Clutch replacement '66 327/300

[Edward S.]

I hope I can get some advice on replacing the clutch in my stock '66 327/300 corvette. The more I read on the subject, the more confused I got. The car is driven normally, no track or drag racing so a stock replacement or maybe a little bit more performance based product would be ok. It seems the low power (300 H/P) model had the 153 tooth ring gear and external diameter of 10 1/2". Beyond that I am in the fog. Can anyone recommend a make and model that can put me on the right track? Thanks!

[Leif A.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Edward,
I've always had good service with Luk clutch kits. See one listed below for your application.

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/luk-04-021/overview/

[Carl N.]

[Bob W.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Leif-Carl Thanks for your post and information, looks as if this will work in my 1969 350/300 hp vette. What about a flywheel ?

Thanks Bob

[Edward S.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Thank you. LUK was the brand I read most about and closest to OEM

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

I hope I can get some advice on replacing the clutch in my stock '66 327/300 corvette. The more I read on the subject, the more confused I got. The car is driven normally, no track or drag racing so a stock replacement or maybe a little bit more performance based product would be ok. It seems the low power (300 H/P) model had the 153 tooth ring gear and external diameter of 10 1/2". Beyond that I am in the fog. Can anyone recommend a make and model that can put me on the right track? Thanks!

Edward------


All 1963-68 Corvette small blocks used a 12-3/4", 153 tooth flywheel and 10.4" clutch.

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Leif-Carl Thanks for your post and information, looks as if this will work in my 1969 350/300 hp vette. What about a flywheel ?

Thanks Bob

Bob-----

All 1969 Corvettes except L-88/ZL-1 used a 14", 168 tooth flywheel and 11" clutch. So, the clutch used for 1963-68 small blocks is not the correct one for 1969. However, LUK does offer clutches for both, just not the same for both.

[Edward S.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Thank You!!

[Bob W.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Joe, Thanks for that information. So how about a good flywheel? This car has 79k miles 1 owner (me) or should I just have it refaced?

Thanks Again Bob

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Joe, Thanks for that information. So how about a good flywheel? This car has 79k miles 1 owner (me) or should I just have it refaced?

Thanks Again Bob

Bob------


I am not a believer, at all, in the use of re-surfaced flywheels, especially for a Corvette. My long-held opinion is that if a flywheel needs to be re-surfaced, replace it.

You can still obtain a flywheel for your application from GM under GM #3991469. It's about 250 bucks, though. You can also get one from LUK under their number LFW101 for about 70 bucks.

Which one would I use? Guess.

[Bob W.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Joe, thank you again and I know which one.


Bob

[Jimmy G.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

resurfaced flywheel is fine unless you want to go racing never had an issue and have used many resurfaced ones

[Dick W.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

LUK is the way to go. Unless the flywheel exhibits deep cracks, resurface it. Otherwise the clutch may chatter if you don't

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

All------


Here's the primary (but not only) problem with re-surfaced flywheels. In a 63-81 Corvette, the clutch actuating system is a "finely tuned", finicky sort of thing. As many have discovered, obtaining the specified free play (1") with full disengagement at maximum deflection is very problematic, to say the least. GM did many actuating system tweaks over the course of 1963 to 1975 to solve this problem. They never succeeded.

If a flywheel is re-surfaced, the geometry of the whole system is altered. This usually makes clutch adjustment to specification even more difficult. If this occurs and one is unsatisfied with the available adjustment possibilities, the only solution is to "go back in" and replace the flywheel with a new part. I prefer to always avoid the need to "go back in".

There are other reasons to replace rather than re-surface that I will not go into here. The above is enough by itself for me.

[Jim D.]

Re: Clutch replacement '66 327/300

Here's another vote for Luk. Never had a problem with re-surfacing a flywheel and certainly not with the ability to properly adjust the clutch. I would have the whole assembly balanced before installation. I've seen some brand new pressure plates that were quite a bit out of balance.