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Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Thu Apr 10, 2025 5:31 pm
by Bart
Hi,

I am looking at clutch options for my 5L Chimaera Wildcat project. I am using M238 cam, and hoping for 400ish horseys. My car has the T5 box.

I was going to go for the Mcleod 10.5 inch single plate that V8 Tuning stocks, but it is only rated to 350hp. I thought maybe I should go for the dual plate RST clutch instead.

I emailed a company asking if they stock them. He said he can get them, but didn't seem very confident that my T5 box will take that much power. I know I might be pushing my luck a bit, but my understanding is that TVR used the so called World Class T5 'Z' box, which is the strongest variant of all the T5s and rated upto 330ftlb and 450hp if driven carefully. Is this correct? It's for a street motor, so I won't be dumping the clutch or power shifting at 6000rpm, but I won't be driving it like an old woman either. :lol:

Anyway, it is the gearbox I have, so it's what I am using.

What are people opinions on the clutch? Is it worth tinning up for the dual plate Mcleod clutch, or will the single plate clutch suffice? What are other options that folks are using?

Thanks in advance

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2025 9:09 pm
by stevieturbo
There really is no reason a decent single shouldn't be fine.

Clutches can be odd though.

You'd need to confirm a few measurements, but Uniclutch is a decent system. Although again, overkill really.

https://shopbyvehicle.uniclutch.com/veh ... rch-result

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2025 3:56 pm
by Blown v8
I have the old twin plate McLeod on mine, and through the years where the quest for more power resulted in finally killing the clutch . I found a company that made me a twin disc ceramic clutch, utilising the McLeod pressure plate, I now have a clutch I can’t break !
My T5 has the quaife internals,and the stronger S10 tail shaft. How strong is it ? I don’t know, but one day I’ll find out

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Mon Apr 14, 2025 8:24 pm
by stevieturbo
The old street twin was a good clutch, will easily hold 5-600hp without issue.

But in this day and age, there really should be no need for nasty paddle type clutches until making a lot of power. Especially if it's just for road use.

Anything sub 700, should easily be achievable with an organic plate or two.

With LS's etc, it's easy to get organic versions for over 1000hp

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Thu Apr 24, 2025 10:07 am
by SuperV8
I'm using a Helix uprated clutch in my 4.6 supercharged Dax Rush - with Tremec T5 from a TVR.

Works fine, though I haven't done any serious drag racing.

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2025 3:55 pm
by Blown v8
This is what happened to my organic clutch
IMG_4010.jpeg
5.0L ,TA headed, 6:71 supercharged, roller cammed goodness

Re: Clutch options TVR Chimaera, 5L Wildcat. Also, gearbox

Posted: Mon Jun 09, 2025 8:36 pm
by ChrisJC
I've got a 9.5" clutch from Helix, which is taking about 300BHP, and it seems to be about on the limit.

But it's in a Land Rover so it can put the power onto the road. I would have thought that a larger clutch would be fine because you'll just light up the tyres!

Chris.