I'm building a 261 stroker. I'll be using my original sm420 tranny w/ o.d. The 10" currently with my truck is not strong enough. I don't know if I'll recondition a used 11" flywheel or buy a new one. I want something smooth and easy to shift with not too much pedal pressure. Any recommendations? Looking at all options. Quality is important. Thanks

I had good luck with a Hays Borg & Beck style pressure plate and clutch assy. Worked well on fairly heathly 292.

I had good luck with a Hays Borg & Beck style pressure plate and clutch assy. Worked well on fairly heathly 292.

If you can swing the money take a look at a Centerforce clutch set up. They have 3 different levels from street / OEM type replacement up to full racing. The pedal feel on the street job is the same or in some cases lighter than an orignal but as the rpm's increase so does the clamping force of the pressure plate. Just about every mail order performance supplier offers them. On average they cost about 100.00 more than a stock replacement for a clutch, p-plate, & t/o bearing.

Are there different size flywheels?
Like a 153 0r 168 tooth?
If so,get the smaller diameter flywheel a 10.5 inch clutch will work fine, really do not need an 11"
My friend ran a 10.5" in his 509 BBC that made 600HP & a lot of torque.
You just need a stiffer/stronger pressure plate.

I would not get a reconditioned set-up, who knows if it can be balanced? I got a reconditioned set-up once & had to exchange it three times before my friend @ the "balance shop" could balance it.

I thought I remember the "Borg & Beck" pressure plates are harder to press your clutch pedal over a "diaphragm" type?
My two cents.


MBHD

Dear Bert;

The orginal 10" diaphram (truck) assembly will be just fine. We used these all through the 50s & 60s (drags) W/O any problems if It's ballanced.

Ther's a little (give) there, but that's okay.

Those that used the Hayes (spring type) with NO give, snapped axles all the time.

Surface the face with a DA sander or have it done at a Machine Shop and your "good to go"....

Remember; That unit was made for the series 40 truck which hauled 5,000# loads & more.

Good luck.

Thanks for the info and support guys. I'm trusting y'all and am having my flywheel resurfaced. I'm having them take off about 3/16" which will eliminate the cleanout groove. Now I guess I can use the 10" pressure plate (I bought a new one)and can use my choice of 10.4" or 10.5" discs. Any more suggestions?

Yes,,,,,,, do not get one of those "high metalic" clutch disc, they will just eat up your freshly surfaced flywheel.

Yes,,,, they grip good, but also just eat up the surfaces.

Two cents!

MBHD