Hydraulic Clutch conversion

[DieselDan]

Does anyone know how different the older linkage (clutch) pedal is compared to the later style hydraulic pedal. Could it be converted? Or is it completely different and must be replaced? What year(s) did GM start using hydraulic? I'm planning on ditching the slush box sometime but I'm not crazy about the old style linkage I got with my SM465.

TIA

 

[dyeager535]

I *think* '85 was the first year of hydraulic. The pedals bolt in, but you have to drill two holes in the firewall for studs that protrude into the engine bay. The studs both reinforce the pedal assembly mounting, plus provide mounts for the clutch master cylinder. I was going to use older stuff until I found a hydraulic setup. The old stuff fit fine in my '86, but it didn't even have the dimple in the floor for the mech. style clutch pushrod. I like the hydraulic quite a bit. Besides being slightly afraid of the bellhousing slave cylinder ear breaking off, I don't see there being much problems with it, besides the cost of rebuilt slave/master cylinders, which are kinda pricey.

Dorian
My K5 and Chev/Olds tech/links page: <A target="_blank" HREF=http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html>http://www.dorianyeager.com/index2.html</A>

 

[Steve_87K5]

I converted my '87 to a stick. There are 2 dimples on the firewall which I drilled
out and then had perfectly located master cyl holes. I used a chassis punch for the
master cyl center hole. Bought most of the stuff from the dealer. The studs Dorian mentioned
are VERY important. They are actually studs and rods combined. I posted a parts
list for my conversion at: http://www.geocities.com/tneg50/ (includes the part numbers
for the studs)

SteveB

 

[DieselDan]

Thanks Dorian & Steve. Steve have you got a better link for your parts list? I couldn't get it to work.