I apologize for asking such a noob question in advance, but here it goes.


I have the T5 transmission that a previous owner swapped into my '88 350 TPI out to the rebuilders.


The transmission is a World Class T5, originally used in a 6-cylinder, which means the input shaft has been shortened, and I have a 14 spline input shaft...yes, I realize the V6 T5 isn't ideal, but it's what I have to work with and can afford, so swapping isn't an option, at least right now.


It dawned on me that while the transmission is out of the car, now would be the perfect time, especially since the car is new to me, and I have no idea of its history, to replace the clutch.


Which leads me to my question...WHAT clutch am I looking for? Obviously, it will have to be a 14-spline V6 type clutch, but it's going behind a 350 TPI V8.


What do I shop for that fits, and works well? Finances ARE an issue, so I'm not likely looking for a dual disc setup, but I'm not adverse to spending a little more to get something that works well, and is durable.

 

Do you have an OE bellhousing, or aftermarket? If aftermarket, what size is your flywheel?

 

Factory GM F-body bellhousing, the flywheel looks to be a factory piece as well.


I finally was able to find some stuff using the search function..


Some mentioned an Astro Van 11" clutch and pressure plate used behind the 4.3, but others said that wouldn't work.


Others mentioned using an "early" S-10 clutch, but what years/engine options were they talking about?


I'm thinking regardless of which I use, to replace the pressure plate at the same time as the clutch disc.

 

I think I may have answered my own question..Advanced Adapters 71604. 10.5" 14 spline clutch disc, and a factory 10.5" pressure plate from an '88 305 Camaro.

http://www.summitracing.com/mobilede...FZQdgQodC2EIKQ


Would this work well?

 

A small correction...according to further research, the 1988 LB9 (305 TPI) used a 10.34 inch clutch, not a 10.5....but it would appear if what I'm reading on Thirdgen is correct, a 10.5 clutch disc should work..which leads me to another question--if a 10.5" disc fits, should I get a corresponding 10.5" pressure plate, or an OEM 10.34 pressure plate? What throwout bearing? From what I understand, there are three lengths, short, medium, and long.

 

Edited my previous post...don't know what I was thinking trying to cheap out on a pressure plate...


So, will the Advanced Adapters 71604 10.5 inch 14-spline clutch disk work on my '88 350 TPI, and if so, any recommendations on a reasonably priced 10.5 pressure plate?

 

Speedway Motors sells a 10-1/2" dia 1"x14spl disc for $79
PN# 910-15649
LINK

 

Thanks for the info! Do you know who manufactures it, or anyone who's had experience with that particular disc?

 

Ok...so the disc question is definitively answered, just one small question about pressure plates. Keep finding 10.5" and 10.4" dimensions given, sometimes the same part on different websites show a different size.

So, 10.5 or 10.4 pressure plate with the 716104 clutch disc, or does that tenth of an inch make a real difference?

 

I've never had the 10.4/10.5 PP thing make a difference, as long as it bolts to your flywheel.

 

The 10.34 / 10.4 / 10.5 doesn't matter. Buy a PP for a third gen and that Adv. Adapters disc. and you're set.

Or, if you have a brake and clutch exchange place, tell them you want an 88 V8 Camaro clutch with the disc hub as 14 spline.

Or get the Lakewood scattershield for 84-92 third gen, a 168 tooth flywheel and the Astro clutch set.

The Astro 11" clutch is for a big 168t flywheel and doesn't bolt to the 153t third gen flywheel.

 

Great..looking at the Centerforce 360056. Should work well, I think.

Sound good?

 

I have no fascination with the centerforce gimmick but that would be fine with the disc hub changed to 14 spline.

 

I really appreciate the input. The last clutch I worked on was in a '57 Chevy, and some peanut farmer from Georgia was President.

I'm not settled on the Centerforce pressure plate, any alternative you could recommend, particularly if it costs less, but does a good job would be appreciated.

Also, recommendations for a throwout bearing, particularly since there seems to be so much cheap junk out there these days likewise would be helpful.

 

With recommendations of getting a different tranny aside, I would recommend a good brass throwout bearing. I hear a lot of the clutch kits these days come with garbage ones. I bought mine at NAPA when I replaced my clutch. My clutch kit was just a cheap O'Reillys special, and haven't had any issues with it so far. No idea if it is considered a shallow or deep throwout bearing that i bought at NAPA though.

 

Thanks for all the help, guys...still shopping for a good pressure plate, but looks like that's pretty much all I have left to do.

 

One other thing...the clutch fork boot is toast. Hawks third gen makes a reproduction boot for $20.00. Checked with them to confirm fit, and ordered one this morning.