Clutch Question?

[Ron/IA]

This may be a dumb question but can a V8 clutch be used on a standard Model a flywheel without modification to the flywheel?

It seems when people talk about installing a V8 clutch, it is conjuction with a machined and lightened flywheel. I don't recall that a V8 clutch was just installed on a standard flywheel.

It is getting harder for me to push the clutch pedal (bad knees ). I am contemplating putting in a V8 clutch, or a lengthened clutch arm such as the vendors sell. I might even do both.

I would welcome all comments and suggestions, especially those who have been able to overcome this problem . I need to make it easier for me to drive the Model A.

 

[Larry Seemann]

Ron, With all the ones I've seen the lip or ring on the Model A flywheel that the pressure plate bolts to with, I think, 20 bolts need to be turned off and 6 holes drilled to mount the V8 pressure plate.

 

[Larry Seemann]

BTW, I have the V8 clutch in one of my Model A's and it takes about half the leg strength as the others. I highly recommend.

 

[Ron/IA]

Larry - Thanks for the response. Call me dumb, but I am not quite understanding what you stated. Are you saying the original clutch has 20-bolts that you won't use, and the V8 clutch requires 6-holes to be drilled into the flywheel for it to bolt up? I guess I need to look in some of the vendor's catalogs to learn more (maybe I should have done that first).

That's nice to know the pedal pressure does significantly decreases with a V* clutch. Since that's the case, I would install the clutch first, and if I need more leverage I could try the lengthened clutch arm.

 

[Larry Seemann]

The model a pressure plate is bolted to the flywheel with 20 bolts around the perimeter. The V8 pressure plate is bolted on with 6 bolts in 3 groups of 2 bolts. When you machine off the step ring all of those 20 bolt holes disappear and the holes for the new 6 bolts must be drilled and threaded.The machine shop that machines the ring off will drill and thread the new holes in the appropriate places.

 

[Ron/IA]

Larry - Thanks, I thought that was the case.

 

[James Rogers]

Ron, not to step on Larry's toes but, the stock flywheel and pressure plate takes 12 bolts and the V8 uses 6. I do the lightened flywheels and have sold approximately 30 this year. One of my best sellers I might add. The V8 pressure plate won't fit the stock flywheel without maching the ring off. I have seen flywheels trimmed to lighten them and use the stock plate but this does not help the pedal pressure problem. The V8 pressure plate and flywheel accepts the stock clutch plate and lessens the pedal pressure considerably while providing more pressure at the clutch disk. This results in a better lock up and less wear on the disk in the long run. All in all, one of the best mods you can do th your engine and drive train.

I can post pictures if you want but, I do have some on my website.

 

[Ron/IA]

James - Thanks for the info. I have since been able to see some pictures that I could tell there were differences in the bolt count (I didn't actually count them, just knew one had more than the other).

Would my local engine machine shop know how and where the flywheel needs to be machined to accept the V8 clutch? Or do I need to be armed with such information when I go there? I guess the best way is to go and ask them.

I would be interested in this info, and such is probably available; I just don't know where to find it.

 

[James Rogers]

James - Thanks for the info. I have since been able to see some pictures that I could tell there were differences in the bolt count (I didn't actually count them, just knew one had more than the other).

Would my local engine machine shop know how and where the flywheel needs to be machined to accept the V8 clutch? Or do I need to be armed with such information when I go there? I guess the best way is to go and ask them.

I would be interested in this info, and such is probably available; I just don't know where to find it.

A local shop could do the work but, the one off job would be more than just purchasing one from me or one of the other "A" specific dealers. Call me from the phone # on my web page and I will be glad to help you with any questions you may have or if you are interested in a complete set-up.

 

[Ron/IA]

James - Thanks for the suggestion, and the mention of the "one off job." I hadn't thought of that.

I may be in luck with the local machine shop; there are quite a number of A's in the area (also the club is located in the same city), and I believe the shop has Model A machining experience. My next step will be to talk to them face to face. If I am not confident they can do the job to my satisfaction, I will give you a call.