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Monster vs mcleod

19K views 58 replies 26 participants last post by  aidanfranklin15  
#1 ·
Monster stage 3 or mcleod rst twin disk...I really like the mcleod, for the same price I'd pick it any day but then since I have a damn ls2...I have to buy a new flywheel so the mcleod will work on it.

So, those who have a stage 3, how is it compared to stock as far as feel. Which I've heard the rst has stock feel. I'm leaning towards the monster so some insight on feel and what not would be appreciated
 
#37 ·
You can't go wrong with the McLeod RST and it can be used with a LS1/LS6 flywheel (only) which is $100. It's a low cost twin with light pedal feel that works excellent.
Yes you can. I had one in my vette and it lasted about 5k miles. A waste of 800 bucks.
 
#4 ·
I love my monster beyond belief. I only have a 2 with a new flywheel but it drives like stock and holds over 500 rwhp. So unless u track the car all the time and or have over 500 rwhp maybe you don't need so much clutch. I would advise a new flywheel with any clutch kit though since u mentioned u weren't planning on it if you went certain directions.

Anything beyond a 2 and I would probably just do a lt1 but best of luck to you
 
#5 ·
If I'm not mistaken, the LS2 GTO still received the LS1-style flywheel. So, you shouldn't need a different flywheel, but I would still get your factory one resurfaced.

Either way, I would select the McLeod RST over the Stage 3.
 
#9 ·
The stage 3 will have a noticeable difference from the stock clutch. The pedal is not as hard as i expected, but it does not like to be slipped. It will buck, chatter and squeal if you try to be easy on it. On the other hand, you can beat on the stage 3 like it stole something from you and it will beg for more. I don't have any insight on the mcleod but if you are doing more daily driving than racing i would give the twin disk a try
 
#10 ·
On another note, I ditched the Stage 3 for the LT1-S because of the Stage 3's inability to be easily driven in traffic. The twin disc is much friendlier to being driven on the street.
 
#12 ·
I've actually driven two different cars that both had these same clutches in them. The stage three was a good, strong clutch. The pedal feel was a good amount heavier than stock, and for someone not used to driving it (me), it felt like an on/off switch. My buddy had lots of chatter with it as well. But that thing took unbelievable amounts of abuse, at well over the rated HP (he was making about 790 rwhp). Never skipped a beat.

Another friend has the McLeod RST in his car now and it's got the quirky feeling of a twin disk that's easy to get used to, great for daily driving and holds power really well. It seems the RST is a good amount more than the Monster, but if it were up to me, I'd probably spend more money and go with the RST just because I couldn't deal with driving a stage 3 in any sort of normal traffic scenario. On the highway I don't think it'd be an issue, but around town I'd probably want to die.

As for your flywheel concern I'm not 100% certain so maybe someone can correct me, but like MuhThugga, I also believe the LS2 GTO came with the LS1 flywheel. I recall someone with an LS2 GTO putting in an LS7 clutch kit and needing to buy an LS2 flywheel with it. Double check with someone more knowledgeable for sure, but don't let $100 stop you from buying it.
 
#13 ·
It's hard to compare a single to a double. I drove one with a monster lt1sc and it was slightly more peddle feel than stock but nothing like a single. Also had zero chatter when feathering in heavy traffic. I have heard good things about the mcleod as well but as a package deal I think either will be great. Heavy peddle sucks in alot of traffic and that's why I want a double. Get a new pilot and slave and if you can afford it an adjustable master with remote bleed.
 
#14 ·
I love my monster stage 2. Smooth but way more grip then stock.

But im still at stockish power levels. With your power level and still maintain a stock like drivability I'd say the LT-1s twin disk from monster if you can afford it.

And as pointed out get a Tick adjustable master if you don't have one already so you always have line pressure to beat on it
 
#18 ·
You may want to pay attention to make up of the actual clutch ie. ceramic or fiber. The Monster III is a dual ceramic clutch. The chatter does suck in stop an go traffic but once it heats up it calms down. I personally love how it takes a beating. If you daily driving the car just buy a LS7 clutch.
 
#19 ·
Stock LS7 clutch for 600rwhp? Don't think I'd do that even if its only daily driven. If you gotta spend the money on a clutch might as well get something beefier to handle the power. Who drives a 600hp car and doesn't want to beat on it... at least occasionally?

Also OP the monster package comes with a flywheel. I wouldn't machine the stocker with that kind of power, but that's me. I'm about piece of mind with these cars lol
 
#20 ·
I wouldn't say I'm on too much of a budget but 700 bucks sounds a hell of a lot better than a grand for the rst and flywheel package lol. I think I'll go with the monster, and hell if I don't like it can sell it and buy something else. Lol. I appreciate all the info guys.

I don't daily drive the car, gets driven once a month. I have a company truck that I'm allowed to drive like it's mine, may as well take advantage huh? Lol when I do drive it, it's on the weekends. Nice little cruise somewhere for the night.

I'm super excited about this maggie lol just trying to make the right choice on parts. Speaking of which, anyone got a driveshaft for 600hp? I'll buy new but if someone is selling let me know!
 
#21 ·
Good luck on the build man!!
 
#22 ·
Like I said before, you don't need to buy a new flywheel for the McLeod.
 
#23 ·
Buying and selling with cost you money in the long run. Just get the twin or better yet the Monster lt1s and call it a day. Once the money's gone you move on like it was never there!
 
#24 ·
The Monster 3 is not even close to stock feel. It is stiffer, the engagement is far more abrupt, slipping the clutch will end up giving you a noisy clutch, and you end up spinning the tires a whole lot more than you want due to having to pretty much give a bit of throttle and dump the clutch so it doesn't slip.
That being said, it holds up to plenty of power and it does not mind being abused. But it's not going to be a stock feeling like a twin. It's up to you based on what you use it for, but it's not a very friendly clutch in traffic on for daily duty. Especially when you're making 500+rwhp.
 
#30 ·
Good choice.