Crate Engines

[Rick Krason]

Re: Crate Engines

What is the big deal about the drum to disc conversions then?????

The whole reason I even thought about changing over was because the drums I have now pull terribly to the right up front. If you stop slowly and pump them a couple of times its OK, and doesn't throw you onto the curb. I might just need to rebuild the Left caliper and things would be OK from what you say (I would rebuild Left and Right the calipers though), and really need a new master as well. No real benefit form the disc break conversions then??? I have lots of other places I could put $875.

[Mike McKown]

Re: Crate Engines

Rick:

Do you suppose your brakes pulled to one side or the other when the car was New!

You pretty well summed it up when you said you could better spend the $875 somewhere else.

In my opinion, it's all about CASH FLOW, in the WRONG DIRECTION!

Mike

[Joe L.]

Re: Crate Engines

Joe------

You hit on the "$64,000 question" (the "$640,000 question" on an inflation-adjusted basis). For C1's, crate engine installation can get a bit more complicated than for 63+ Corvettes.

If the original bellhousing is to be used on a C1, then I don't know of an answer to the crate engine installation. As far as I know, C1s require, when used with the original bellhousing, a special 14", 168 tooth flywheel used in conjunction with a 10-1/2" clutch. I don't think that the later flywheels, required for use with 1 piece seal crate engines, will work with the original bellhousing.

So, I think for the conversion to a crate engine, the bellhousing must also be converted to the "full round" aluminum bellhousings used from 63+. Then, the flywheel can be converted to the later style. To help insure proper fitment, though, I think that I'd go with the 12-3/4", 153 tooth flywheel used with the '403' or '383' bellhousings. This flywheel uses a 10-1/2" clutch. In order to use it, though, the starter would have to be changed. It's also possible that the 14", 168 tooth flywheel with 11" clutch could be used in conjunction with the GM #3899621 bellhousing.

Of course, the conversion to the "full round" bellhousing will likely also create the need to modify clutch linkage. One thing leads to another.

Part numbers for the 1 piece seal flywheels are as follows:

14", 168 tooth-------GM #10105382

12-2/4", 153 tooth---GM #14088650

[John H.]

Re: Crate Engines

Unless you plan on hot-lapping a road course competitively, there's no reason to convert a C1 to disc brakes; a properly-assembled (and adjusted) drum system will stop just as well as a disc system - we're just spoiled by the low pedal pressure and linearity of modern power disc systems. When I restored my '57, I rebuilt the master cylinder, replaced the flex hoses, wheel cylinders, shoes, and hold-down hardware and springs and had the drums turned and the shoes arced to match the drums, and it would stop with great authority; only adjusted them once in 5,000 miles. The disc conversion may make you feel better, but it won't stop any better, and is a waste of money IMO.

[Clem Z.]

Re: Crate Engines

joe, with a some grinding on the bell housing you can use a block mounted starter with the old style CI bell housing. it has been years since i have done that but i know it can be done. i have a e mail into GM to see if the bellhousing mounted starter will work with the crate engine flywheel. i will post when i get a reply

[Rick Krason]

Re: Crate Engines

Alright, I am convinced...any input on who does a good job rebuilding master cylinders, etc.??? Best to remove/replace the lines too? Have had NO problems to this point with loss of fluid or pressure, just a terrible pull to the right from a bad L front brake.

[Craig S.]

Re: Crate Engines

Rick - I have heard good things about Apple Hydraulics...they install brass sleeves....Craig

http://www.applehydraulics.com

[Clem Z.]

crate engine flywheels with C-1 bell housings

my source at GM e mailed that crate engines with one piece rear seal flywheels will work with bell housing mounted starters as long as they have the correct number of teeth to match the orignal engine flywheel.

[Joe Pennington]

Thanks for the info *NM*