Clutch Issues
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
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Clutch Issues
Hi
I recently bought a 63 Corvette with a 5 speed . It has a Centerforce dual friction Clutch kit, P/n CTF-DF161056 in it from Summit. The pedal pressure and quick release is very difficult to work with. My wife would never be able to drive the car because of the pressure needed to push the clutch in. The car has the stock clutch linkage (I believe).
I'm going to need a knee operation if I can't get this problem resolved.
Any ideas, before I have to think about replacing the clutch setup?
Thanks
Ron
I recently bought a 63 Corvette with a 5 speed . It has a Centerforce dual friction Clutch kit, P/n CTF-DF161056 in it from Summit. The pedal pressure and quick release is very difficult to work with. My wife would never be able to drive the car because of the pressure needed to push the clutch in. The car has the stock clutch linkage (I believe).
I'm going to need a knee operation if I can't get this problem resolved.
Any ideas, before I have to think about replacing the clutch setup?
Thanks
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 7,246
Likes: 21
From: Going too fast over the hill. Iowa
Ten years ago, I swapped my centerforce for an 11 inch reman setup from Autozone that has original GM style diaphram clutch. IMO much smoother to engage, and less pedal pressure than the centerforce.
Check the clutch linkage under the dash to see if your pedal is in the fast shift position - closer to the floor but less leverage.
Mine IS in the fast shift position, but even with less leverage, my wife, and my daughter can operate the car.
Check the clutch linkage under the dash to see if your pedal is in the fast shift position - closer to the floor but less leverage.
Mine IS in the fast shift position, but even with less leverage, my wife, and my daughter can operate the car.
Last edited by magicv8; May 2, 2010 at 09:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 16
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
Wow I am surprised. The Centerforces whole design is created for a light pedal pressure with maximum grip. My 63 has a Centerforce II with all stock linkage and it's one of the lightest clutches I have ever had. Sure you aren't having some binding or lubrication issues in your linkage? 
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 2,749
Likes: 776
From: Dadeville AL
I have a Centerforce clutch in my stock bell housing/transmission and it is not particularly heavy. Given that your car has a non-stock transmission and, presumably, bell housing, the geometry many not be exactly right. I would be particularly suspicious of the geometry if the clutch pedal has a very short throw before it disengages the clutch. If nothing is binding, perhaps the clutch fork geometry (e.g., pivot point, arm length) is not ideal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 2,937
Likes: 163
From: OP Kansas
C2 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Hi
I recently bought a 63 Corvette with a 5 speed . It has a Centerforce dual friction Clutch kit, P/n CTF-DF161056 in it from Summit. The pedal pressure and quick release is very difficult to work with. My wife would never be able to drive the car because of the pressure needed to push the clutch in. The car has the stock clutch linkage (I believe).
I'm going to need a knee operation if I can't get this problem resolved.
Any ideas, before I have to think about replacing the clutch setup?
Thanks
Ron
I recently bought a 63 Corvette with a 5 speed . It has a Centerforce dual friction Clutch kit, P/n CTF-DF161056 in it from Summit. The pedal pressure and quick release is very difficult to work with. My wife would never be able to drive the car because of the pressure needed to push the clutch in. The car has the stock clutch linkage (I believe).
I'm going to need a knee operation if I can't get this problem resolved.
Any ideas, before I have to think about replacing the clutch setup?
Thanks
Ron
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
I have a Centerforce II in my '55 210 and I can depress the pedal easily with my hand. I am just waiting for the right time to install one in my '63. I would be sooooo disappointed if the Centerforce didn't make my pedal lighter. The clutch I have in there now can actually bruise the bottom of my foot on a long ride if I am shifting a lot. Would make sure everything is lubed and works freely with the clutch rod disconnected. At least then you can rule that mechanism out.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 5,474
Likes: 16
From: Houston Texas
St. Jude Donor '10-'12-'13
If you are changing from a standard heavy duty clutch? You will see a big difference with the Centerforce II.It will have a nice,light, factory feel to the pedal
The issues in this thread have to be related to mis-alignment or binding linkage. Or both. Could also be his centrifical weights on the pressure plate are binding and not performing their intended function.
Last edited by MiguelsC2; May 3, 2010 at 11:36 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 128
Likes: 0
Thanks to all that responded to my question.
As I was checking out this 63 compared to a 64 corvette (project) I have I noticed that the bracket that bolts on to the clutch pedal arm (that the clutch pedal push rod attaches to) was missing and the clutch pedal push rod was bolted directly to the clutch pedal arm rather than the bracket on the 63. The clutch pedal push rod on the 63 was for a 1965 - 67 Corvette, it was an 1 1/4" longer than the one for a 63 -65. After changing all the parts off my 64 on to the 63 the clutch was great. Thank goodness for the 64 I have sitting around. I was almost ready to pull the engine and replace the clutch.
Thanks Again for all the help.
I'm now looking for an extra clutch pedal bracket and a correct 63 -65 clutch pedal push rod, anyone have any extras?
Ron
As I was checking out this 63 compared to a 64 corvette (project) I have I noticed that the bracket that bolts on to the clutch pedal arm (that the clutch pedal push rod attaches to) was missing and the clutch pedal push rod was bolted directly to the clutch pedal arm rather than the bracket on the 63. The clutch pedal push rod on the 63 was for a 1965 - 67 Corvette, it was an 1 1/4" longer than the one for a 63 -65. After changing all the parts off my 64 on to the 63 the clutch was great. Thank goodness for the 64 I have sitting around. I was almost ready to pull the engine and replace the clutch.
Thanks Again for all the help.
I'm now looking for an extra clutch pedal bracket and a correct 63 -65 clutch pedal push rod, anyone have any extras?
Ron
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