I have a 1971 with a big block , it was originally a 4 speed car . It currently has a 400 turbo in it. I want to swap it to a 6 speed .. I really dont want to go to a hydraulic clutch . I want t keep it old school . Can i basically get the new tremic tranny , get a stock gm bell housing and a z- bar . And use the clutch and pressure plate that tremic recomends ??

Thats for any help

 

I don't think that will work.. The bell housing job is to center itself on the motor, center the transmission it also sets the proper distance between the engine and transmission. By memory I think the pivot system works in the opposite direction. Since the mechanic clutch is basically a series of levers the length of the release bearing folk is part of the calculation. On the older T56's they could mount the cylinder as close the trans as they wanted and change the cylinder size to get the feel on petal. That mean the fork designed for the Z bar would not work in a bell housing designed to work with hydrails. The alignment of all the parts of the Z bar system is critical.

A good fabricator could build it be the cost would be insane.

If it was possible to just stick a T56 in a stock GM bell housing it would be all over the net. There are companies that all they do is make adapter kits for this swap.

Z bar was the week link in the mechanical clutch. I remember back in the day I put a Ram 2400 Lb clutch in my 74 Camaro. The stud on the block side of the motor lasted 3 weeks before it sheard off. I had to pull the motor to replace it. At the time GM was the only source, When I went to order the new one the parts guy reached under the counter and set the stud on the counter. He said he sold 3 to 4 a month. Several customers bought spares.

If that stud is seeing enough pressure to shear off a 1/2 stud it is a very poor mechanical system and should have hardened roller bearings at the pivot. The point is the hydraulic system is by far a better system. In the aftermarket you can get them to handle any pressure clutch.

When you compare the mechanic clutch to the hydraulic system there is really no comparing. I heard the old timers complain "you cannot adjust them when they wear." You cannot adjust your front brakes either. They feal the same until they wear out. That is the same for the clutch. There is an inspection plate so they can be inspected (just like brakes) and if the springs get weak you will feel it more accurately than you would with a mechanical system. Today I own both and there is no downside to hydraulic clutch.

 

Thanks for the reply

 

I put the Barton shifter on and it is not at all jiggly. Solid shift. I left in the 1-4 shift though. I got my shifter in Purple. Had to match the outside. Tutuapp 9apps