The Ford Barn

Curt in AZ · 12-29-2016, 03:04 PM

We're about finished with a '53 Merc engine rebuild for my '53 F100. I wonder what clutch to consider for the engine. Currently the std 3-speed uses the stock 10" - 1-3/8" x 10 clutch. The engine is now 276 cu.in. but is stock except for .060" oversize valves, Schneider cam's 248B grind and Red's headers. The cam is a mild 3/4 grind. Also planning to use 8BA heads milled for clearance to obtain a little more compression (thanks for that advice Ron).

Is it be a good idea to upgrade to the 11" clutch or will the stock clutch be perfectly serviceable? I assume the 11" clutch requires a matching flywheel or can the 10" flywheel be drilled for the slightly larger clutch?

Curt

36tudordeluxe · 12-29-2016, 03:52 PM

I have a 276 also and run the stock clutch with no problems; I think the 11" is more problems than it's worth. I would use Ft. Wayne Clutch.

Karl Wolf · 12-29-2016, 04:11 PM

Use the 10" clutch.

If you want an 11", I'll trade you...

Karl

flatheadmurre · 12-29-2016, 04:30 PM

If it was a merc engine doesn´t your flywheel have the drilling for merc clutchplate ?

estout81 · 12-29-2016, 04:47 PM

My '48 F-1 with an engine similar to yours runs the stock 10" Merc. clutch with no problems.

Curt in AZ · 12-29-2016, 05:35 PM

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Quote:

Originally Posted by flatheadmurre

If it was a merc engine doesn´t your flywheel have the drilling for merc clutchplate ?

Yes, it must be the stock Merc flywheel. Are the Ford and Merc 10" clutches identical?

flatheadmurre · 12-29-2016, 05:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Curt in AZ

Yes, it must be the stock Merc flywheel. Are the Ford and Merc 10" clutches identical?

Boltpattern is different.
Stock merc clutch is a good choice imho.
6 equally spaced holes = merc
3 groupes of 2 holes =ford

rotorwrench · 12-29-2016, 06:19 PM

Mercury uses Borg & Beck 10-inch equal bolt spacing on 6 each 3/8" bolts.

Ford pickup, Police cars, and station wagons used 10-inch Long with the 3 pair spacing and 6 each 5/16" bolts.

Either set up will work well and will be a fair bit lighter than the 11-inch truck clutch. Most of the 11-inch set ups were either used with the standard 4-speed or larger transmissions. The old 9-inch Long type is the lightest one and also works well with lighter vehicles. The lighter weight allows for quicker rpm build in a performance application.

12-29-2016, 03:04 PM	#1
Curt in AZ Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2015 Location: Clarkdale, AZ Posts: 121	Flathead Clutch Recommendation We're about finished with a '53 Merc engine rebuild for my '53 F100. I wonder what clutch to consider for the engine. Currently the std 3-speed uses the stock 10" - 1-3/8" x 10 clutch. The engine is now 276 cu.in. but is stock except for .060" oversize valves, Schneider cam's 248B grind and Red's headers. The cam is a mild 3/4 grind. Also planning to use 8BA heads milled for clearance to obtain a little more compression (thanks for that advice Ron). Is it be a good idea to upgrade to the 11" clutch or will the stock clutch be perfectly serviceable? I assume the 11" clutch requires a matching flywheel or can the 10" flywheel be drilled for the slightly larger clutch? Curt

12-29-2016, 03:52 PM	#2
36tudordeluxe Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2012 Location: Las Vegas, NV Posts: 1,260	Re: Flathead Clutch Recommendation I have a 276 also and run the stock clutch with no problems; I think the 11" is more problems than it's worth. I would use Ft. Wayne Clutch.

12-29-2016, 04:11 PM	#3
Karl Wolf Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Mill Valley,Ca. Posts: 1,509	Re: Flathead Clutch Recommendation Use the 10" clutch. If you want an 11", I'll trade you... Karl

12-29-2016, 04:30 PM	#4
flatheadmurre Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2015 Location: Sweden Posts: 3,045	Re: Flathead Clutch Recommendation If it was a merc engine doesn´t your flywheel have the drilling for merc clutchplate ?

12-29-2016, 06:19 PM	#8
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Flathead Clutch Recommendation Mercury uses Borg & Beck 10-inch equal bolt spacing on 6 each 3/8" bolts. Ford pickup, Police cars, and station wagons used 10-inch Long with the 3 pair spacing and 6 each 5/16" bolts. Either set up will work well and will be a fair bit lighter than the 11-inch truck clutch. Most of the 11-inch set ups were either used with the standard 4-speed or larger transmissions. The old 9-inch Long type is the lightest one and also works well with lighter vehicles. The lighter weight allows for quicker rpm build in a performance application.