I run mine in 4HI and launch 1st gear@2000rpm. It makes for a very hard launch with the 285's and the stock clutches don't make it past 2 or 3 launches like this. My best pass was 13.9. We suffer some ET because unlike an auto, we lose precious time shifting. Now, don't get me wrong, I can flow through the gears where it sounds like an auto, but the rpm's fall lower than with the auto. I've only ran mine 4 times now and having a ticking noise coming from the tranny. It's either the wonderful dual-mass flywheel taking a dump or the clutch disc itself. Maybe T/O bearing? Did not do this before and quit doing this when program was removed. I installed program again last night and 1 fair launch on the street and guess what, the ticking on decell is back. I had truck at dealer two weeks ago for this, they confirmed the ticking but could not get to it then. Seven days later they were ready to tackle it but could not get it do this for nothing. I picked it up and could not get it to do it either. There's no wonder why Ford discontinued the dual-mass on 12/'03. Does anyone know if the Duramax with ZF still use those stinking dual-mass flywheels?
good info, 13.9 with a manual is impressive from what I have been reading. Hope to hit the 13's but not real confident. Planning on launching in 3rd, power shifting 3-4, its the 4-5 shift that has me worried, then power shift 5-6. The drags are august 5 and I got lots to do in two weeks. mike
I found the manual tranny in the Dodge that my uncle runs to be much harder to locate gears quickly than mine. Could be that I am accustomed to the shifting of mine because I drive it everyday. Between the power necessary to make those numbers and the hard launches, the stock clutches won't last long at all. Just letting you know that if you don't want to change clutch, don't race it more than a few times. Now, there are people like SuperF350 who has (I think) multiple passes on the stock setup without any problems. Kudos to those lucky one's. I really think the main difference is that the '03 still has the dual-mass flywheel whereas all of the rest have a solid flywheel. Something about harmonics and shock load with the dual-mass that just eats clutches.
No stock clutch, wouldn't even bother. South bend double disc 3600lb 6 botton drag clutch will installed before the race as well as a "few" other goodies. I drove a 2006 stroker with a manual lastnight and couldn't shift it for anything so I think it is what your used to. Mike
I should have known if I would have just paid attention to who it was posting. Let us know how it's going. Mine is in the shop for a new engine right now due to swallowing a lifter.
