Hydraulic Clutch Conversion
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Houston Texas
Hydraulic Clutch Conversion
What is the best way to convert the mechanical clutch setup in a typical C3 to hydraulic? I am looking for information on what components from other cars and/or applications that can be used to make the conversion.
Anybody done this?
Thanks.
Anybody done this?
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,668
Likes: 43
From: Eastern US XX
Originally Posted by s car go
What is the best way to convert the mechanical clutch setup in a typical C3 to hydraulic? I am looking for information on what components from other cars and/or applications that can be used to make the conversion.
Anybody done this?
Thanks.
Anybody done this?
Thanks.
Someone posted some great details on this very conversion recently. Try searching on "clutch" and the like.
Racer
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 357
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From: swansea ma
In the midst of doing it now, the master cylinder from a 80-87 chevy truck fits just right. I mated mine to a mid 80's camaro slave and bellhousing. I am swapping from an auto to a T5 5 speed. If you already have the mechanical I don't see an advantage to switching to hydraulic.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
Norval used the master cylinder and slave cylinder from a one ton chevy truck. He used a brake hose to connect the two. He used the bell housing from the truck as well. Hope this helps.
Bernie
Bernie
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by 71coupe
Why are you converting to hyd? 
Why would I want the old mechanical linkage that could possibley bind under hard engine torque??
Go modern, go hydraulic.
Race Director
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 11,872
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by BerniesVette
Norval used the master cylinder and slave cylinder from a one ton chevy truck. He used a brake hose to connect the two. He used the bell housing from the truck as well. Hope this helps.
Bernie
Bernie
While there I had to start with something so I bought a 85 one ton truck master cylinder and discovered that other then a linkage shortening, it was too long it bolted right in. Didn't even need to drill new holes in the firewall, the old cover plate for the mechanical linkage had the right holes.
I joined the clutch master to the slave with a normal 1/4 inch brake line.
For a romote resovior I just bought a nice one from Coleman racing.
Have been running it for 4 years now without a problem.
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Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 416
Likes: 11
From: Merrick NY
My 70 coupe project is all apart, and is an auto. My friend has a 4-speed if I want to put that in, but am concerned about finding all the linkage, parts, etc, and making the mods to the car for it. Am I reading this correctly that I could use a hydraulic setup in place of the linkage and it would work with the 4-speed? This seems like a much easier way to do a conversion. I do still have a new clutch and flywheel from my T56, but feel I could do this part of the conversion much later since it would be costly for a fresh T56. I want to get the car together and complete, I can't wait to drive this car!
SD
SD
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Houston Texas
Thanks for the input guys. I have a problem with the headers being very close to the linkage. Also I noticed engine vibrations being transmitted to the clutch pedal. But maybe its not worth the hassle. Probably just leave it as stock for now.
I want to post a picture for everyone to see, but I am not allowed. How do I get permission to post attachments?
I want to post a picture for everyone to see, but I am not allowed. How do I get permission to post attachments?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
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From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Originally Posted by norvalwilhelm
Why would I want the old mechanical linkage that could possibley bind under hard engine torque??
Go modern, go hydraulic.
Go modern, go hydraulic.
Stay original, go mechanical.
Dep
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
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From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Stay original, go mechanical. Dep 
I had a new 350 IROC with the T-5 5 spd and the clutch was fantastic on it.
I built a G-body Malibu and put one in it. Before I changed it over it about broke my leg from the linkage binding. I removed the mechanical linkage and found that it was binding so bad that it had almost worn the pedal engagement rod hole through.
Oh, and when the hydraulic master cyl goes bad unclip the rear of the tube and pull the plunger and replace the two o-rings on the shaft and bleed it. Like brand new.
jim
I had a new 350 IROC with the T-5 5 spd and the clutch was fantastic on it.
I built a G-body Malibu and put one in it. Before I changed it over it about broke my leg from the linkage binding. I removed the mechanical linkage and found that it was binding so bad that it had almost worn the pedal engagement rod hole through.
Oh, and when the hydraulic master cyl goes bad unclip the rear of the tube and pull the plunger and replace the two o-rings on the shaft and bleed it. Like brand new.
jim
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Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Houston Texas
OK I realized I have to host my own photos. Here is a picture of what my major problem is. Any ideas on how to best fix this problem ?
http://www.acc-controls.com/vette/im.../image677.html
How do you like my power steering retrofit? Cant wait to see how it feels.
http://www.acc-controls.com/vette/im.../image677.html
How do you like my power steering retrofit? Cant wait to see how it feels.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
Likes: 6
From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Dave: Looks more like a header fitment problem that a clutch linkage problem. What make headers are they? Are they side exhaust style?
You may have to "dimple" the header tube where the clutch shaft is hitting the tube.
JIM: Never had any need for hydraulic clutch assist in the past and I always had the heaviest duty pressure plate I could find. You are sounding as bad as those wimps who can't live without power steering.
What did Jessie the Body call them in Predator? Oh yeah..."bunch of slack-jawed hippies".
Dep
P.S. I also removed the PS from my Vette
You may have to "dimple" the header tube where the clutch shaft is hitting the tube.
JIM: Never had any need for hydraulic clutch assist in the past and I always had the heaviest duty pressure plate I could find. You are sounding as bad as those wimps who can't live without power steering.
What did Jessie the Body call them in Predator? Oh yeah..."bunch of slack-jawed hippies".
Dep
P.S. I also removed the PS from my Vette
Last edited by DJ Dep; May 20, 2005 at 09:27 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
Likes: 3
From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Dep you've just got a bigger leg to push it with I guess......... 
Seriously, The hydraulic is so much smoother and easier to deal with. I have an '86 Vette hydraulic system for the new '80, and I may even go to a hydraulic throwout bearing and a Wildwood master cylinder.Still haven't decided.And I'd say it would save weight to go with the little master cyl and throwout bearing style
The only way I would use a mechanical linkage now is to go with heim joints on every rod pivot.
jim
Seriously, The hydraulic is so much smoother and easier to deal with. I have an '86 Vette hydraulic system for the new '80, and I may even go to a hydraulic throwout bearing and a Wildwood master cylinder.Still haven't decided.And I'd say it would save weight to go with the little master cyl and throwout bearing style
The only way I would use a mechanical linkage now is to go with heim joints on every rod pivot.
jim
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by DJ Dep
Not with solid motor and trans mounts
Stay original, go mechanical.
Dep
Stay original, go mechanical.
Dep
The hydraulic unit is available at any parts store, any one. Can I say the same for the mechanical linkage?? Header clearance can become an issure as is a frame bracket.
As for original I don't have alot of desire to leave too much alone. I would rather uprgrade then use 30 year old technology.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,714
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From: Silver City NM
St. Jude Donor '05-'07
Norval: Ah yes...I forgot you are Mr. Swisscheeseframe 
Mechanical linkage is available in every Corvette catalog. No shortage there. Header clearance is an issue with the header maker, not the linkage. Frame bracket is no sweat. Just use the bolt on one.
Note: YOU ARE DRIVING 30-year-old technology. If you are a technology addict, you should switch to a C5 or C6
Dep
Mechanical linkage is available in every Corvette catalog. No shortage there. Header clearance is an issue with the header maker, not the linkage. Frame bracket is no sweat. Just use the bolt on one.
Note: YOU ARE DRIVING 30-year-old technology. If you are a technology addict, you should switch to a C5 or C6
Dep
Race Director
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From: Waterloo ontario Canada
Originally Posted by DJ Dep
Norval: Ah yes...I forgot you are Mr. Swisscheeseframe
Note: YOU ARE DRIVING 30-year-old technology. If you are a technology addict, you should switch to a C5 or C6
Dep
Note: YOU ARE DRIVING 30-year-old technology. If you are a technology addict, you should switch to a C5 or C6
Dep
No most things are upgraded.
My next winter project will probably be rack and pinion steering.
Even a C6 won't put out the power or torque of this thing.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 2,662
Likes: 8
From: Knoxville Tennessee
I ride a bicycle 10 miles everyday the weather lets me. It's a 30 year old schwinn. The brakes, gears, pedals and seat have been upgraded. Fastest 30 year old bike on the road; and a lot safer too.
I grew up shovelling coal and chopping wood to heat our house, now I just dial in the temp. I want. Technology is great!
I do agree, if it an't broke don't fix it, but everything I own gets upgraded when something better or safer comes along.
Now, I'm going to go to the electric refrigerator, pull a little handle on the side and fill up an ice cold mug of draught beer and watch a little tv. Yep, technology is really great!
Bernie
I grew up shovelling coal and chopping wood to heat our house, now I just dial in the temp. I want. Technology is great!
I do agree, if it an't broke don't fix it, but everything I own gets upgraded when something better or safer comes along.
Now, I'm going to go to the electric refrigerator, pull a little handle on the side and fill up an ice cold mug of draught beer and watch a little tv. Yep, technology is really great!
Bernie