What clutch

[roadking77]

I am hoping that my motor will be home soon now. I will need to get the clutch installed to the T10 4 speed. I know nothing about these kind of things. What and where should I get one? I see them in summit, dont know if I can get something at NAPA. The motor will be slightly warmed over, I dont plan on racing and I know how to drive a clutch. I dont think I need something race ready but would like a good quality part that will remain trouble free for as long as possible. I wont say money is not an object but I dont mind spending a bit more for the right part. However I dont want to spend a lot on a part just for a name either.

[scarebird]

I have had good luck with the brand McLeod.

[5th T/A]

I have no idea what is a good clutch nowadays. Some of the heavy duty pressure plates can be hard on your left foot. It goes without saying the flywheel should be machined or replaced along with the a new pilot and throw out bearing. An easy driven clutch can last forever and today having a stick shift car is a theft deterrent system.

[roadking77]

Flywheel is supposed to have been redone with the motor. I would prefer something easy on the leg, lol. My knees arent what they used to be 

[scarebird]

One thing I noted with the McLeod was much less effort compared to the AC Delco unit (failed in 2 years) even though it had good clamping power.

[tinpusher]

I use to work on transmissions, we used Luk clutch kits in the late 80’s.
When I rebuilt my79 400/4 speed a few years ago, I used the same kit and do not have any issues with a warmed over 400… easy on the knees.

[phil400]

Only thing I don't like with the Luk clutch kits is the T/O bearing is plastic. Clutch a pressure plate work very well.

[81Blackbird]

After running the Centerforce setup for many years, I switched to McLeod.  I pulled the tranny and while I was there I decided to replace the old CF with a new one just because it was 20 year old but low miles. Always had trouble getting into first and reverse and the new setup was even worst.  Come to find out the pressure plate was not completely disengaging.  And yes the pivot ball geometry and TO bearing were correct.  Put in the McLeod and it works great.   First and reverse slide right in.  The McLeod has a slightly heavier pedal than stock on paper but nothing really noticeable at the pedal.

[roadking77]

Thanks for all the advice. I cant remember now to whom I was talking but they said getting into first was tricky at times? Interesting.

[70_71_78]

I used a Hayes racing borg and beck style pressure plate and disk behind my built 455. OK it was a little stiff at the clutch pedal, but always hooked well. Used a similar Hayes behind the 400+ cube small block chevy in the fiberglass bodied CJ7 I built as well and it also held up well. I am sure that the materials and technology have advanced considerably since the '80's and I have not looked into their products lately.

[FormTA]

I'm sure it's useless info now but back when my car was a stick I just went up to the counter at Murray's auto parts and asked for a flywheel and clutch for my car.... I doubt that would work now...

[gstrandfarm9420]

Be sure the linkage and release fork are not worn, if they are, replace or repair them. Save you a lot of grief later. I've always wished mine was a 4 speed, much more fun.

[tajoe]

I'll bet there are only a few manufacturers of clutches. And most aftermarket companies put their names on them. If you're not running slicks, and because most 2nd gens are garage queens, seeing limited driving, I'll bet a stock diaphragm clutch will suit you well, and no-one will know the difference. You can even paint it, (like I did) and tell people it's a race clutch. 

[81Blackbird]

Of course check all your bushings.  I had a lot of play and had to replace the Upper Clutch Pushrod to Pedal Bushing.  Made a big difference on the adjustment.

[roadking77]

Yea, def not racing. Branding is not important to me as much as performance. I want something that will work as it should. Everything will be new/re-built, linkage, bushings etc.

[81Blackbird]

Don't know how particular you are, but I had the flywheel and pressure plate balanced as a unit.  I'm sure they are well balanced individually but there was a small amount of weight that was added.

[roadking77]

Perfect, I will check into the balancing.