need help with clutch linkage

Doc · #1 (**permalink**) 03-01-2006, 09:55 PM

I have a Shell Valley car and I am looking for clutch linkage. I was thinking of using a slave cylinder but I noticed the Wilwood one I was considering only has 1-3/8 inch travel and I did not know if that is enough? If not what other suggestions do you have for linkage?

jarendall · #2 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 03:23 PM

you are going to have to give a little more info:
type of engine
type of bellhousing
type of transmission
type of clutch and pressure plate
are you using the Shell Valley pedals

Doc · #3 (**permalink**) 03-02-2006, 10:06 PM

My engine is a 427 FE stroked to a 483 with tunnel port heads. Bellhousing is a lakewood blow proof, Trans is a 4spd top loadeder. I have not purchased a clutch and pressure plate. Yes I am using Shell Valley pedals with wilwood master cylinders.

jarendall · #4 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 03:08 PM

I know that there are some folks who can answer your question, I am using the Shell Valley pedals in my car, but I have a SB motor and stock bellhousing so the setup I have will not help you, I have seen several pictures on this site of people using the lakewood bellhousing, I don't konw if they are using a pusher slave cylinder or a pull slave cylinder, I believe that the wilwood cylinder is a pull type.

Doc · #5 (**permalink**) 03-03-2006, 08:05 PM

jarendall
Thanks for your info and trying to help.

outlaw · #6 (**permalink**) 04-07-2006, 09:29 AM

Doc,
I don't know about the hyd clutch setup from SV, but I can tell you from experience that SV's mechanical clutch linkage is not a good design. After breaking 2 cables, I redesigned and modified their components and have not had any more problems. I am now using an 87 Mustang clutch cable. I had to do some fabricating but am really happy with the results. Changing the clutch cable provided by SV is almost impossible after the car is assembled, and i would venture impossible with a big block. Dana and all the guys at SV were always great with assistance but I got the feeling that most people used a hydraulic clutch system rather than the mechanical system supplied by SV. Unless they have changed what they provide in the way of a mechanical system, I would go with a hyd setup. My thoughts on the hyd setup also raises some questions. I had a huge header heat problem around the brake master cylinder to the point that I had to fabricate a "shield" to keep the master cylinder heating to the point that the seals failed. I changed 2 MC's before I figured that out. I would be careful of heat soak to the clutch master cyl as well. On a SV, replacement of a master cyl is a pretty big undertaking. Especially on my car since I have covered the foot boxes and firewall with aluminum backed by heat mat. I have 4600 miles on my SV now and love to drive it. My only complaint is the restricted leg room on the driver side.

Outlaw
Driving the Cobra since Nov 2004