Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

[Jacob A.]

Hi Everyone,

I went to the Dyno Shop with my freshly rebuilt #'s matching L-71 yesterday. What fun! I got it recorded and took pics, I will post in another thread...

However, for right now... I need to order a clutch.

What is your best advice?

The car has her #"s matching M-21 and like I said the car is a 435 L-71

I am told by local "Corvette Specific" mechanic Centerforce Dual Friction and a roller pilot from Jegs.

I am told by my "Corvette Specific" parts supplier to go stock.

WHAT IS STOCK? How many splines does my M-21 have? Is it a 10 or 23 or 26 I am getting too much advice from gear heads... I need advice from one of you guys!!

Maybe a silly question here, ..... but my local Napa has in stock an 11 inch Napa Clutch with 10 spline.... will that work just as well? (clearly the easiest and least expensive route) Really don't want to go down that road... just curious what you all thought)

Though, I am going #'s matching... My car has HUGE fender flares, Wide Torque Thrusts and Enormous Tires! I want it to really be able to hook up!

Thanks in advance.
Very Best,
Jacob

[Bill I.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Jacob, go with the mechanic and use a Centerforce Bill

[Joe L.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Hi Everyone,

I went to the Dyno Shop with my freshly rebuilt #'s matching L-71 yesterday. What fun! I got it recorded and took pics, I will post in another thread...

However, for right now... I need to order a clutch.

What is your best advice?

The car has her #"s matching M-21 and like I said the car is a 435 L-71

I am told by local "Corvette Specific" mechanic Centerforce Dual Friction and a roller pilot from Jegs.

I am told by my "Corvette Specific" parts supplier to go stock.

WHAT IS STOCK? How many splines does my M-21 have? Is it a 10 or 23 or 26 I am getting too much advice from gear heads... I need advice from one of you guys!!

Maybe a silly question here, ..... but my local Napa has in stock an 11 inch Napa Clutch with 10 spline.... will that work just as well? (clearly the easiest and least expensive route) Really don't want to go down that road... just curious what you all thought)

Though, I am going #'s matching... My car has HUGE fender flares, Wide Torque Thrusts and Enormous Tires! I want it to really be able to hook up!

Thanks in advance.
Very Best,
Jacob

Jacob-----


I recommend a stock-type clutch only. Your car was originally fitted with a 14 flywheel and 11" clutch. Original 1967 Muncie transmissions used a 10 spline input, so if you have an original transmission, you need a 10 spline clutch disc.

I recommend the use of a LUK or Sachs, stock-type clutch. The one that NAPA has is very likely a LUK or Sachs manufactured clutch since NAPA doesn't manufacture clutches and LUK or Sachs is THE major supplier to the industry.

[Joe R.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Jacob,

After doing some searching of the archives I decided on a Luk clutch for my 66 427 / 425. The part number is 04-049. I ordered it from AutoZone and received it about a week later. I haven't installed it yet. Check out this thread:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...71300&uid=3288

Joe

[Lynn H.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

I'm with Joe, if "hooking up" is what matters most to you, The Centerforce will most likely not only work the best, but last quite a bit longer in the process.
Just one mans' opinion...
Lynn

[Lynn H.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

I meant Jacob,,Sorry Joe!!
Lynn

[Joe R.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Lynn,

No problem, you had me a bit confused there for a minute. Not that it's anything new for me! By the way, you can edit your posts if no one has replied yet.

Joe

[Lynn H.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Hey I did not know that, but will have to keep it in mind. I have made myself look bad a couple of times already (not that it's hard to do). I did it again when I posted what I thought was a correction. Who I was attempting to agree with was Bill. My apologies to everyone!! On the subject of goofy replies, is there any type of spell check in here. I type with six thumbs (not really) and seem to constantly be missing misspelled words when I proof read before posting. I read in a post where one member uses his email, and then cut and pastes his reply in. Maybe I should start doing that...
Lynn

[Jacob A.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Lynn, I think you meant to say go with Bill... he is the guy who first recommended the centeforce.

Joe Lucia, and Joe Raine thanks very much for the advice... I had to pull the trigger though in order to get the part here tomorrow, and I went with the Centerforce Dual Friction Clutch Disc and Pressure Plate, a Roller Pilot Bearing, and Centerforce Throw out Bearing.

I am happy with the purchase it will be here tomorrow for 380.80

Thanks guys!

now I gotta get back to work....

Very Best,
Jacob

[Jamie F.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

I would also trash the idea of a roller pilot from Jegs. I bought one and ending up throwing it away.
First off it is a pain to install unless the crank is out of the car and you can use an arbor press. You cannot hammer it into place as you will destroy it.
Second these need PERFECT alignment of the bellhousing center to crank center or you will destroy your trans input shaft.
Third, there is no real benefit on a car like yours.
Fourth the pilot bushing that comes with the Luk set is the best one you can find. Most of the retail store ones are highly magnetic and not of the same quality material.
Fifth, the factory bronze style is much more forgiving and will last just as long as the clutch, so why go through the PIA of the roller type?
Sixth, when I mentioned it to a 30 year experience muncie trans rebuilder he said "NO! DO NOT USE THEM ON A MUNCIE" "You will be sorry" That was enough for me to hear.

[Lynn H.]

Re: Clutch Advice Please.... Installng the #'s matching L-71!

Since you have already made up your mind and ordered the Jegs parts, I do think Jamie brings in a couple of VERY important thoughts, such as installaton of the pilot bearing. Since your motor is already assembled I would offer an idea (not really a suggestion) for getting that bushing in as hammering is NOT an option.
After installing the flywheel you can take a heavy piece of steel strapping (maybe at least 3/8" x2" and roughly 16 or 18 inches long. Drill a couple of clearance holes in it so you can bolt it to the threaded pressure plate mounting holes on the flywheel (make sure you get full engagment of the threads for a firm grip). Then you need to mark and drill a whole on center of the crank (this would not have to be perfectly centered). Thread that hole with a tap. I would suggest a large fine thread (over 1/2"). You may have to use some washers under the strap (where it is bolted to the flywheel) for clearance and working room. Then all you need is a good quality bolt (preferably grade 8), and something to place on top of the pilot bushing to keep from damaging it with the rotating bolt. You should be able to install the pilot bearing properly (be patient and keep everything square) without damage.
Alignment is also a concern, but you can buy offset dowels and indicate the bearing in (if you have the tools to do all this). This is very similar to what is required when installinga Tremec or a trans of that nature where alignment is VERY important.
Just some ideas for you.....I'm not an expert.....
Lynn
You could also do this with something shroter in length using the thread holes in the crankshaft instead of mounting the flywheel first.
Just another IDEA....