I’m swapping a 292 y block with a 39 top loader into my 41 Ford coupe and I need advice on what clutch to order. The clutch that came with the engine is an 11 inch and it hits on my Wilcap 600 WA adapter so much that the engine won’t turn over! What size do I need? Also the disc is 10 spline but it is much smaller than the 10 spline input shaft. Should I use a diaphragm or long style pressure plate? Just a weekend cruiser, not a race car, maybe 200hp’s ♂️
I’ve usually used the Centerforce diaphragm style on my yblocks. It depends on what’s hitting and what the flywheel is drilled for. A call to Wilcap would be in order, just in case it’s an oddball combo to make it work. Measurements and pictures might help.
There were 11” and 10” flywheels for the y-block, I think you will have to change the ‘wheel or get it drilled for the 10” pressure plate. The input shaft on the ‘39 trans is 1 3/8”, 10 spline, but I don’t know if the pilot bearing diameters are the same. Or as suggested by @miker98038 go with the Centerforce diaphragm but if cost is a consideration price it out both ways.
You need to be aware the throwout bearing from the early trans won’t most of the later pressure plates. I’d guess the kit probably came with a flathead style 10” PP and told you to redrill the flywheel.
As far as a clutch kit or disk one for a 52 Ford F-1 pickup should work. The F-1 has the 1.375 x 10 clutch hub. I'd bet even money that that Wilcap 600 A is designed for a 10 inch clutch. Ford used the same 10 or 11 inch three finger pressure plates up through the 60's according to the Rock Auto what it fits lists.
Dang, I didn’t think about having to get a new flywheel for the small clutch’s bolt pattern. Oh well… Does anyone know for sure that a 10 inch clutch will fit inside the Wilcap WA600? Also, should I go with a diaphragm type or the long 3 finger???? Stock clutch linkage.
Once again, I don’t think Fusky likes to read my responses. You don’t need to “get” a new flywheel. Just drill the smaller pattern in your existing one, if it’s not already there. And, as I said above, make sure any diaphragm clutch you buy will work with the early throwout bearing. Or you might have an expensive doorstop.
Alchemy, my new buddy, I now realize that I will need to drill the flywheel for a smaller clutch and that I will need to have the correct throw out bearing. Would you recommend the long finger style (that’s about all I can find) or the diaphragm style for this application with stock pedals and clutch linkage? Also, can anyone confirm that a 10 clutch will fit in this Wilcap WA600 adapter???
There are a few folks that say they have aftermarket diaphragm clutches that work, but I’ve never tried one yet. I do have one for a model A project that would work similarly to what you are trying to do, but I haven’t assembled it yet so can’t confirm. The one I’m gonna try is from a modernish Thunderbird, and is 9” diameter.
Sound advice here so once again just call Willcap. Speed Jems now owns them 920-222-1908 or 763-767-4480.
I've heard the Fort Wayne Clutch knows what works and can supply everything needed. https://fortwayneclutch.com/
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