350 - 454 clutch differences
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Joined: Jan 2020
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350 - 454 clutch differences
Hi guys,
In the process of building a 454 for my 1972 which is almost ready to be balanced, the machine shop has asked me to bring in the pressure plate and flywheel to have the whole assembly balanced.
My original is a 350, I've got the clutch assembly from it and it looks like it's seen some heat.
I have a 454 flywheel that will be machined but wondering about the clutch kits, are they the same from 350 to 454? I see a lot of listings for the 350 in my area but not for 454.
I know it's the 168 spline, but are there any fine differences?
Edit: are there any differences between the 68-72 clutches and 72 onwards (Seems they are listed this way)
In the process of building a 454 for my 1972 which is almost ready to be balanced, the machine shop has asked me to bring in the pressure plate and flywheel to have the whole assembly balanced.
My original is a 350, I've got the clutch assembly from it and it looks like it's seen some heat.
I have a 454 flywheel that will be machined but wondering about the clutch kits, are they the same from 350 to 454? I see a lot of listings for the 350 in my area but not for 454.
I know it's the 168 spline, but are there any fine differences?
Edit: are there any differences between the 68-72 clutches and 72 onwards (Seems they are listed this way)
Last edited by Lachymac1; Sep 7, 2021 at 01:35 AM.
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
flywheel changes for balance. same size. clutch disk changes with the input shaft of the trans.i assume you haven't checked the tranny's pedigree. 26 or 10 or 14 teeth. there is stiffer performance stuff. there is softer comfy street pedal-pressure clutches. but they all essentially go in the same place and are the same sizes.
Last edited by derekderek; Sep 7, 2021 at 09:28 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 7,493
Likes: 1,501
From: Little Rock AR
Derek nailed it. Flywheel is external balance on 454 and clutch hub splines changed from 10 count to 26 count in '73. Small block and big block clutches are not
"different" BUT the entire system is a matched set so it is not advised to change clutch diameter unless you have a VERY good reason. EVERYTHING is different if you change the clutch diameter.
If you are seeing some heat damage, you might want to address that. Why is it getting cooked? Not enough rear gear for the power band? Maybe just a too tight adjustment but either way, you might want to know what caused it.
"different" BUT the entire system is a matched set so it is not advised to change clutch diameter unless you have a VERY good reason. EVERYTHING is different if you change the clutch diameter.
If you are seeing some heat damage, you might want to address that. Why is it getting cooked? Not enough rear gear for the power band? Maybe just a too tight adjustment but either way, you might want to know what caused it.
