273 Commando 4 Speed with Brewer Performance Replacement Clutch

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superstock64polara

superstock64polara

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Fellas, I have a 67 barracuda with a 273 Commando and 4 speed. About a year ago I installed a new direct replacement 10” clutch I got from Brewers Performance. Great fit, no issues, works great. I have the standard 122 tooth flywheel that originally used a 9-1/2” clutch, now with the 10” clutch (10” pressure plate & clutch disk) I was wondering how much horsepower this new, larger clutch could handle.

I’m looking to upgrade the 273 Commando by swapping over the top end stuff, heads, intake, carb, OEM headers etc. over to a 318 short motor. I’ll also be doing a mild port job on the ‘920’ heads and swapping out the cam with a Comp XE262H (yeah I know it’s a hydraulic stick).

Would the new Brewers 10” clutch support 320HP & 340TQ? If not, could the pressure plate be modified to support this increase in power?
 
I'm not sure why you're expecting a big increase in power when you're losing compression by going to the 318 block. Are you replacing the pistons?
 
mvh said:
I'm not sure why you're expecting a big increase in power when you're losing compression by going to the 318 block. Are you replacing the pistons?
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Not expecting a huge increase in power, however the people that have done a similar 'upgrade' have noted that there is a noticeable difference. I stated 320HP / 340TQ which is probably above and beyond what's to be expected, better to make enquiries based on more than less, no...?
 
Don't know for sure but IMO the clutch would be good. However I would use the 273 cam, solid lifters, push rods and adjustable rockers, you will save $$ on those items and will not have to sweating the cam going flat.
 
I don't know the exact specifications of that clutch but my guess would be you'll be fine if everything is clean and in good working order. It also depends on what tires you're using, they can really be the measuring stick for clutches. One clutch may work just fine with a set of 245 street tires but put a set of 275 drag radials on there and well you get my point .
 
I asked that question of Brewers a few years ago. But I was shooting for 300hp. I was advised that there 10" clutch would not handle that power level. They suggested that I upgrade to a 10 1/2" clutch kit.

The 10" clutch was originally designed for 1/2 ton pickups with the \6.
 
superstock64polara said:
Fellas, I have a 67 barracuda with a 273 Commando and 4 speed. About a year ago I installed a new direct replacement 10” clutch I got from Brewers Performance. Great fit, no issues, works great. I have the standard 122 tooth flywheel that originally used a 9-1/2” clutch, now with the 10” clutch (10” pressure plate & clutch disk) I was wondering how much horsepower this new, larger clutch could handle.

I’m looking to upgrade the 273 Commando by swapping over the top end stuff, heads, intake, carb, OEM headers etc. over to a 318 short motor. I’ll also be doing a mild port job on the ‘920’ heads and swapping out the cam with a Comp XE262H (yeah I know it’s a hydraulic stick).

Would the new Brewers 10” clutch support 320HP & 340TQ? If not, could the pressure plate be modified to support this increase in power?
Click to expand...
kesteb said:
I asked that question of Brewers a few years ago. But I was shooting to 300hp. I was advised that there 10" clutch would not handle that power level. They suggested that I upgrade to a 10 1/2" clutch kit.
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They now have 2 new clutches for the small flywheel that can handle up to 500 horsepower. Brewer's Performance - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission and Component Specialists
 
kesteb said:
I asked that question of Brewers a few years ago. But I was shooting for 300hp. I was advised that there 10" clutch would not handle that power level. They suggested that I upgrade to a 10 1/2" clutch kit.

The 10" clutch was originally designed for 1/2 ton pickups with the \6.
Click to expand...

Thanks kesteb, I did send Dan Brewer a PM yesterday. He replied that the 10" clutch package does handle a little more power, around the 275HP range. As you suggested also he recommends a 10-1/2" clutch for anything beyond that.
 
toolmanmike said:
They now have 2 new clutches for the small flywheel that can handle up to 500 horsepower. Brewer's Performance - Mopar A833 4-Speed Transmission and Component Specialists
Click to expand...

Hey Mike, I have seen the 9-1/2" clutch packages on the Brewer's website. These range from 400, 500, 600, & 750HP with all new billet 122 tooth flywheels and clutches that fit within the original 273 & slant 6 bell-housing.

Didn't really want to Hot Rod my Barracuda, but I do have a fresh 416 with TF heads on a stand, it's tempting.
 
superstock64polara said:
Hey Mike, I have seen the 9-1/2" clutch packages on the Brewer's website. These range from 400, 500, 600, & 750HP with all new billet 122 tooth flywheels and clutches that fit within the original 273 & slant 6 bell-housing.

Didn't really want to Hot Rod my Barracuda, but I do have a fresh 416 with TF heads on a stand, it's tempting.
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I have the older scalloped pressure plate in my 66. It might be good for may be 300 horse. Brewer could probably modify the pressure plate with more and heavier springs. I know Clutch Masters can do that.
 
toolmanmike said:
I have the older scalloped pressure plate in my 66. It might be good for may be 300 horse. Brewer could probably modify the pressure plate with more and heavier springs. I know Clutch Masters can do that.
Click to expand...

The 10" clutch I got from Brewer's Performance is a scalloped type, probably the same as you have. I could get the pressure plate sent out to beef it up with heavier springs etc. Mike, that's a great idea.

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