66 Coupe - 427

[Bob V]

I recently purchased a 66 coupe and would appreciate any help diagnosing two mechanical problems. First, the car seems to float in turns. More specifically, if you are begin a turn it feels as though it wants to continue turning even after you have stopped turning the wheel. You need to start turning the wheel back toward center to stop the turning sensation. I have hypothesized that this is due to a faulty valve but would appreciate any other suggestions. Could this be a rag joint issue and how can I test that? Second, the car is very difficult to shift. The previous owner installed a new clutch but did not drive the car. I had to adjust the clutch all of the way out in order to get the car into gear and it is still very difficult. Any suggestions before I drop the tranny? I am guessing that this is clutch related, could there be any other frequent problems with this M21.

[Mark Milner]

Re: 66 Coupe - 427

Be sure your bell crank is right side up and not upside down. Many install them wrong. The long arm (4-1/2 inches) should be on top, the lower arm is about 4 inches, at least on a '63. The grease fitting/hole/plug/etc. should be on bottom. Many install it on top, thinking it is easier to service.

He could have also installed an improper throwout bearing. Typically big blocks run a short TO bearing but if he installed something special in the clutch, it may have required a different TO bearing.

Have you had the car aligned? Your alignment could be off and giving some oversteer that will make the rear come around and "steer" the car.

[Rich G.]

Re: 66 Coupe - 427

Previous owner of my 66 small block put in the wrong throw out bearing and then had to make a longer clutch rod to make it work. Also I have read on this forum that there could be differences in the Z bar (?) or other parts of the linkage. In my car, once the correct bearing and clutch rod were installed it shifts like new. Before, if you didn't get the clutch ALL the way down, it was scary.

Don't know if it's the same issue for your BB.

Rich Giannotti

[Wayne M.]

Re: 66 Coupe - 427 ; (N40 ?)

Bob -- by "faulty valve" I assume you are referring to power steering. Way back in the archives there is something about over-greasing the linkage causing an imbalance, giving the impression of the steering "hunting". Sorry I can't be any more specific, as I don't have this option. Others may chime in.

[Steve Pettit]

Re: 66 Coupe - 427

If previous owner messed around with the sway bars it may have a tendency to oversteer unless the proper sizes were used front and rear. Will it move easily through the gears stopped with the engine off?

Regards,
Steve Pettit