63 T-10 Clutch Plate and Disk

[Larry Stewart]

Went to GM dealer yesterday to get a new clutch plate and disk for my early 63, fuelie, with a BW T-10. They said it has been discontinued...does anyone know if GM has a replacement part number for it. It seems that Joe Lucia always comes up with one at times for discontinued parts, so trying to see if he or anyone else has one....or.....can someone recommend a good replacement. Appreciate it.

...Larry... NCRS 27538

Thanks Joe for the throw out bearing and pilot roller bearing part numbers mentioned in earlier messages out here. Love this site.

[Joe L.]

Re: 63 T-10 Clutch Plate and Disk

Larry-----

I'm afraid, this time, I'm probably not going to be able to "pull a rabbit out of a hat". Corvettes from 1963-68 with 327 cid engines used a 10.4" clutch with a 10-spline disc. This clutch was a Borg and Beck design. There have been several iterations of part numbers for this clutch system over the years, but the last available GM parts were discontinued quite some time ago.

The last available clutch pressure plate and cover assembly was GM #3841673 and this has been discontinued for a long while. The last available friction disc was GM #458629 and this was discontinued more recently. Your dealer should be able to locate one of these for you out of existing dealer stocks if you're interested. But, unfortunately, I seriously doubt that he'll be able to find a 3841673 available in GM dealer stocks. Interestingly, the last available friction disc, GM #458629, was originally used on 1978 Corvettes with L-48 engine and manual trans which also used a 10.4" clutch with 10 spline input, a rarity for 1971+ GM applications. Later, the GM #458629 replaced previously available friction discs for 63-68 Corvette 10.4" applications.

Although I usually always favor GM clutches, if you can't get them, you can't get them. And, there are very decent alternatives available. You can obtain a Luk or Sachs replacement clutch for your application very easily. These will be a diaphragm-type clutch which are, otherwise, of similar configuration to your original. Also, you can upgrade to a CenterForce clutch which have an outstanding reputation, although I have no personal experience with them . A CenterForce I will give you a high quality clutch approximately equivalent to your stock clutch. A CenterForce II or "Dual Friction" assembly will provide significantly improved performance. My recommendation to you, though, would be to stay with the Centerforce I if you decide to go the CenterForce route.

I DO NOT RECOMMEND the use of "rebuilt" or "reconditioned" clutch components.

[Carl R.]

Mid-year clutches in General

Hi Mr. Lucia!

I share your opinion of GM clutch components & was unaware that the pressure plates & discs had been discontinued. Purchased my last PP/disk combination in 1996 as I remember. I have experienced difficulty with "rebuilt" pressure plates not having the soft clutch pedal pressure of the GM; i.e. the Arnold Schwarzenegger left leg that makes the car unpleasant to drive.

Currently I'm not looking to replace either of these components in my car, given its limited usage, in the next 10-15years (if ever) but would solicit your advice regarding trying to find a GM unit collecting dust on a shelf somewhere? Do you know of the units sold as "NOS" or "OEM" b reputable suppliers such as LI Corvette? And since in the next ten or so years I'll probably take leave of my senses & purchase a 427 car, are these clutches still available? Should I purchase a set?

Thanks for your advice!

Carl

[Larry Stewart]

Thanks Joe Re: Mid-year clutches in General

Joe...at least you pointed me in the right direction. Appreciate all your advise and help as well as everyone elses out here.

...Larry...