Thread: sbc into 37 Ford trans

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I've got a 29 Model A PK with 37 Ford trans and rear.I'm putting in a small block Chevy and have the right adapter.Please tell me as specifically as possible which Chev pressure plate I need.I think the disc will be easy-a 50 or so Ford,but not sure on the plate.Also,I guess I'll use the Ford throw-out bearing,which is flat and will require a 3 finger plate.Help if you can.Roger

Several years ago I did a BB Chevy into a 52 Ford truck tranny using an Offenhauser adaptor (The original engine had been a 239 flat head). It sounds like you are in the same situation I was, I had the adaptor, but none of the small parts or instructions. What I ended up doing was using the stock ford clutch pressure plate, disc and throwout bearing. I had the Chevy flywheel redrilled for the ford pressure plate (it seems like it cost about $30 at the local machine shop). As the input shaft of the tranny was to short to fit into the Chevy pilot bearing, I had an extended one built from a piece of brass bar stock (basically it was the same as a standard thick pilot bearing. but extended out of the crankshaft about 1/2"). As I found out researching my setup, this was exactly what offenhauser originally supplied with the adaptor. I used the truck on a regular basis for about 5 years and never had a problem with the setup. Hope this helps.

Mike,Thanks for the help.I hope to use a Chev pressure plate and kind of think there's one out there.I'll so more checking on the pilot.I know they make one for this.I was going to just ream out the Chev bushing but I guess I'll end up short if I do that.Thanks again for the ideas.Roger

No reason to have the chevy flywheel redrilled. In the 60's I was running a sbc in a 36 coupe. Used the Offy adapter and a Schieffer 10 lb alum flywheel. I can't remember if it was 10 or 10 !/2 in, but used a Chevy pressure plate and a 48 Ford clutch disc and Ford throw out bearing.

I think you're right.I checking on Chev. plate and see they have one at Wilcap but I'll see if I can get thea same at local parts house.Thanks for the help.