25thRedRS

Is it possible to use a 10.5" Clutch in a 93-97 LT1 T-56. I think they both have the same spline sizes 1-1/8 x 26? I talked to a tech rep from Fidanza Flywheels and they have a new flywheel out to mate 6-speeds to older two peice rear mains with 153 tooth ring gear...Are their any drawbacks to using a 10.5" vs. An 11"...Assuming that i went with a nice aftermarket clutch??

black84z28-4spd

no...its not....the t5 clutch set up is alot different from the t56 clutch set up...the pressure place for instanse...i dont think it would work that great at all

jmd

iTrader: (4)

It can be done. I have done it with mechanical linkage, 86-92 Thirdgen V8 flywheel, and LT1 trans / bellhousing. But it takes fabrication you don't want to get into. Trust me.

There are other ways of doing it but you have to run an extended pilot bearing.

rbjones

jmd--I think that's what's in my Weir bellhousing setup. I knolw it's the same Hays steel faced aluminum flywheel and 11" clutch I ran with the Muncie--the Weir setup lets me run the same clutch and flywheel with a T56, very simple. I wonder why you don't hear more about it?

iansane

iTrader: (1)

You've got the Weir setup? In a thirdgen, or something else? If so, how'd you set up the master cylinder.

To the original poster; I've been using a standard 1-1/8x26 clutch for almost a year in my t56 It was just a stock repo disc from a mid eighties fbod. Aside from being a cheap clutch it works fine for daily driver duty. If the clutch was a decent one I don't see a downside.

rbjones

iansane--the Weir T56 setup is in a '60 Austin Healey behind a 327--a very clean, simple arrangement. I've been involved with this car for over 20 years but just got full ownership a couple of weeks ago. I set it up with the Muncie in '85, I think, but my friends (including Bob Weir) put in the Weir bellhousing and LT1 T56. They replaced the original Girling clutch master cylinder with a Wilwood then ran a hydraulic line down to the driver's side of the bellhousing where it goes in to the throwout bearing, with a little bleeder on the outside next to where the line goes in.
It's so simple you could put it in anything easily--including a 3rd gen--very compact and bulletpoof. This car was the test mule for the Weir setup and he's simplified it since. I don't see why this doesn't appear in the magazines instead of all those universal bellhousings with adapter plates and stuff. Bob Weir sells them like hotcakes and they don't fail.
If I could figure out how to attach fotos I'd show you.

Redliner

just want to bring up the question of the T5 clutch having enough pressure to handle your car. I put a T56 in mine 2.5 years ago and I had reasons enough not to use a T5 much less its clutch. ? food for though?

iansane

iTrader: (1)

Hell, I'd just like to see the austin either way. Those old little british cars look really cool.

I've got the Weird setup in my car but I had a freaking hell of a time setting up the Master Cylinder because of the thirdgen/fourthgens extreme off kilter angle. I ended up swiss cheesing the area below the pedals and then just welded up a whole bracket/plate to go in place of the firewall there. Do you know what MC they used? Like, what part number or something. Maybe I can fix my pseudo-permanent bandaid....

As long as he doesn't just get a stocker I wouldn't see the problem if he spent some cash on a nice centerforce or something similar.

Redliner

my trust is in genuine GM parts when it comes to clutches. I personally believe Centerforce and all of those other companies prey on hod rodders for the simple fact that no one has asked them to prove what they say theirs do. Reading some crap in Summit that says "30% more holding power" does nothing for me. I personally think they have some kid in the back with a can of orange spray paint and his even younger brother rubbing kevlar and glue on the disc. Taking the T56 is no treat. You will lose friends if you ask for help too many times. Just bite the bullet, get the T56 setup and do it once.

Redliner

I meant to say taking out the T56. sorry.

iansane

iTrader: (1)

So after you wear through you stock clutch then what? Go to the dealer and buy a new one? Pay the same price for less than half the performance? I'll stick to proven clutch setups. Have you seen an aftermarket and stock clutch sitting next to each other? I don't think anyone has asked them to prove their claims because they don't have to, it's obvious. Almost all the BS in summit descriptions are just that, BS. It's marketing. That doesn't mean their product doesn't hold up.

I'm sorry but I think it's fool hardy to think that you'd be the first to question (and be disproven) the strength of a centerforce or similar clutch setup.

rbjones

iansane--as soon as this ice and snow stops I'll get out and see what kind of Wilwood master cylinder Weir used on this Healey. I know what you mean about the wierd angle of the 3rd gen master cylinder--I adapted mine from automatic to stick and was really reluctant to mount the cylinder the only way it would fit in there--but it works and looks stock, operates fine. It's a shame you couldn't use the original 3rd gen master cylinder with the Weir setup--I'll ask him about it next time I talk with him. He's a decent guy; you might want to get in touch with him in Vallejo, Calif. if you have questions.
The tranny tunnel in the Austin Healey is quick release so it's no problem to take it off and get a good foto of the T56, bellhousing, hydraulics and all--but I've never been able to attach or inset a foto in this site--it always says my fotos are too big. And you're right--the Healey with the small block is what Shelby would have made if he'd gone to England with a 327--wish I could send you a foto.