C1 11 Inch Clutch

[Bob Herman]

I've put the 283 on an engine stand and had a 383 stroker built for the '58. The builder put on a 14" flywheel set up for an 11 inch clutch (larger bolt circle than original 10 inch pressure plate). Will an 11 inch clutch and matching pressure plate fit underneath my '62 aluminum bell housing? Or will I have to find a different flywheel set up for a 10 inch clutch. Don't want to mess with flywheel because it has been balanced to the engine. Thanks for any help.

Bob Herman

[Joe L.]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

Bob-----

I wish that I had a definitive answer for this one, but I don't. I used to believe that an 11" clutch would not fit under a C1 style bellhousing. However, awhile back someone told me that they had used them and they will fit. So, perhaps they will. One problem that I can see, though, is that the C1 14" flywheel is thicker than later 14" flywheels. So, this might create some sort of clutch linkage problems if a C1 flywheel is not used. Once again, though, I don't know this, for sure.

[Bob Herman]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

Thanks Joe. As I try to eyeball it, it seems like it might squeak in there. I guess we're gonna find out! I had the same thought about the linkage. Thanks again for the reply.

[Mark Milner]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

I would assembly it all on the ground, prior to putting it in the car. It is a lot easier to redo if you have to.

I would also turn it completely by hand, at least one full turn before attempting to fire it up.

[Robert Willis]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

I used one of those clutch's in my 55 Chevie with a stock bellhousing. So I know it will fit in a 57 housing for sure and I'm sure it will fit yours. You may have to use a different throw out bearing ( short vs long.)

Bob .




Our Vette

[Bob Herman]

Thanks Guys! *NM*

[frank mccracken]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

I had trouble getting an aluminum bell housing to fit my large dia flywheel. I used a cast iron bellhousing with no problem. You are talking about cast iron bellhousings I hope? Once I got mine in the car I did have to grind the fork opening for enough arm movement.

[Bob Herman]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

Frank,

It is a '62 ALUMINUM bell housing. Did the aluminum housing cause interference with the pressure plate or just create linkage issues or both? Did you grind the aluminum or cast iron bell housing to solve your linkage woes? Thanks.

Bob

[frank mccracken]

Re: C1 11 Inch Clutch

Sorry Bob, Disregard. For some reason I thought that all c1's had the old cast iron housings. I was suggesting that you would probably have no problem installing the larger flywheel in one.
Frank.