Replacing clutch - help

[rcobra427]

I have a 428 in my car with a 11.5 inch long style clutch. I'm think one of the release fingers might be broken because I've had to adjust the clutch until there is no more free play at all, and you have to push the pedal all the way to the floor before the clutch disengages. Then when you let the pedal up, the clutch grabs right away, just an inch or so from the floor. I had this happen years ago and found a broken finger.
So I want to get rid of the long style pressure plate. I've been looking at several sources, but I have questions. Is there a diaphram style pressure plate that fits in the stock cast iron bell housing, and will work with the stock clutch arm? I know I might have to change the throwout bearing to use a diaphram clutch, but I don't want to change the entire setup if I don't have to. I don't need a monster clutch either, just a nice stock replacement will do.
Thanks,
Rick

[blykins]

Yes, McLeod makes a 11.5" diaphragm pressure plate. Any reason why you want to switch to another style?

[rcobra427]

Yeah, I'm hoping for less pedal effort and it would be nice if it required less travel to release.
I looked at a couple different ones, and one brand (i don't remember which one) said it MIGHT not fit inside a stock cast iron bell housing. Well, "might" doesn't inspire a lot of confidence in their product. I want to buy something I know will fit and work with no modifications. I'll check out the McLeod one. Thanks.

[rcobra427]

McLeod's website blows. Everything I try entering for search criteria comes up with the same clutch kit that cost $940. It'll be a cold day in hell when I pay that for a clutch.

[MOTORHEAD]

How does you tranny come out, upthru the floor or drop out the bottom?
Are you sure of the clutch size ? I had to switch out my mcleod 11.5 diaphram press plate when I switched from a hyd TOB to external slave. I'll check to see what I paid. The PP I have has the fingers cut back to mate with the hyd TOB. Whats the biggest stock ford clutch for the 428??
Ted

[MOTORHEAD]

Go to Summit racing"s website, They show 4 different pressure plates forFE's all diaphrams from$180 to $300, free shipping, or give Brent Lykins a call. I can't find my reciept for my PP. It would still work if a TOB sized for a Hyd tob but fits a std fork could be found.

Ted

[rcobra427]

Thanks Ted. Yeah, I'm sure of the clutch size. The motor originally had an automatic tranny, so I had to find a flywheel. I found one off a 428 Cobra Jet, that takes a 11.5 inch pressure plate. I'll try Summit.

[rcobra427]

Well, I just finished test driving the car with the new clutch. The first thing I noticed was no more clutch chatter in reverse. That was getting annoying. The clutch is a lot lighter and releases quick. I like it.
What I ended up buying is a Spec clutch kit. It's a 12" diaphram pressure plate (replacement for the 11.5" stock style), disc, release bearing and pilot bushing for $299. Everything was right except they sent a pilot bushing for a small block.
I found as I was re-assembling the bell housing and tranny, that the pressure plate hits the stock cast bell housing just forward of the clutch arm hole. I had to take the trans back out and remove the bell housing to grind off about 3/16" of material in this area. Works perfectly now. I e-mailed them and expressed my disappointment at the fact they had no idea this could be a problem and they said it would absolutely fit. Other clutch companies have obviously run into this, as they have disclaimers on their website saying the PP may not fit a stock cast bell housing.
Anyway, I'm happy now with my purchase, and the old car is good for another several thousand hard miles.

Rick

[Rick Parker]

Not sure but you may find it necessary with Diaphram Plate to change ratios of Master & slave? Then you are into a Hydraulic issue. Nothing wrong with Long style pressure plates.

[rcobra427]

Don't have to change ratios of master & slave when you use a cable.

Rick