The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop Clutch in a 350, T5

This is a 1970 engine, 1989 Camaro transmission, and original clutch pedal and linkage in my 57 3100. Clutch and pressure plate are new. There is a little slop in the pedal causing an annoying squeak through the floor board. I suspect that can be fixed with a new bushing in the pedal, and a die grinder in the floor board. Despite this fixable quirk, the pedal still seems awfully stiff. The March 07 issue of Custom Classic Trucks shows the installation of a hydraulic clutch using a hydraulic throwout bearing, not an external slave cylinder. I would like to fabricate the master cylinder as shown, but use a pull-type external slave (Wilwood and CNC both make them). Need recommendations from more experienced bolters. Thanks in advance.

I,ve done 2 of these and the clutches have been real soft & smooth. It is a good system & you shouldn,t have to modify it. Some of these clutches we get are way too stiff. Usually the rebuilts. They are very inconsistent. I use new complete kits so everything matches. I have gotten them from Carquest lately & have had good luck with them.

I just found the slip, and it was a new clutch, pressure plate, & throwout bearing set, not rebuilt (the manufacturer is abbreviated HAM on the slip) and the flywheel was resurfaced. That was 6 yrs ago, and until a month ago the vehicle was only moved in the yard about twice a year. I wouldn't be surprised if there was some surface rust on the f wheel and press plate, but that shouldn't affect the tightness of the pedal. Smooth and soft sounds nice for a clutch, so suggestions are most welcome.