SBC 350 Swap Clutch Recommendations

[mtrdud]

I'm gathering parts now for a SBC 350 swap into my Pig. Currently the donor 350 is mated to a long 350 auto transmission. I will be going with a Marks Adapter to a stock 4-speed. What are some clutch preferences or recommendations? I'm thinking about a Centerforce set-up. What do guys think?

Thanks

 

[dgangle]

I did the CF the last time because it didn't take much thought or effort. Have done the V8 conv. in the past with reman stuff available from any autoparts store. Search for threads concerning this from Jake aka pbgbottle as he has posted up the numbers B4.


https://forum.ih8mud.com/members/pbgbottle.html

 

[TURNMEOVER]

I spnt the $ on downeys clutch the first time .

the socond time I went to local parts store and got a 11" clutch for a chevy pu with a sm465 tranny. alot cheaper. make shure you get a 168 tooth flywheel.

 

[mtrdud]

Clutch

So were you just as satisfied with the stuff from the parts store? Any difference?

 

[pbgbottle]

if using the marks adaptor pretty sure you just use the stock toyota 4spd stuff.

 

[mtrdud]

Clutch

No, you can't use stock. The Marks will allow you to use the stock bellhousing behind the Marks but you must use a SBC 350 clutch.

 

[cruzerman350]

i have an advanced adapters bell housing and i just use the stock toyota clutch. its worked the last 4 times ive done it.... crawling with stock gears tends to eat clutches by the way

 

[dgangle]

So were you just as satisfied with the stuff from the parts store? Any difference?

As I remember it, the reman clutch parts from the local parts store took significantly less effort on the left leg as compaired to the CF. Sorry, I can't be more specific...it's been a long time. The CF's claim to fame is the clamping force on the disk increases at RPM's increase, thus being stronger/superior than a more traditional 3-finger or diaphragm type clutch. I am not saying I have any quantifiable data to support this, just my recollection. If armed with the correct part numbers/application I would have no reservations on using the reman stuff from any local reputable auto parts store.

i have an advanced adapters bell housing and i just use the stock toyota clutch. its worked the last 4 times ive done it....

Please elaborate more on this. Every AA SBC to stock H42 4-speed transmission kit that uses either a 153 or 168-tooth GM flywheel that I have done or seen requires a GM-style clutch.

 

[nspctr1]

I used the CF clutch on my 71 and had good luck with it.

 

[theo]

Stock GM for me (350 with GM bellhousing). Works fine in all situations. I just couldn't see spending twice the price for high rpm clamping pressure. I rarely touch 5000 on the road and spend most of my time below 1500 on the trail. Plus I assumed the extra pedal effort from a hi-po clutch would get damn annoying after 6 hours in low range.

 

[pbgbottle]

check here about marks adapter says uses stock 4sd clutch ,

https://eshop.advanceadapters.com/commerce/ccc1301-retaining-the-stock-4-speed.htm

,as for a chevy clutch from napa .to make sure you have no disengagement issues make sure it is a low profile diaghram style .
presure plate . fingers are kept lower than normal


see here for more info

https://forum.ih8mud.com/40-55-series-tech/47498-clutch-aa-bellhousing.html

.

Jake

.

 

[mtrdud]

Clutch

That's real good information and good links.

Thanks

 

[dgangle]

"Both of the Mark's 4WD kits retain the stock clutch linkage & slave cylinder and includes a new release bearing"

Clutch linkage not clutch, right? Maybe I'm missing something here but if how does one bolt a stock Toyota FJ40 pressure plate to a GM flywheel? I'm not arguing, just don't understand I guess.

 

[centerlineseal]

Thanks dgangle. My question exactly. I'll be using an Advance Adapter bellhousing to a ramjet and h55. Just now thinking about which clutch. This discussion will help.

 

[dgangle]

From the Mark's website:

"This new flywheel is fully balanced and fitted with a new GM 153-tooth ring gear, it is drilled and doweled to accept the standard Land Cruiser 11" clutch as fitted to the 2F engines".


...I don't understand why someone more experienced with the Marks kit hasn't bellied up to the bar here and told us how it really works. Here's the link:

From FJ40 Chev V8, the Marks MFK371 kit apparently is supplied with a special flywheel that is made to accept the Toy clutch assy. Learn something everyday. To me the advantages of the Marks adapter did not outweigh the significant difference in cost over the tried-and-true H41/H42/H55 adapter. But that is a whole other discussion.

 

[dgangle]

Thanks dgangle. My question exactly. I'll be using an Advance Adapter bellhousing to a ramjet and h55. Just now thinking about which clutch. This discussion will help.

For what you describe, ignore everything in this thread regarding the Marks adapter as it does not apply to you. The original topic does, however. Lemme know if I can answer any questions for you.

 

[pbgbottle]

i thought mtrdud asked about what clutch to use with the marks adapter.anyways

WOW! after readings the marks website .all confusing .he offers two different v8 kits . one uses the toyota clutch ,and the other uses a chevy clutch .

either way .when it comes to reman clutch kits i have used them many times and have had no issues.

 

[dgangle]

Update....
I spoke with Jim Carlson @ AA and he emailed me the instructions. He said the SBC to Mark's adapter uses a standard GM flywheel, standard Chevy 1.125"-10 spline disk and standard Chevy low-profile pressure plate with their special throwout bearing using the stock 4 speed throwout bearing 'collar'. They do sell the CF clutch & disk if one doesn't want to source them elsewhere.

The only advantage of this kit are that one doesn't have the driveline mods to deal with: shifter must be altered as it comes up under the heater, driveshaft lengthen/shorten and not need the rear 'propeller' mount. Disadv is that it is seriously more expensive.

 

[Downey]

I spnt the $ on downeys clutch the first time .

the socond time I went to local parts store and got a 11" clutch for a chevy pu with a sm465 tranny. alot cheaper. make shure you get a 168 tooth flywheel.

Diaphram Chevrotet clutches take more travel to disengage than your Toyota hydralic system has built-in. Three finger Chevrolet clutches almost take more travel, but you can just squeek-by with a real touchy slave cylinder adjustment. This is why Downey and AA offer Chevota Clutches. They are custom made to require less travel for full disengagement. AA sells the Centerforce, We have one made by Clutch Masters.

 

[TURNMEOVER]

So were you just as satisfied with the stuff from the parts store? Any difference?

The spline fitment on the downey clutch was better. but performance wise I could tell no diffrence.