Flathead Clutch Recommendation

Curt in AZ

Curt in AZ

Senior Member
We're about finished with a '53 Merc engine rebuild for my '53 F100. I wonder what clutch to consider for the engine. Currently the std 3-speed uses the stock 10" - 1-3/8" x 10 clutch. The engine is now 276 cu.in. but is stock except for .060" oversize valves, Schneider cam's 248B grind and Red's headers. The cam is a mild 3/4 grind. Also planning to use 8BA heads milled for clearance to obtain a little more compression (thanks for that advice Ron).

Is it be a good idea to upgrade to the 11" clutch or will the stock clutch be perfectly serviceable? I assume the 11" clutch requires a matching flywheel or can the 10" flywheel be drilled for the slightly larger clutch?

Curt
 
I have a 276 also and run the stock clutch with no problems; I think the 11" is more problems than it's worth. I would use Ft. Wayne Clutch.
 
My '48 F-1 with an engine similar to yours runs the stock 10" Merc. clutch with no problems.
 

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Mercury uses Borg & Beck 10-inch equal bolt spacing on 6 each 3/8" bolts.

Ford pickup, Police cars, and station wagons used 10-inch Long with the 3 pair spacing and 6 each 5/16" bolts.

Either set up will work well and will be a fair bit lighter than the 11-inch truck clutch. Most of the 11-inch set ups were either used with the standard 4-speed or larger transmissions. The old 9-inch Long type is the lightest one and also works well with lighter vehicles. The lighter weight allows for quicker rpm build in a performance application.
 
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