I need to purchase a new clutch kit and flywheel and not sure what I need. I'm building a 351w and bolting a 68 Mustang 4-speed toploader/bellhousing to it. I know they make either a 157 or a 164 tooth flywheel but does it matter which I choose? I don't remember what flywheel came with the toploader when I got it but think it was a 157 tooth. Does this matter and will a 157 and 164 tooth fit in the same bell housing?

I noticed in the NPD catalog page 138 they have a 351w RAM Clutch set (11"x1 1/16", disk, plate, throwout bearing, alignment tool) for $149.95. It also says that installation of an 11" clutch requires a 164 tooth flywheel with matching bellhousing and block plate! Does this mean I have to replace my bellhousing?

Or should I go with one of the Centerforce kits like 10.4" or the 11"? Looking at the 10.4" Suggested Parts it lists both 157 and 164 tooth flywheels which adds to my confusion.

Guessing something like the Centerforce 10.4" kit, the Centerforce N1714 throwout bearing, the RAM Automotive 1525 157 tooth flywheel might work and allow me to use our existing bellhousing?

Should stronger ARP bolts be used on the flywheel and pressure plate?

 

If it was me, I would call someone like Mustangs Unlimited or NPD and tell them exactly what you have, and ask them what clutch and flywheel you need. In 1982 the balance changed, and the flywheel weight will be different than those from 81 and back. So let them know the year modle engine/crank you have also. I think the aftermarket bell housings will accept a bigger clutch, I would ask about this also. There is a trick to using OS Ford parts that allows the use of a larger clutch, but I can't remember what it was. I can make a call and find out if you are interested.

 

Grrrr Wife nabbed my USB external drive and it reloaded my Firefox window as i was going to submit reply! retyping....

I've had less than satisfactory experiences with Mustang vendors in this area in the past. They seem to do great with trim, interior, body panels, whats included with what, etc but in regards to knowing what mechanical parts match to certain year parts they have mostly been useless. That said I guess it can't hurt so I'll give NPD as well as Summit a call tomorrow and see what they say.
I've dated the 351w block to either 79 or 80. I doubt I'll ever figure out which year exactly but it's one or the other for sure.
I'd really like to use the existing bellhousing from 68. It's been cleaned and delivered to be powder coated though not sure if its done yet or not. If its not too much of a problem to find out I would like to know yes.

 

All 351W's used the 28oz balance factor on both the flywheel and balancer. The setup I'm running on my 302 is the Centerforce SFI steel 157t flywheel and the 10.4"(10 1/2") Centerforce Dual Friction. The 164t is for the 11" clutches and requires a larger bellhousing, but isn't really necessary. An 11" clutch is nice if it's a crap clutch, but a CF DF 10.4" will still grad a lot of power, and if you have an engine so wild that it won't hold, you can get even grippier 10.4" clutches, or even a twin disc setup, which I think comes in like 10 or 10.4/10.5. Centerforce also makes a DFX and LMC in 10.4" I think, which are even more clutch than the Dual Friction is.

 

I've always had good luck with Summit Racing's tech line. There web site is also very helpful. Here's what it recommends for your car (you have to go with 1969 Mustang as the 351w didn't come in any earlier car)

http://store.summitracing.com/egnsea...=KeywordSearch

 

summit racing tech line FTW!!!!!!!

although they told us that i couldnt install a 7.5" mini spool in a 7.625 rear end cause it wouldnt fit.. we shimmed it and it worked fine racing too... lol

 

A 300 6 cylinder (housing only) or a 351 Winsor or 351 Cleveland bell housing will accept the larger flywheel. I'm thinking they are the 164 tooth flywheel and will use a 11" clutch. Look for truck parts they are easier to find.

 

I am running a 164 tooth, 11" strip clutch, and 3400lb long style pressure plate in front of a 4 speed toploader. Although I now have a SFI Lakewood bellhousing now because I got scared of blowing up a clutch, my stock 351 bellhousing worked fine.

Sometimes what is more important than the clutch is what pressure plate you are running. A good clutch is a good clutch, but if you are not clamping it down tight enough, it is going to slip. I would not get an aftermarket performance clutch and not upgrade the pressure plate too.