After testing my new set-up (see sig) I am now realizing the deficiencies of the Rag in stock form. Shifting into Fifth and hitting WOT hard with W/M on I am slipping the clutch. Showing off to a buddy I shifted fast/hard into fourth and hit WOT with W/M and the shifter jumped outa gear. Now it shifts hard,pops out of gear, or grinds into fourth unless your very gentle.

So.....what upgrades are available for the Rag to strengthin it internally and what are you high torque guys trusting for a clutch. My ultimate hp/tq figure with the twins is aprox 500/1300. Lets here some opinions.

 

BD Power sells a 13" clutch for up to 550hp does anyone know if they build it or what brand it would be? Anyone have one?

 

Its prolly a South Bend FE. bgilbert has one in his truck.

 

There's really nothing to do internally but fix (sounds like synchros) it and drive it carefully. I'm not saying you need to drive like grandma, but it's a truck trans and it doesn't take kindly to fast shifts. Also try to avoid hammering on it at low RPM.

For a clutch - do not get a 12" clutch under any circumstances.

I agree with Josh that the 550 HP 13" clutch is likely a Con-FE. That's what I have in my truck now, after breaking the center on a 12" Con-O. Pedal effort is higher than stock, and it's getting grabbier as it breaks in. Not a clutch you want to back a trailer with.

 

I am really surprised there are no upgrades such as better bearings,after market synchros, forged/billet shafts. I guess the rag is not very popular. Is it worth changing to a different trans? Something that will handle some drag race shifting and hard 2nd gear launches. I realize these are big heavy diesels but mines not a dyno queen, I want to smoke some duramax/powerstroke edit.

 

You could put a NV4500 in it out of a 2nd gen truck. It will cost you a little money unless you get lucky. With the NV4500 you can get most of, if not all the upgrades you listed above.

 

Where would be the right place to look for upgraded manual trans internals. I have never beefed up a manual aside from clutches. I have always built autos for big power gassers.

 

Um standardtransmission.com, quad4x4.com, atsdiesel.com, scheiddiesel.com, haisleymachine.com and im sure theres more but this is all I can think of. I would go to the first two I listed first, then take your pick.