340 Exciter clutch questions.

got-wood

got-wood

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I have a 340 Exciter engine that I am in the process of rebuilding and was wondering bout the primary clutch. I have been told to use a comet on it and I probably will when the budget allows. In the interim though I have this clutch and plan on rebuilding it. I believe it is a later engine as the clutch requires the 20 mil clutch tool whilst the earlier models were 18 mil. I have never been a fan of comets, seems the cat guys are forever rebuilding them and my experience was not good. Is there any updates or mods that I can do to this clutch when I'm freshening it up? The engine is going into a custom 1970 SS 338, so this is already light years ahead of the clutch it came with but I'd like to have my youngest Son drag race this little beast some this winter and want to give it the best advantage I can. I sure would not be opposed to a little stiffer spring, but is there anything that can be done with weights on these clutches? It looks the same externally as a 440 Exciter clutch so I am guessing there is, or was mods available. Suggestions? Recommendations? Thanks.
 

there is oil pump gear on back of clutch limits what can be used.
 
Because of that gear, if you wish to keep oil injection you will need a either a comet duster with the gear on the back, or a comet 102c with the gear on the back.
 
I recently picked up an 80 Enticer 340 for my son and it was in great shape.... except for the clutch. The weights were worn out on the holes and the pins were nearly gone too. The spider was in ok shape. I did not want to buy a comet either so I machined the holes on the weights out 0.375in. Then I made bronze bushings and new pins. I heat treated the pins and put it all together. Runs like a champ!! I really can't believe how it hooks up now. The weights are hardened material but they can be machined successfully with a coated carbide 4 flute endmill.
 
That's cool on the Enticer clutch, hot-rodding at its best. I'll have to keep that in mind for my Enticer as I have no plans on giving up that sled EVER! Is there no way to put a pump gear on another clutch? The Nolaris idea is one I have heard before but I want to keep the oil injection.
 
It escapes me right now as to how that gear is attached to the stock clutch but I think it is pressed in? It could probably be machined off and then attached to the newer using this. It would be a matter making sure the gear is centered properly using a dial indicator and a chuck. The gear takes very little load and this product is rated for high temp and impact. Here is the spec sheet. Couldn't hurt to try. We have used this stuff successfully to bond dissimilar materials in an industrial envionment.
 
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Thank-you! Stuff looks awesome, there is much a tinkerer like me could do with this stuff! Did not know it existed. Pretty sure the gear is pressed on, I have a lathe, so I'm pretty sure I could do this if so inclined, in fact I was thinking about it, but wondering how to fasten it on there! Now, the question is, is it worth doing? Is the P-85 that much better than a 102C Comet?
 
Well it looks like it will be a new Comet 102C at this point in time. Either that or a Powebloc ALT if they have an oil injection gear. Calling them tomorrow but I have my doubts. Just a little concerned about springs and weights with the engine modifications that I am doing as the Comet will only come with factory calibration. Could be another 10 HP and that will definitely affect clutch calibration. Tuning on the powerbloc would be easier I think and definitely less reciprocating weight. This is an area that I am ignorant so any input is certainly welcome. Thanks.
 
why do you not just run the std exciter/srs primary they are very tunable good clutches .....for those that know them ....I personally hate comets on the old yamis ....just IMHO not as good tunable wise
 
That's good news, especially since it now looks like that is what I will be using. Where can one buy parts for them? I haven't had time yet to inspect in detail though it does appear to be in good condition and not sloppy at all. I would like to start with a new spring though at least, any suggestions as to where to buy?

Of course, I should probably figure out gearing first. Not certain what to do there yet. The stock 70 SS 338 gears are 12 on top with a 25 on the bottom compared with a GP 440 at 14 and 23 respectively. Since I will be up at least 10 hp over the stock SS 338 I am wondering what I should do. Can anybody tell me what the 340 Exciters used for stock gearing? Thanks.
 
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