The Ford Barn

Lawrie · 02-09-2012, 02:17 AM

I see its a good idea to fit the V8 clutch to the A,
how does the counterweighed cover work at the low RPM of the A engine verses the V8
I,m about to refit my A engine and have both V8 clutch covers,well the tractor one and a genuine V8 with the weights.
I have been using the tractor type for a while,(bought it new thinking it was the V8 one)
Which to use.
Lawrie

Tom Wesenberg · 02-09-2012, 02:30 AM

The weighted cover is the way to go and works fine with the Model A engine speed. I can still remember the first time I drove a Ford with the weighted clutch cover. I drove a 1964 or 65 Ford 6 cylinder state car with a 3 speed. I could sure tell the difference when I tried to push the clutch without letting the engine slow down.

MikeK · 02-09-2012, 10:12 AM

I'll respectfully take a different position than Tom. I had a flyweight clutch in my 160B and replaced it with the "tractor style" non-flyweighted pressure plate cover. I PREFER the non-flyweight version.

The springs in the non-flyweight clutch are only marginally stiffer, maybe 10%. That 10% is, admittedly, a disadvantage if you spend lots of time holding the clutch in. I don't. At stoplights I pop it into neutral rather than run all that pressure on the rear thrust. After you wind out in a gear, it is MUCH easier, maybe 25%, to depress the clutch with the engine revved. I felt that immediately and liked it. I wouldn't want to go back to the flyweights.

My next clutch? Forget the Borg & Beck design. A modern diaphragm clutch cover. Joe Way posted complete details about doing this a year ago, and Al in NY has done one too. A diaphragm clutch has the opposite spring profile- the farther you depress the clutch, the lighter the pressure. Add to that a lighter initial starting pedal pressure. That means holding it part way, at the friction point, is light and easy compared to either of the two Ford Borg & Beck style clutch covers. And it will not have that high speed stiffness the flyweight clutch gives.

Jim Brierley · 02-09-2012, 12:05 PM

a diaphragm clutch also greatly reduces clutch chatter.

Tom Wesenberg · 02-09-2012, 01:26 PM

Mike probably has it right with the diaphram cover. I'd bet that's what's in the 1949 Chevy pickup I drive in the Halloween parade each year. That is one easy clutch, and the best I've driven in years.

hardtimes · 02-09-2012, 03:37 PM

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Lawrie,
I used the pressure plate with the 'fly weights'. Because of its' easy leg pressure use, AND
as the engine RPMs increase, the function of the flyweights come into play and apply more force on the clutch disc to prevent slipping (centrifugal force)!

CarlG · 02-09-2012, 06:50 PM

I've got a diaphram pressure plate on my workbench just begging to get itself installed in my A.

02-09-2012, 02:17 AM	#1
Lawrie Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Qld, Australia Posts: 4,529	v8 clutch I see its a good idea to fit the V8 clutch to the A, how does the counterweighed cover work at the low RPM of the A engine verses the V8 I,m about to refit my A engine and have both V8 clutch covers,well the tractor one and a genuine V8 with the weights. I have been using the tractor type for a while,(bought it new thinking it was the V8 one) Which to use. Lawrie

02-09-2012, 02:30 AM	#2
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: v8 clutch The weighted cover is the way to go and works fine with the Model A engine speed. I can still remember the first time I drove a Ford with the weighted clutch cover. I drove a 1964 or 65 Ford 6 cylinder state car with a 3 speed. I could sure tell the difference when I tried to push the clutch without letting the engine slow down.

02-09-2012, 10:12 AM	#3
MikeK Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Windy City Posts: 2,919	Re: v8 clutch I'll respectfully take a different position than Tom. I had a flyweight clutch in my 160B and replaced it with the "tractor style" non-flyweighted pressure plate cover. I PREFER the non-flyweight version. The springs in the non-flyweight clutch are only marginally stiffer, maybe 10%. That 10% is, admittedly, a disadvantage if you spend lots of time holding the clutch in. I don't. At stoplights I pop it into neutral rather than run all that pressure on the rear thrust. After you wind out in a gear, it is MUCH easier, maybe 25%, to depress the clutch with the engine revved. I felt that immediately and liked it. I wouldn't want to go back to the flyweights. My next clutch? Forget the Borg & Beck design. A modern diaphragm clutch cover. Joe Way posted complete details about doing this a year ago, and Al in NY has done one too. A diaphragm clutch has the opposite spring profile- the farther you depress the clutch, the lighter the pressure. Add to that a lighter initial starting pedal pressure. That means holding it part way, at the friction point, is light and easy compared to either of the two Ford Borg & Beck style clutch covers. And it will not have that high speed stiffness the flyweight clutch gives.

02-09-2012, 12:05 PM	#4
Jim Brierley Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Temecula, CA Posts: 4,251	Re: v8 clutch a diaphragm clutch also greatly reduces clutch chatter.

02-09-2012, 01:26 PM	#5
Tom Wesenberg Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mpls, MN Posts: 27,582	Re: v8 clutch Mike probably has it right with the diaphram cover. I'd bet that's what's in the 1949 Chevy pickup I drive in the Halloween parade each year. That is one easy clutch, and the best I've driven in years.

02-09-2012, 03:37 PM	#6
hardtimes Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: South California Posts: 6,190	Re: v8 clutch Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) Lawrie, I used the pressure plate with the 'fly weights'. Because of its' easy leg pressure use, AND as the engine RPMs increase, the function of the flyweights come into play and apply more force on the clutch disc to prevent slipping (centrifugal force)! Last edited by hardtimes; 02-09-2012 at 03:39 PM. Reason: add..

02-09-2012, 06:50 PM	#7
CarlG Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: Anchorage, Alaska Posts: 9,192	Re: v8 clutch I've got a diaphram pressure plate on my workbench just begging to get itself installed in my A.