Flywheel/Clutch/Choices

Mike at TA Performance has not responded to my request, so I'm looking for the best trouble free option on a flywheel, and clutch kit for my 72 GS455. Not racing, and bone stock. Any suggestions? Looking fot a easy pedal and no issues with the stock starter and factory bell housing. Had vibrations on releasing the clutch in the past and looking for trouble free install.

 

Use stock diaphragm pressure plate and sprung hub/full face disc.

Contact Ft. Wayne Clutch, for clutch and plate.

McLeod flywheel (Summit?) or American Powertrain has flywheels.

(I typed and forgot to post, then when I did, I saw Jason already answered)

 

I have a spare flywheel. Needs to be resurfaced as it's got some surface rust. Let me know and I can send a picture

 

For street duty with occasional track duty, I have had good results with the Hays (orange) street clutches, organic compounds.
Hays 85-112, for the 1 1/8, 26 spline input shaft.
This one is easy on the leg and does not tend to exhibit grabby or finicky engagement.

FYI, a few years ago a long time friend tried one of the local parts store replacements (cheap in cost). The clutch disc came apart within a short time requiring replacement under his freshly restored car.

 

After reading your post, I did so follow-up on the reviews and they look good. Now need to see if the Hays orange come in a coarse spline. If you see a part number on a coarse spline let me know, thanks.

 

Thanks for your follow-up. I've had an issue with poor engagement with Borg and Beck and standard auto part clutch kits . Keep getting a chatter after the car is warmed up, specially in reverse! I will be pulling the clutch and flywheel and check the condition. If the flywheel show poor run out I will replace it.

 

Found a part number, 85-110. I did not like the one part on the listing " may require reinforcement to clutch linkage."

 

Being a 72 i expected the fine spline transmission to be in your car. As you found, yes a 10 spline is available.
That is a standard statement that they put in to reduce potential lawsuits.

 

Called Fort Wayne Clutch and there 11" Clutch kit with the coarse spline part number is 5552-10, priced at $173.08. Think I will be going with this one. I've had good luck with the one in my Corvette.

 

Also look for blue streaks or discoloring on the clutch mating surface along with small heat cracks that are a common issue when there are many miles of usage.
It is always a good idea to have the flywheel re-surfaced/ground to provide a good clean surface for proper mating and brake-in with the new clutch.
This also a good idea / recommended when performing a brake job as well.

 

Sounds right, just how would you reinforce a stock linkage?

 

May look into the billet flywheel that TA Performance is offering.

 

Talk to Mike at TA Performance, wow, this guy's attention to detail is amazing! He recommended balancing the crankshaft with the flywheel he sells. For me this may a bit over kill, not racing, just driving around enjoying car shows. The flywheel I'm looking at is a TA 2038, any reviews?

 

Well the 455 is externally balanced so that means that the flexplate or flywheel are weighted to balance out the emgine. If switching to a different flywheel most times it’s better to match balance it with the one that comes off the engine so it doesn’t throw off the balance. That being said the factory balance job is very crude so it’s better to properly balance the whole assembly and crank if it’s apart. If it’s not coming apart then doing a match balance is the best you can do.

Unless the factory flywheel is too worn out to machine that’s what I would do.

 

The linkage bracket "welded" to the clutch pedal is the issue. A solid weld is usually the fix. Mine almost broke off.