I have a Chevy Vortec 5.7 in my 1941 Ford Coupe. I'm using a 1939 rebuilt trans with an 11" clutch. Being a guy in the upper years the 11" clutch is very hard on my knee. I want to find out if I can go with a 10" clutch to make it easier. I do not do any burn outs just driving around town. So, is the 10" too light? I know I could go with a hydraulic clutch, but I'm not interested in that. Thanks, ClubJoe Sunny Brandon, FL
You,maybe? Could just redo the ratio of clutch pedal n lickage,You'd need to move the pedal more with your foot,but it would be softer.
What kind of pressure plate are you currently using? Diaphragm? Long? Borg and Beck? They can have remarkably different pedal pressure. I would just re-work the pedal/linkage for more leverage.
I put a Borg and Beck 10” in my 40 with early Ford trans, with SBC, and pedal pressure is easy. You may need to either redrill or replace your flywheel with one with B&B bolt pattern. Ft Wayne clutch is pricey. Don’t know about others. Pressure plate cores are also pricey. And I’m 78 with a bad left knee.
You might want to be careful when dealing with Fort Wayne Clutch these days to make sure you get exactly what you want. Here is an experience I had with them quite a while ago : https://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/threads/fort-wayne-clutch.1242719/.
Contact Ky Clutch and tell them what you think and ask if they have any suggestions. They are good people and can probably lighten the spring pressure in an 11 inch or a 10 inch. 502 955 9173 Everyone around here goes to them and they ship lots too.
Forgot to mention that the Merc Borg and Beck pressure plate part number is 1310. May help when you call KY Clutch. As you can see it has only nine springs, most B&B’s have twelve. Core charge is $90!! Be interested is seeing what they have as far as availability and price. Didn’t know about them when I was shopping.
McCleod has a B&B style hat with Long style rollers. You can’t find it on their site but asking about it got me one for our GMC lakes roadster. Foot pressure is just perfect.
Are you using the stock clutch linkage? What kind of adapter? Do you remember what brand of 11" clutch disc you have that fits the early Ford transmission and is a 11". I'm doing the same thing and got a flywheel that fits a once piece rear main and 10"-10 1/2" disc / pressure plate. I'll know if it fits when it gets here in a week. Speedway Flathead 10 Inch Clutch Disc/Pressure Plate/Release Bearing Kit Part #: 9108941 Qty: 1 @ $ 323.99 each $ 323.99
I am still up in the air about using a 10" clutch with the Chevy Vortec 5.7 if it will hold up. Thanks, ClubJoe Sunny Brandon, FL
The 1969 Corvette L-88 used a 10.4" clutch with a 12.75" flywheel. I'd worry about the stock tranny long before the 10" clutch.
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