GPI product? Feel free to shoot me a message!*

12-26-2025, 12:02 PM	#14
Joe.G Drives: 2014 2SS/RS 6SP Ashen Grey Join Date: Aug 2021 Location: NY Posts: 1,763	Out of the clutches that can hold 800 HP, what ones would also be good as a street clutch? Good pedal feel and not a lot of chatter? __________________ GM 3.91/TrueTrac OEM ZL1 Rims, 6 Piston Brakes & Side Skirts.ACST4 Splitter/Deflectors NPP M2W,GM Short Throw,GPI Ported Rod Mod,BO White PTB,CAI/JRE Scoop, GC Aluminum DS,Stainless Works Ceramic LTH/HiFlo Cats, Hotckis 1" Springs & Chassis Max Brace BMR Adjustable Swaybars,Trailing Arms, Adjustable Toe Rod, LCA & Z28 UCA Bushings Hendrix Solid Cradle Bushings Pedders Radius Rod Inserts Strut tower brace, Moroso Catch Can,SCT X4 Dynosteve,Remote Clutch reservoir,Hero Smoked Tail and 3rd Brake Light, Diode Dynamic SL1 Fog Lights AeroForce Dual gauge/Autometer pillar mount.