66 Barracuda

[mopar!!!]

I am replacing the clutch in my Barracuda. How is the most simple way to go to a bigger clutch? The 9 1/2 just don't seem strong enough.

 

[Jim Lusk]

At one time there was a 10" that fit (I think), but the easiest way is to get a later bell and flywheel to use a 10.5" clutch.

 

[mopar!!!]

Thanks, any idea if any one bellhousing is a better fit?

 

[Charrlie_S]

What engine do you have?

 

[66340SEDAN]

I went 10.5 in my 66, got the 10.5 clutch conversion kit from Brewers Performance, I had a flywheel and newer bell housing, I am running a Centerforce II clutch and works great!

 

[mopar!!!]

Its the Commando 273.

 

[Charrlie_S]

Its the Commando 273.

In that case, I will let others with more knowledge of those options respond. I have more knowledge of the slant six. Just remember if your engine is a 67 or older, it has the small crank register, and will need a compatible flywheel, or an adapter ring to use the later flywheel, with the large center hole.

 

[mopar!!!]

Thanks

 

[66fs]

At one time there was a 10" that fit (I think), but the easiest way is to get a later bell and flywheel to use a 10.5" clutch.

Brewers Performance sells a performance 10 inch clutch and pressure plate that will bolt up to your original flywheel. I'd reface your flywheel and have it balanced with the pressure plate unless it looks real good. You will need everything to be good to hold a good 273 Commando or Charger. The 10.5, 130 tooth newer flywheel is much better but there is a lot of changing and buying involved.

 

[Keith Mopar]

I changed to the 10.5 unit. The seem from the firewall to floor had to be flattened. The bell crank and some of the linkage has to be changes due to the wider bell housing. It bolted to the original trans ok (65 Cuda). You'll need a new clutch pressure plate of course and a new throw out bearing, But I think that's it, but I'm old and forgetful!

 

[396 Signet]

I'm currently doing a 10.5" upgrade. At some point I'll do a post on parts I used & problems encountered. As stated there are lots of parts needed. It's not cheap either, over $1k in my case using decent quality parts.

The 10" Borg & Beck is actually very similar to the 9-1/2" but has a scalloped housing & friction surface because the attachment bolts are very close to the disc. It was used on various slant six HD apps (trucks) though the 80's I believe. I have a spare rebuilt one that I'm going to sell. Another less expensive option is to get a McLeod (Wilcap?) flywheel which is also drilled for the 10" Ford diaphragm which is very common as they used it on Mustangs.

For smaller displacements like the 273 with street tires I would stick to the original setup. For big engines I'd bite the bullet & go 10.5".

 

[mopar!!!]

Thanks for the ideas. I am dealing for a nice 340 and need the bigger unit.