Clutchless tranny in S/S?

Gary Smith · 12-09-2009, 09:33 AM

I was told there is no advantage of running a true "clutchless" trans compared to clutch (i.e. GForce GF-4R or Jerico DR4). The primary advantages with the DR4 over a T-5 is durability and quicker shift action. I learned to "speedshift" a stick long before switching to a Jerico. And while you can shift the DR4 without kicking the clutch, it's usually at the expense of "out of power band" shift points or a fully adjustable clutch like Soft-loc or Advanced is used.

I have a friend who purchased an ex Larry Morgan Stratus complete with power train (Liberty) which turned out to be a nightmare. He found that clutch setup was very critical..and difficult to master. It made the difference between tire shake or destroying clutch discs @ $400 per set. Tire shake ended up equating to chipped gears @ $500 per repair. Shift points also played a part in keeping it in one piece. The first 2 outings costed $1200 with only 5 passes. So the Liberty went bye-bye in favor of an automatic.

Lenco is perhaps the easiest to operate...but it's a power robber especially with lower HP engines, requires many adjustments, and stupid expensive.

In the end clutchless transmissions (might) offer a couple hundredths, but at a ridiculous cost.

12-09-2009, 09:33 AM	#16
Gary Smith Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Greensboro, NC Posts: 820 Likes: 9 Liked 132 Times in 30 Posts	Re: Clutchless tranny in S/S? I was told there is no advantage of running a true "clutchless" trans compared to clutch (i.e. GForce GF-4R or Jerico DR4). The primary advantages with the DR4 over a T-5 is durability and quicker shift action. I learned to "speedshift" a stick long before switching to a Jerico. And while you can shift the DR4 without kicking the clutch, it's usually at the expense of "out of power band" shift points or a fully adjustable clutch like Soft-loc or Advanced is used. I have a friend who purchased an ex Larry Morgan Stratus complete with power train (Liberty) which turned out to be a nightmare. He found that clutch setup was very critical..and difficult to master. It made the difference between tire shake or destroying clutch discs @ $400 per set. Tire shake ended up equating to chipped gears @ $500 per repair. Shift points also played a part in keeping it in one piece. The first 2 outings costed $1200 with only 5 passes. So the Liberty went bye-bye in favor of an automatic. Lenco is perhaps the easiest to operate...but it's a power robber especially with lower HP engines, requires many adjustments, and stupid expensive. In the end clutchless transmissions (might) offer a couple hundredths, but at a ridiculous cost. __________________ Gary Smith "another broke racer spectating"