Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

[Ruud Z.]

Does anyone have experience and/or input on what the problem(s) (beside that it not correct) are when installing a hydraulic clutch pedal assembly on a C2.
The reason(s) for this question are a) I am getting older and b) also tired of this ongoing clutch rattle, even with all anti rattle springs at their correct location.
I was told that a hydraulic clutch operates lighter, more precize and eliminates a lot of mechanical noises. Thanks for any thoughts . Ruud

[John H.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Does anyone have experience and/or input on what the problem(s) (beside that it not correct) are when installing a hydraulic clutch pedal assembly on a C2.
The reason(s) for this question are a) I am getting older and b) also tired of this ongoing clutch rattle, even with all anti rattle springs at their correct location.
I was told that a hydraulic clutch operates lighter, more precize and eliminates a lot of mechanical noises. Thanks for any thoughts . Ruud

Ruud -

It may be quieter and smoother, but the pedal effort won't be any different with a hydraulic clutch; there's no "free lunch" when it comes to clutch disengagement force. You can either have less pedal travel and higher pedal force, or less force and longer pedal travel. In addition, the pedal force loads currently handled by the cross shaft (Z-bar) will be transferred directly to the firewall by the attachment of the clutch master cylinder, and the firewall will require massive reinforcement to eliminate deflection. Stick with what you have and keep it lubricated.

[Joe R.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Ruud,

Many later model Corvettes and Trucks have hydraulic clutches which totally eliminate the "rattle". You should contact one of these that build C-1, C-2 retro rods. Hedges Speed Shop, Fresno, CA. 1 559 930-0030, Corvette Correction, Billy Dawson, Seguin, TX. 1 830 305-7596 or Jamison Custom Corvettes, Inc. Charleston, SC. 1 843 552-2024. Any one of these can supply you with the parts and help you with the installation. You will love your hydraulic clutch.

JR

[Joe L.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Ruud,

Many later model Corvettes and Trucks have hydraulic clutches which totally eliminate the "rattle". You should contact one of these that build C-1, C-2 retro rods. Hedges Speed Shop, Fresno, CA. 1 559 930-0030, Corvette Correction, Billy Dawson, Seguin, TX. 1 830 305-7596 or Jamison Custom Corvettes, Inc. Charleston, SC. 1 843 552-2024. Any one of these can supply you with the parts and help you with the installation. You will love your hydraulic clutch.

JR

JR------


All 1984 and later Corvettes use an hydraulic clutch. However, I don't think I'd be interested in trying to adapt an earlier Corvette to such a system.

[Stuart F.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Do you know exactly what type of pressure plate your car is equipped with? Reason for asking is that it used to be common "Back in the day" to install a Borg and Beck spring clutch with HD springs (white springs) and these babies could be tough on linkage including your leg. I had one as I bought the idea that this was the way to go for racing in my 57 post Chevy. When I saw the "metal" dash board torque when I pushed it in I got the message. A good diaphram clutch will suffice, specially for street use. Even for racing, I chose an 11" truck pressure plate with driven disc impregnated with lots of metal and it lastd an entire season at the track. I believe in "adhesion" vs. "pressure".

Stu Fox

[Joe R.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Joe,

If I'm not mistaken it was not you asking for information!

JR

JR------


All 1984 and later Corvettes use an hydraulic clutch. However, I don't think I'd be interested in trying to adapt an earlier Corvette to such a system.

[Joe L.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Joe,

If I'm not mistaken it was not you asking for information!

JR

JR------


Yes, I know that. I was simply offering my opinion of such a conversion.

[Scott P.]

Re: Hydraulic clutch installation on a 4 speed C2

Rudd, try this first. It works and you already own the parts. Scott

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-and-c2-corvettes/2649954-clutch-linkage-improvement-mod-some-pics.html