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Primary/Transmission/Driveline/ClutchFind answers to general powertrain, primary and transmission. Have clutch issues and need suggestions? Post them here.
Top rated 1 1/2 closed primary belt drive for 1980 80inch shovelhead
BDL is the most common and available with decent support, used several in shovel builds over the year and and have been running the same system in a 88" & now 93" motors. They have 2 styles, 8mm fixed belt and the 11mm with idler. I like the 11mm, belt can be tensioned where the 8mm tend be on the tight side and the belts cost more. Modded mine so I can pull the outer guide on the front pulley to change the belt.
BDL is the most common and available with decent support, used several in shovel builds over the year and and have been running the same system in a 88" & now 93" motors. They have 2 styles, 8mm fixed belt and the 11mm with idler. I like the 11mm, belt can be tensioned where the 8mm tend be on the tight side and the belts cost more. Modded mine so I can pull the outer guide on the front pulley to change the belt.
Hybrid mix, Barnet 7 plate kevlar set, forget the brand but uses the later disc spring and pressure plate instead of the 10 loose and a 5 stud hub. Ramjet retainer and stock cage bearing. Works very well and hooks up solid with the horsepower she puts out. Zero clutch issues with this, none of the usual problems, hitting neutral is as easy as my M8 road king or better.
Sifton has a kit similar using the disc spring that comes up ebay occasionally, but the 5 stud hub comes with it is trash, studs are soft wear out very quickly.
Last I'll add whatever you do the primary has to be vented enough it gets some air circulation, plays a big part in belt life. No vented covers I have put 1/4" spacers in to gap the covers out.
BDL 8mm here, I run it open because I love the sound and ventilation is good for the belt.
What kit are you using? Most of the units I have seen either have a terrible looking midplate and cover or are labeled as 'NOT FOR OPEN USE'. Is that just 'cover your ***' speak or are there actual limitations?
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