SM 465 clutch questions??

[hazelwood1]

im doing my th400 to sm465 swap this week and im going to order a new clutch. when i look at like the zoom website it says the clutch is a 12" i though my flywheel was only 11" if i end up ordering the 12" clutch will i have any trouble bolting it up?
thanks,
matt

 

[bp71k5]

It probably depends on what vintage motor you have but if you are already running a 400, then I'd have to guess a 12" clutch would work. Some of the bellhousing I've seen allow a 12" clutch as long as it's not a "zoom" style clutch so you might want to check for sure.

 

[hazelwood1]

whats the difference between a zoom style clutch compared to others?

 

[bp71k5]

whats the difference between a zoom style clutch compared to others?

I really don't know, but I think they are taller than other diaphram style clutches. Is the "high-hat" clutch or borg and beck style any different?

Since I don't know much about them I should quit talking, but the sm465 can probably use either since those clutches were a standard option for a long time.

 

[hazelwood1]

no, thanks for the input. i dont know much about them eather since like i said im doing to swap. well im goin to go up to my shop and measure up the flywheel and see what it looks like. any more input would be great.

 

[tRustyK5]

Unless you have a flywheel from a car you should be able to run a 12" clutch. I run a Hays clutch that is 12 1/4"...which is about as big as is physically possible inside the bell. It's meant for pulling, and nothing beats surface area for holding/clamping power.

Definitely go with a diaphram clutch over the stone age Borg & Beck (three finger) clutch. Whether you run hydro or mechanical your leg will thank you.

The only time the Borg & Beck style has an advantage is during very high rpm use (5500+ rpm)

Rene

 

[sweetk30]

if you have hydro clutch setup instead of mechanical you will not get away with 3 finger style. the taller pressure plate will hit and rub the hydro fork.

if you dont belive me search hydro and my screen name. there is pics.

 

[hazelwood1]

wow thanks for all that info. so i want a diafram clutch without the 3 finger. yea my motor is a 400 small block so im using a 454 flywheel that is balanced and shaved down. will that make a difference? do you guys have a part number for a luk or zoom clutch?
thanks,
matt

 

[sweetk30]

454 bbc flywheel on 400 sbc ? what is this combo? better get 4x4high in on this stuff.