Just got a phone call from the guy who is doing the conversion ( C4 to Toploader ) on my 65. He says, "Got a bit of a problem, you have an 11 inch clutch and pressure plate, and the engine is set up for a 10 inch." CRAP!!!! I told the guy rebuilding my 289 that I intended on putting in an 11 inch clutch and in fact had already purchased the parts when I bought the Toploader. I even bought a bellhousing for a 11 inch clutch. My first response was, "So I guess that means the flywheel will need to be switched to one that works w/ the 11 inch clutch?" He then explained to me that the engine had been balanced for a 10 inch , thus it isn't that simple. CRAP!!!!!! I got so mad I started shaking.

I've managed to settle down and want to make sure I understand what I need to do next. I suppose the first thing to do is see if I can switch out the clutch and pressure plate for a 10 inch. I bought it from David Kee Toploader; they are McLoed brand parts. Also I am wondering about the throw out bearing (also a McLoed brand part). Will it work with the 10 inch clutch or will I need to switch it too? And what about the bellhousing? I am guessing it will not be compatible with the 10 inch parts, or will it?

What do you think?

 

The guy is partly full of himself the size of the flywheel has nothing to do with the crank 28oz is 28oz, but an 11in bellhousing will not fit in a 65/66 stang. the throwout bearing should be ok as long as the pressure plate is the same type

 

So are you saying, 1: That if the flywheel is changed with one that is compatible with an 11inch clutch, it should be fine as long as the weight is the same? 2: That it wouldnt matter because this setup wont work anyways because 65/66 Mustangs dont have the room for an 11 inch clutch/bellhousing?

 

yes to both questions I balance crankshaft for a living at a nascar engine shop' in fact we had shiped an engine with a new 10in flywheel on it and the guy needed an 11. he sent both of they back to us and I respun his 11 thinking it was a 50oz it was a 28 already and I didnt need to do anything to it.

 

yes to both questions I balance crankshaft for a living at a nascar engine shop' in fact we had shiped an engine with a new 10in flywheel on it and the guy needed an 11. he sent both of they back to us and I respun his 11 thinking it was a 50oz it was a 28 already and I didnt need to do anything to it. And when I put the toploader in my 66 I was told I would have to use the 10in setup by a restoration shop.

 

Talk about bitter sweet news! Sheesh... Please dont be offended, but I would like to get a second opinion on the 11inch bellhousing fitting in a 65 before I go to the trouble of trying to return everything. I really appreciate your response. Thanks.

 

your welcome and I 'm not offended thats the only part I can't say is fact. Its just what I was told

 

Guys,

An 11" cluctch will fit in a standard SBF bell. The problem you have with the flywheel is that you have a 157 tool Flywheel, and you need a 164. That is all. Well, that is all that I can think of now. The throwout bearing will definately fit on the shaft. Now, if you have a 5.0 style bell, clutch fork, and cable setup, then you will need to get a matching set of one style or the other.

 

I'm pretty sure the guy who rebuilt my engine said he put a 164 tooth ring on the flywheel. But I have a question. I thought the only reason to change the ring from 157 to 164 was to make it compatible with a particular starter. What does the number of teeth on the fly wheel have to do with wether or not it will work with a 10 or 11 inch clutch? Also, when you say a "5.0 style bell"& "cable setup" do you mean a later model bell housing? The clutch linkage I have gathered up does not include a cable; its the same linkage that came stock in the 65s w, 4 spds.

Thanks for the help, I'm beginning to think there is light at the end of the tunnel.

 

a 157 tooth is on a 10/ 10.5 flywheel and 164 is on an 11. and he does mean a late model 50 bell housing and cable setup. the linkage setup you have should be fine its the same as what I have.