Newbie Seeks Advice On Clutch Setup

[steve corbin]

Hi all. I have installed a late model 347 stroker motor in my 4-spd toploader 68 Shelby. I am using the stock z-bar set up. I used my stock 68 bell housing as well.
I installed a Zoom diaphragm street/strip 5.0 clutch. Problem began with the throw-out bearing not fitting my 68 clutch arm, so I re-used the old one. Had trouble getting adjustment set properly. Clutch will not work unless I adjust "pre-load" onto the clutch, ie. throw-out bearing is in contact with the clutch springs.
Do I need to change the clutch arm and go with the late model throw-out bearing? Can anyone tell me which clutch arm to try ? hope I explained the properly, and thanks for any suggestions from anyone who has tackled this issue.

 

[no1hedberg]

First of all I hope your kidding about modding a car as valuable as a Shelby. Second, you can't just use the fox clutch fork. The z bar pushes the clutch fork toward the rear of the car. The fox uses a cable clutch with a t-5 specific bellhousing, which pulls the clutch fork forward. These guys might know better than me, but vintage mustangs used a 3 finger pressure plate which is very different than the late model pressure plate you're describing. I'd say you'll ultimately have to use a vintage style clutch.

 

[steve corbin]

First of all I hope your kidding about modding a car as valuable as a Shelby. Second, you can't just use the fox clutch fork. The z bar pushes the clutch fork toward the rear of the car. The fox uses a cable clutch with a t-5 specific bellhousing, which pulls the clutch fork forward. These guys might know better than me, but vintage mustangs used a 3 finger pressure plate which is very different than the late model pressure plate you're describing. I'd say you'll ultimately have to use a vintage style clutch.

Not kidding... original vin engine is in the garage on stand. And I took a diaphragm type clutch out of it when I bought it. I am assuming that someone here has mated a late model 5.0 to a toploader and would have a suggestion on the set-up.

 

[no1hedberg]

As I said using a fox clutch fork is not really an option unless you want to switch the whole car including the bellhousing to a cable clutch set up. Even then you still have a problem because the fox t-5 has a longer input shaft than your top loader therefore the fox bellhousing is deeper and has a totally different bolt pattern. It would probably be easier at that point to just use a hydraulic clutch. I re-read your op and if the concern is that the throw out bearing is touching the clutch diaphragm that isn't a problem. That's what the throw out bearing is for. If the clutch fully disengages when you push in the pedal, and isn't so tight it slips it's most likely fine. If not, by far your cheapest and easiest fix would be to get an original style high performance clutch/pressure plate. I hope that makes sense.