The Ford Barn

Dave in Spokane · 02-09-2013, 06:44 PM

Hello Guys,
Getting ready to put a mild built '40 Flathead into my '40 pickup. Pulled tired stock one had a worn 9" clutch and the built engine has an 11" on it. I don't want to have to redo installation so I am replacing everything with new parts including clutch and pressure plate. Trying to research pros/cons of using 9"or 10" or 11" clutch while everything is apart. What do you think? Thanks Dave in Spokane

flatjack9 · 02-09-2013, 09:40 PM

I'd go with the 10".

Shadetree · 02-09-2013, 10:16 PM

I agree with Flatjack. I just went through this for my `51 F1 you will have to re-drill the mounting holes in the flywheel if you change from an 11 inch to 10 inch. It is a good time to have your flywheel re-surfaced and balanced with the new clutch and pressure plate. Some of us have had issues with the Chinese pressure plates and clutches. I would recommend an American made rebuilt clutch and pressure plate if you can find one...

Bob G/Spanaway · 02-09-2013, 10:24 PM

Fort Wayne Clutch has a good reputation. (Ind.)
9" will hold a warmed up flattie...I have one.
10" will work fine too.
Forget the 11"...too stiff. Gets old fast. I had one of those too and replaced it with a 10".
You just don't need that much clutch.
9" is the softest and nicest to drive.

Dave in Spokane · 02-09-2013, 11:23 PM

So if the choices are (A) resurface/balance/re-drill the current flat (and looks like a heavier?) flywheel from the 11" set up for a the new 10" clutch and pressure plate or (b) resurface the stock '40 lipped fly wheel and use a new 9" clutch and pressure plate? Plus new pilot bearing,new pressure plate bolts, flywheel bolts, throwout bearing and spring and... Again thanks for your input! Dave I have Ft. Wayne book marked.

flatjack9 · 02-10-2013, 11:56 AM

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If you go with the 9", which I think would be very adequate, I would have the heavy lip machined off.

bobH · 02-10-2013, 12:10 PM

Might want to read Paul's (rumbleseat's) comments over on the billB tech site regarding clutch. He has a very warm flathead in his 34, and uses the 9-in for performance reasons. (less mass, more response) Personally, I've had no problems with the 9-in, and see no reason to change.
I've also got a later car with a 10-in, and no problems with it, either.
JMO

trainguy · 02-10-2013, 04:44 PM

I have a 9" beefed up a bit from FWC in my 41 station wagon with a warmed up 59AB,no problem.Call FWC they are very helpful.Phil

CT AV8 · 02-10-2013, 04:55 PM

Dave,
I agree the others about going with a 9" from FT Wayne clutch. I have one from them in my Model A w/8BA. They're a great outfit and know all about Ford clutches. They're very helpful and have good prices.

robert dick · 02-10-2013, 07:13 PM

i am running a lightened 9" in my 36 with a health 258 flatty, clutch company put in heavy duty spring, it is more than enough

02-09-2013, 06:44 PM	#1
Dave in Spokane Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 44	Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? Hello Guys, Getting ready to put a mild built '40 Flathead into my '40 pickup. Pulled tired stock one had a worn 9" clutch and the built engine has an 11" on it. I don't want to have to redo installation so I am replacing everything with new parts including clutch and pressure plate. Trying to research pros/cons of using 9"or 10" or 11" clutch while everything is apart. What do you think? Thanks Dave in Spokane

02-09-2013, 09:40 PM	#2
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,600	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? I'd go with the 10".

02-09-2013, 10:16 PM	#3
Shadetree Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Cottageville, WV Posts: 1,535	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? I agree with Flatjack. I just went through this for my `51 F1 you will have to re-drill the mounting holes in the flywheel if you change from an 11 inch to 10 inch. It is a good time to have your flywheel re-surfaced and balanced with the new clutch and pressure plate. Some of us have had issues with the Chinese pressure plates and clutches. I would recommend an American made rebuilt clutch and pressure plate if you can find one... __________________ Son, you will never blow an engine up in high gear.

02-09-2013, 10:24 PM	#4
Bob G/Spanaway Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Spanaway, Washington Posts: 344	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? Fort Wayne Clutch has a good reputation. (Ind.) 9" will hold a warmed up flattie...I have one. 10" will work fine too. Forget the 11"...too stiff. Gets old fast. I had one of those too and replaced it with a 10". You just don't need that much clutch. 9" is the softest and nicest to drive.

02-09-2013, 11:23 PM	#5
Dave in Spokane Member Join Date: May 2010 Posts: 44	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? So if the choices are (A) resurface/balance/re-drill the current flat (and looks like a heavier?) flywheel from the 11" set up for a the new 10" clutch and pressure plate or (b) resurface the stock '40 lipped fly wheel and use a new 9" clutch and pressure plate? Plus new pilot bearing,new pressure plate bolts, flywheel bolts, throwout bearing and spring and... Again thanks for your input! Dave I have Ft. Wayne book marked.

02-10-2013, 11:56 AM	#6
flatjack9 Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Oshkosh, Wi Posts: 4,600	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) If you go with the 9", which I think would be very adequate, I would have the heavy lip machined off.

02-10-2013, 12:10 PM	#7
bobH Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: so cal, placerville, vegas Posts: 1,414	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? Might want to read Paul's (rumbleseat's) comments over on the billB tech site regarding clutch. He has a very warm flathead in his 34, and uses the 9-in for performance reasons. (less mass, more response) Personally, I've had no problems with the 9-in, and see no reason to change. I've also got a later car with a 10-in, and no problems with it, either. JMO

02-10-2013, 04:44 PM	#8
trainguy Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lehighton Pa Posts: 1,085	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? I have a 9" beefed up a bit from FWC in my 41 station wagon with a warmed up 59AB,no problem.Call FWC they are very helpful.Phil

02-10-2013, 04:55 PM	#9
CT AV8 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: Cos Cob, CT Posts: 295	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? Dave, I agree the others about going with a 9" from FT Wayne clutch. I have one from them in my Model A w/8BA. They're a great outfit and know all about Ford clutches. They're very helpful and have good prices.

02-10-2013, 07:13 PM	#10
robert dick Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: massachusetts Posts: 317	Re: Early Ford clutch 9",10", or 11" ??? i am running a lightened 9" in my 36 with a health 258 flatty, clutch company put in heavy duty spring, it is more than enough