Slave cylinder for 318 clutch setup

Erick · June 24, 2010, 06:35:53 PM

I have a 318 with a 3 spd manual from a 67 Satellite that I'm changing the setup to a hydraulic clutch. The engine and trans. are in a 29 Essex coupe. I have a Wilwood 3/4" bore master cylinder setup and I have a CNC 7/8" bore push type slave cylinder. The push slave cylinder is too big and too long to fit around the starter and such. Just wondering if anyone might have some experience with this and what other slave cylinder could be used? Thanks for the help.

enjenjo · June 24, 2010, 06:42:41 PM

Any way to put an S bend in the clutch release arm to gain some room?

kb426 · June 24, 2010, 06:52:38 PM

Can you post some pics?

Erick · June 24, 2010, 06:58:51 PM

We checked the length of the fork but doesn't seem to be long enough to bend and make work. Would have to make about a 2" bend.

Erick · June 24, 2010, 08:00:31 PM

Did some more checking and measuring. Should be able to make a pull type work for it. I have the car on a 34 Ford style frame with a tubular x-member and the clutch and brake master cylinders are mounted up on the firewall. Thanks for the help.

kb426 · June 24, 2010, 08:12:53 PM

I use the CNC pull type cylinder. You can buy the cheap private label from Speedway Motors and save a little money. If you remove the spring inside the cylinder, you will gain some travel. If you can't align it perfect, put a swivel or rod end in the connection somewhere.

GPster · June 24, 2010, 09:57:32 PM

Just a strange thought. I know that the early 318"s of the Poly design (before '64) had the old style flywheels that fastened onto the crankshafts with nuts and bolts. This design used a longer crankshaft and required a deeper bell housing for room for the clutch. Dodge trucks used hydralic clutch mechanisms in the '50s, '60s maybe they used a clutch fork that would fit in the newer bell housing that would help you out. GPster

Erick · June 27, 2010, 08:28:51 PM

Thanks again for the help and suggestions. We did think about how they probably had some hydraulic setups for some of the old trucks but not sure how they look or if it would work. Ended up going with a pull type slave cylinder. Not sure how much travel is actually needed as the push slave cylinder has a travel of 1.25" and the pull type has 7/8" of travel?

enjenjo · June 27, 2010, 09:50:41 PM

7/8" is usually enough.