8BA clutch size

[decling]

I am using the stamped steel car bellhousing TOB that came with the engine when I bought it. I am going to idea T5 transmission from a Ford. The original clutch was a 9 1/2 ". Before I install the flywheel I want to make sure I can go to a bigger clutch that is easier to find compatible clutch disk for the Ford input shaft. My engine was just rebuilt, a thread on that earlier. Basic upgrades just want to make sure enough clutch.

So in that bellhousing what is an optimum clutch size so I can drill the flywheel.

TIA

[rotorwrench]

The 9.5 " clutch is OK for a flathead but there were several 10" clutches available for Mercury and Ford pickups. A lot depends on which type of clutch you want and whether the clutch throw out will work with the pressure plate. The 9.5" Long type clutch is set up for a 1 inch 10-spline transmission input shaft. There are clutches that will work with a T5 but I don't know if the T5 will easily fit up with the ford 8BA type stamped steel bell housing but where there is a will there is a way. A lot of flathead adapters are set up to work with the 49 to early 51 Mercury & truck half bell housing or the hogs head 4-speed truck half bell.

[decling]

Speed Gem Transmission Adaptors makes a shelter plate for the T5 and that bellhousing. I am good with the original clutch size if it holds fine. You can find 9 1/2 disk that have the correct input spline.

[V8COOPMAN]

Originally Posted by decling

Speed Gem Transmission Adaptors makes a shelter plate for the T5 and that bellhousing. I am good with the original clutch size if it holds fine. You can find 9 1/2 disk that have the correct input spline.

Also beware .....the wimpy T5s have a 14-spline input, whereas the GOOD ones have a 26-spline input shaft. Maybe the Ford T5s are different, though. JSeery would know! DD

[decling]

I am in process of doing a complete rebuild of the T5. It was going into another project but decided to use it on this. It is all new 300 hp gears and a new chevy tail housing to move shifter forward.

[V8COOPMAN]

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Originally Posted by decling

I am in process of doing a complete rebuild of the T5. It was going into another project but decided to use it on this. It is all new 300 hp gears and a new chevy tail housing to move shifter forward.

If all new gear set, what is your 1st gear ratio .....2.95 or 3.35? And what is your overdrive ratio? Curiosity....what type vehicle is this going into? DD

[Pete]

Any stock 9 or 9.5 inch clutch will handle 200 hp easily and they can be made to handle 500 hp.
There is NO reason to put a 10 inch clutch on any flathead Ford engine. They are too big and heavy.

[JSeery]

Ford input shaft:

Dia 1 1/16
Pilot .668
Splines 10
Length 7.18

What Pete said, a smaller diameter clutch assembly improves acceleration.

[Ol' Ron]

I have a 9 1/2 clutch on a stock 8BA flywheel and an adapter from power products, I think, I got it quite a few years back for 150 Bucks and all the hardware to go with it. I use the stock throwout bearing and arm along with a hydrolic clutch piston with a bracket welded to the bell housing. Works fine.
Gramps

[Pete]

Originally Posted by JSeery

Ford input shaft:

Dia 1 1/16
Pilot .668
Splines 10
Length 7.18

What Pete said, a smaller diameter clutch assembly improves acceleration.

And if you really want to go fast, you can put in a 7.5 inch clutch.
And if you want to go as fast as Nascar, you can put in a 5.5 inch clutch.
Engines really spool up quick with these.