Clutch Recommendation

[Admiral]

I'm working on building an engine for my '51 Crestliner. It will have a 4-inch crank, a mild overbore, probably EAB heads for an extra shot of compression and an Isky 1007B camshaft. I will also run it with overdrive. Will the stock, 9.5-inch clutch be able to handle the extra torque of this setup or should I plan on getting a larger clutch? If something bigger is recommended, what style/size should I look for?

[19Fordy]

I had a 10 in clutch in my 40 with a 296 flatty.
Worked fine. I didn't abuse it.
9.5 will also work fine. All depends how you drive it.

[JSeery]

Originally Posted by Admiral

I'm working on building an engine for my '51 Crestliner. It will have a 4-inch crank, a mild overbore, probably EAB heads for an extra shot of compression and an Isky 1007B camshaft. I will also run it with overdrive. Will the stock, 9.5-inch clutch be able to handle the extra torque of this setup or should I plan on getting a larger clutch? If something bigger is recommended, what style/size should I look for?

If you interested in acceleration, the smaller the diameter of the clutch assemble the better. If you think you need increased clamping force you can have stiffer springs installed.

[cas3]

9" long style clutch in my 59a with merc crank and a columbia slips if i floor it. i believe on your 8ba flywheel, a borg an beck diaphragm style is used, and perhaps has better grabbing power? so a 9 1/2 " would work?

[Ray Balukas]

Fort Wayne Clutch get 9" with heavy duty springs. Call them and talk to Kerry. He is very familiar with this. I have this set up in my Panel. Works great.

[Admiral]

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Thanks, guys. Sounds like the stock clutch will work, especially if I get stiffer springs put in. When the time is right, I'll reach out to Fort Wayne Clutch about getting the stock unit reworked.

[solidaxle]

Here's some info from The late "Rumbleseat", aka Paul Garrigan.

[solidaxle]

Based on Paul Garrigans article. I went down to a 9 inch clutch and lightened the flywheel by 7 to 8 lbs. to lower the rotating mass. Since I'm I going by seat of pants feeling from last year, I can't say it greatly improved the motor from spooling up quicker. However, I do not have any slippage with the smaller clutch.

[Admiral]

Originally Posted by solidaxle

Here's some info from The late "Rumbleseat", aka Paul Garrigan.

Ah, thanks for sharing this! It's very valuable.