Maximum Clutch Size

[Nexxussian]

Hello, in perusing the wonderful archive here I see several articles on clutches, pressure plates, flywheels, and the like to use with a Rover V8, T5 and an MGB.

Most of the information I see describes the 9" or 9 1/2" clutch.

I hope to use a T5 from a mustang with the 3.35 1st and 1 1/16" 10 spline input.

My preferred clutch for those is a Hays 95-201, which is a full metallic 10.4" disc and fairly heavy clamp load Diphram type pressure plate (2700 Lb static IIRC).

I know I don't need that much holding power, but I like the daily driving manners of this clutch assembly, specifically: light pedal effort, no chatter, smooth engagement and enough distance at the pedal between released and full engaged that you don't look spastic leaving a stop...

My question is, does anyone know if a clutch this large will fit in a Buick 215 bell housing?

I'm talking to someone locally that thinks they have one "somewhere" and I'd rather investigate other options, for now, if it won't fit.

I expect part of the problem could be the flywheel, as the stock one may not be able to be drilled for that large a pressure plate bolt pattern.

I'm not that concerned about the stock flywheel as I'm seriously considering an Aluminum flywheel (that's what I have in my model A with the same clutch setup).

If there is another concern about that large a clutch (besides inertia) please feel free to clue me in, trying to quickly find specifics about these cars, here, is not unlike trying to drink from a fire hose.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I had a 1-1/2" clutch on the 215 I'm pretty sure.

Jim

[Dan B]

That's pretty small

[MGBV8]

Might want to get your flywheel first. Some have holes for more than one size pressure plate. I bought a Camaro 10 1/2" originally, but then decided to go smaller. Couldn't see hanging all that extra weight on my newly lightened flywheel.

Using a diaphragm pressure plate will help with the pedal. I find the HTOB to have shorter pedal travel than stock.

[Nexxussian]

Carl, thanks.

I understand about the lower polar moment of inertia of the smaller diameter parts, if I can find an equivalent that is smaller I will definitely give it a shot.

Getting the flywheel first would make a fair bit of sense, but the bell housing deal locally may be a perishable opportunity (hence my concern over it first).

Thank you again for he information.


Jim, I expect that is 10 1/2".

Thank you.

[BlownMGB-V8]

I'm quite certain I typed that extra zero....

Jim

[Jim Stabe]

I ran a 10 1/2" when I had the 215 in the car back in the dark ages.

[Nexxussian]

Thank you Jim.