I am ready to order a clutch, pressure plate, throwout bearing, and anything else I need.  I searched the  archives and it looks like Centerforce might be the best choice.  I have an 11" flywheel, and T85 OD transmission.  I'm looking for types, Centerforce 2 ?...dual friction?  and model numbers ?  My E code 312 has a modest street engine, I'd estimate maybe 300 HP

Thanks 

 

Paul J. - '57 E Code

I have a Centerforce dual friction in my 312 powered 54. Very happy with it. 11 inch. Model # DF700000. Make sure this model has the correct diameter and number of splines of the input shaft on the trans you are using as it may be different than mine. I have a toploader 4 speed in my car. Using stock throwout bearing. Centerforce included a lot of documentation with the unit. One of their suggestions was to do some minor machine work on the flywheel which should cost very little.



I bought it from Streetside Auto. They were the least expensive anywhere (incuding Jegs and Summit) and had a no shipping fee deal on at the time.



The part number was recommended to me by Centerforce. I called their tech line and they were very cooperative in helping me find the one that would work - and it did.



If you go into the Centerforce web site they list all the different combinations for Fords..

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

Thanks Paul,

What kind of work did they suggest for the flywheel ?

Paul J. - '57 E Code

centerforce would be my choice as well BUT???????????? I think the spline on the clutch won't match the t-85. The spline count may be the same but the dia.of the T-85 shaft is smaller lets say for say a ford toploader which could cause some sloppy play with a centerforce clutch on the T-85 shaft. I would suggest you by a clutch from one of the bird parts houses and get a centerforce pressure plate from summit or your favorite parts house. The centerforce pressure is in my opinion the best pressure you can buy.

-Gary Burnette-

Another vote for Centerforce. mine is a dual friction and has a very light pedal but grips like crazy with no chatter or bad manners



T-85 could have a variety of input splines and dia. My 58 Merc is 1" x 21 spine (same as early Chrysler)



I have a early Lincoln T-85 that is 1 3/8 x 10 and I think some others may be 1 1/16 x 10.



Find the 11 inch clutch kit that matches your input spline dia and count... Centerforce pressure plates have multiple bolt patterns so they fit a variety of flywheels

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In the middle there is the recessed area that the bolts go in. The disc has rivets and the circle of these rivets may be very close to the outside of this recessed area or may be a little wider than the recessed area and would interfere with the disc surface of the flywheel. Its probably about a 1/4 inch from the outside of the recessed area that needs to be cut - the depth depends on the depth of the rivets. You will need to give the machinist the disc with the flywheel so he can measure everything and get the correct clearances.



The Centerforce web site has all the different combinations of shaft diameter and number of splines on the shaft. More than likely they have your combination

54 Victoria 312;  48 Ford Conv 302, 56 Bird 312
Forever Ford
Midland Park, NJ

When I replaced the 11" clutch in my E engined Bird a few years back I replaced the '63 Ford 406 clutch with an 11 " diaphram clutch for a 352 Ford Pick UP truck. Much less pedeal pressure and a lot cheaper than what you are looking for. More than adequate for a street car. Going drag racing with mine when I get it back together and do not expect any problems with it.