8BA Centerforce clutch

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by 3twinridges

Thanks Gene, so you used the Centerforce flywheel with the original flywheel bolts and no issues with clutch interference or anything?

JB

I used ARP bolts with larger, thinner flat 12 point head. No issues.

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Gene1949

Don’t overthink it guys
I have the same 10” in a warm 410” 396 in my ’69 Camaro. Been used very hard at times (7 grand shifts) in the last 20 years.
Same 10” behind the 8BA. No problems in either one. Nice and mellow, easy on old knees
Put it in and drive it like you stole it

Much like Gene, I use my clutch HARD. Recently at TROG, I was starting out in 2nd. Rev'd the engine to about 3.5-4K and side stepped the clutch. This was in sand, but still no slipping or ill effects. Worked great.

[Gene1949]

Originally Posted by 3twinridges

Thanks Gene, so you used the Centerforce flywheel with the original flywheel bolts and no issues with clutch interference or anything?

JB

Sorry, I don't remember. I think I used their hardware since my install was totally their products.
Seems like an OP here used the stock flywheel and used the Ford bolts

[3twinridges]

I bought a set of 7/16-20 7/8 thin head bolts. I will let the machine shop decide which fits best.

JB

[1948F-1Pickup]

Originally Posted by Tim Ayers

Have you seen a Centerforce pressure plate? There are weights that attach to a steel ring that slide up and down the diaphragms fingers depending on the RPM.

Hard to gauge what you're getting at with your post.

I’m actually friends with Michael Hays. I have a DF setup on my ‘66 Mustang race car. I got it the year those debuted at the SEMA show. From 1991-2020 I was in the aftermarket industry. I find the story about the weights on a DF pressure plate hitting a release bearing “interesting,” to say the least. I’d have been on the phone with Midway PDQ.
Funny thing about these forums. You never know who’s on them, eh?

[Tim Ayers]

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Originally Posted by 1948F-1Pickup

I’m actually friends with Michael Hays. I have a DF setup on my ‘66 Mustang race car. I got it the year those debuted at the SEMA show. From 1991-2020 I was in the aftermarket industry. I find the story about the weights on a DF pressure plate hitting a release bearing “interesting,” to say the least. I’d have been on the phone with Midway PDQ.
Funny thing about these forums. You never know who’s on them, eh?

Yeah. It was odd, but the clutch was certainly stuck due to the throw out bearing being entangled in the sliding weights of the pressure plate. It happened at TROG a few years back. Car was crazy fast Model A sedan

Upon tearing down, that's what he found. Obviously there was a failure somewhere.

[Bored&Stroked]

Given the diameter of the standard 32 - 48 Ford throw-out bearing, it may have caught on those weights (that would not surprise me).

One has to be really careful when using these wide throw-out bearings on any diaphragm type clutch. I would surely check for any potential interference before an installation.

Most of these pressure plates were surely NOT designed specifically for our Flathead Ford engines and associated parts!

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

Given the diameter of the standard 32 - 48 Ford throw-out bearing, it may have caught on those weights (that would not surprise me).

One has to be really careful when using these wide throw-out bearings on any diaphragm type clutch. I would surely check for any potential interference before an installation.

Most of these pressure plates were surely NOT designed specifically for our Flathead Ford engines and associated parts!

Anything is possible. Before installing mine, I made sure. There was enough clearance, but my buddy's ordeal was too fresh to take a chance, so I removed them.

[Bored&Stroked]

Tim: Did he take any pictures of the issue? If so, I'd sure like to see them!

[3twinridges]

I went through my parts stash and even though I have a nice core flywheel, nos ring gear, and a rebuilt original pressure plate I am going to run the Centerforce setup. The parts just look too nice to not. I tested a throw out on the pressure plate and it hits the fingers nicely. Hopefully it balances out well at the machine shop. Will keep everyone posted on the build

JB

[Tim Ayers]

Originally Posted by Bored&Stroked

Tim: Did he take any pictures of the issue? If so, I'd sure like to see them!

Dale, I'll ask, but I'd doubt it. They tore it down in the parking after the run when it got stuck.

[38bill]

I removed the ring and weights from my Centerforce PP after they told me the weights were only needed for high power cars and were not needed with a flathead.

[Shoebox]

Originally Posted by 38bill

I removed the ring and weights from my Centerforce PP after they told me the weights were only needed for high power cars and were not needed with a flathead.

THEY being the Centerforce folks?

[Bored&Stroked]

Originally Posted by 38bill

I removed the ring and weights from my Centerforce PP after they told me the weights were only needed for high power cars and were not needed with a flathead.

That makes sense . . . but one wonders why the heck they'd supply it that way if it wasn't needed.

[38bill]

I was told it would be fine to remove the weights over the phone from a CF tech.

The PP must fit other applications that would benefit from the weight

Been running my CF diaphragm PP since 2019 without any issues.