v8 clutch

Lawrie

Lawrie

Well-known member
I see its a good idea to fit the V8 clutch to the A,
how does the counterweighed cover work at the low RPM of the A engine verses the V8
I,m about to refit my A engine and have both V8 clutch covers,well the tractor one and a genuine V8 with the weights.
I have been using the tractor type for a while,(bought it new thinking it was the V8 one)
Which to use.
Lawrie
 
The weighted cover is the way to go and works fine with the Model A engine speed. I can still remember the first time I drove a Ford with the weighted clutch cover. I drove a 1964 or 65 Ford 6 cylinder state car with a 3 speed. I could sure tell the difference when I tried to push the clutch without letting the engine slow down.
 
I'll respectfully take a different position than Tom. I had a flyweight clutch in my 160B and replaced it with the "tractor style" non-flyweighted pressure plate cover. I PREFER the non-flyweight version.

The springs in the non-flyweight clutch are only marginally stiffer, maybe 10%. That 10% is, admittedly, a disadvantage if you spend lots of time holding the clutch in. I don't. At stoplights I pop it into neutral rather than run all that pressure on the rear thrust. After you wind out in a gear, it is MUCH easier, maybe 25%, to depress the clutch with the engine revved. I felt that immediately and liked it. I wouldn't want to go back to the flyweights.

My next clutch? Forget the Borg & Beck design. A modern diaphragm clutch cover. Joe Way posted complete details about doing this a year ago, and Al in NY has done one too. A diaphragm clutch has the opposite spring profile- the farther you depress the clutch, the lighter the pressure. Add to that a lighter initial starting pedal pressure. That means holding it part way, at the friction point, is light and easy compared to either of the two Ford Borg & Beck style clutch covers. And it will not have that high speed stiffness the flyweight clutch gives.
 
Mike probably has it right with the diaphram cover. I'd bet that's what's in the 1949 Chevy pickup I drive in the Halloween parade each year. That is one easy clutch, and the best I've driven in years.
 
Lawrie,
I used the pressure plate with the 'fly weights'. Because of its' easy leg pressure use, AND
as the engine RPMs increase, the function of the flyweights come into play and apply more force on the clutch disc to prevent slipping (centrifugal force)!
 
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I've got a diaphram pressure plate on my workbench just begging to get itself installed in my A.
 
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