Ok, I have searched all over the web about this subject without getting a definitive answer. For a street car is there a definitive answer of how much "lighter" the leg pressure is when comparing a B&B style pressure plate with a Diaphragm type pressure plate?
I like the Borg and Beck,,,but it does require more leg pressure than the diaphragm type. If not a super high horsepower combo,,,,I would go with the diaphragm. I know that is what I’m gonna do with my next builds,,,my high HP days are behind me. And besides,,,the new diaphragm types are stronger than the old days,,or are at least marketed as such. Just my opinion,,,,and I always listen to Squirrel’s advice as well. Tommy
I picked up a B&B from Butch aka 56sedan delivery here on the hamb for my super t-10 in the '38 I'm building...testing the install, my 115lb wife couldn't comfortably depress and hold the clutch. Will be installing the LUK diaphragm clutch as she is able to push and hold it comfortably. That's about as quantitative as I can get.
If it's Flathead related there was a Hot Rod magazine article that covered the options and soulotions....I kept it around awhile and kept it handy but that was before the fire.....
I would be interested to see that article with the diaphragm clutches for flatheads. Anyone know the magazine date?
Thinking it was late 90's.....it still might be in that back room - haven't cleared it all out yet. The guy had a 1940 Ford tudor as I recall and was tired of the heavy foot he was having to use.
I've got a 32 Ford tudor with a stock 40 Ford 9" pressure plate and would love to have a softer pedal. I don't go racing (except for that one time).
YES...The diaphragm pressure plate is MUCH easier on the leg. Back in 1962, my dad had a bright red 409 Impala. I do not know why, but he removed the GM installed diaphragm plate and installed,as I recall it being the Borg and Beck plate. Three arms, three spring sets in any case. All he did was bitch and moan about the pressure...NOW...required to push in the clutch pedal. After about 6 months or so, he put the diaphragm pressure plate back in and all the whining stopped. Much of the reason for the bitching was that he had about a 45 mile trip to work every day, so there was a good amount of daily clutch pedal work to do. So, YES, same car, same driver, big difference. Mike
Over the last thirty years, everything I have that is equipped with a standard that I have been driving, has a diaphragm clutch. I like them for everyday driving. I do have an 11 inch B &B clutch ready for installation in my Cameo, along with a Super T 10, but this would mean that my wife would have a problem driving the truck. That is why it will probably stay on the shelf. Bob
From what I have read, not experienced, the Borg and Beck style is designed for a tighter grip and used behind high HP engines. If you don't have a high HP engine, invest that money in a solid steel flywheel instead.
In my avatar.i swapped from a Borg and beck to a centerforce 2 diaphragm pressure plate.huge difference in effort! The old one would slip when I'd tack it up and drop the clutch.now it grabs as it should.even in second gear starts
I had problems with the three finger clutch in my 38, it was always "stiff" but worked ok, until....it wouldn't release. That's really fun when you have just pulled into a big box store. Drove it home on the starter and skillful shifting I put a diagram clutch in and the pressure effort is much nicer. Wish I'd did that a long time before.
My legs are shot I use a hydraulic clutch. Someone is not going to like it but I am determined to continue driving.
Beaner, It might be untraditional,,,,but I plan on that as well. I am still gonna use the clutch fork,,,just mount a slave cylinder in place of the linkage rod. Heard too many horror stories about hyd. T.O. bearings leaking. I will still use the diaphragm p.p.as well,,,,,less moving parts inside. Tommy
38 Chevy, you can see the hood and fenders to your left, thanks for asking. My other "38" uses .357 ammo
My neighbor had a internally (infernally?) mounted hi dollar hydraulic clutch throw out bearing in his 40. It failed early in the game, he was not a happy camper. He and his son muscled the transmission out and removed the offending bearing and went to a hydraulic with a throw out arm. I actually ran a similar set up on the 38 Chevy for quite a few years until I decided I wanted old fashioned pedals on the floor. He's the best neighbor, he helps me but never asks me for any help. Maybe that is statement on his perception of my skills Just to add a little personal interest, when he was in high school (mid 60's?) he found a nice 40 coupe with a hopped up flatty and made arrangements to buy it. He first had to sell the 50 something Ford he was driving, but it needed some work, so he skipped school to do the necessary work. His dad found out, and the deal was off. I guess this car is the one that replaced that car 45? years later. I've seen pictures of this car when he started, it was a roach, almost as bad rust wise as a Studebaker
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