David DeCan

Doing the Muncie swap into 70 Cutlass with 455 and headers. Going to use hydraulic clutch.

Does anyone have experience with hydraulic clutch in 70-72 Cutlass/442?
American Power Train Hydraulic Clutch? $600.
Other hydraulic clutch options?

Thank you.

Cincinnati Rick

Following along to see what kind of responses you get. I'm thinking of going hydraulic next clutch replacement.

1970442

I have the American powertrain hydraulic clutch in mine,works well been in two years now without an issue,Tremec 5 speed as well awesome working setup.

geoff442

Are you looking for info on the installation?

David DeCan

Not looking for install info yet. Looking for those who are using hydraulic clutch to let us know how it is working. Are there other brands other than American Power Train? How does it work with headers? Thanks

RetroRanger

there was a thread a guy w a 67? delmont? that put in a hyd clutch i cant recall the UN tho maybe this will jar someones memory

geoff442

I installed a Amercian Powertrain setup, I have not finished the car yet to check the operation. The American Powertrain set up is very universal. I started out with Chevelle clutch and brake pedal assembly with the main hanger bracket. If your interested in what it takes to install it let me know. McLeod make a setup with brackets and clutch pedal for a Chevelle that looks to be a bolt in kit, I prefer the custom setup from AP, it's more work but a much cleaner installation.

RetroRanger

I do recall that thread mr ranger sir i think this was it.

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...clearance.html

ROCKETMAN269V

Make sure that the kit is for an Oldsmobile. One of my customers, with a Rallye 350, purchased a kit from McLeod, knowing that it was for a Chevelle. We were after the hydraulic master cylinder and clutch pedal. You need a higher pedal ratio with a hydraulic clutch set-up, unless your name is Arnold. The Chevy pedal set-up won't work on an Oldsmobile; Olds uses a bolt through the pedal pivots and Chevy has a shaft that is part of the pedal. The clutch pedal was much lighter gauge than the original, so I took an automatic brake pedal, straightened it out on my press, cut the pad down and put a manual trans pedal pad on it. Also, be sure that there is a plate to reinforce the firewall, as you are now putting all of the load on that area when you depress the clutch. He took it on the Hot Rod Power Tour and said that it was no problem crawling along in line to get into the various venues.

geoff442

I put some pics of my clutch setup, it's not totally complete yet,I need to tidy up a few things, I started a post last year but haven't updated it since, so I put them on that post. I'm just learning how to post the pics. I'll share as much info as I can, if anyone has some info also it would be much appreciated.

RetroRanger

Link to Geoffs thread

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...1-cutlass.html

geoff442

Thanks I'm not that tech savvy

David DeCan

Just read an old post of a hydraulic clutch install on a 68 Cutlass. American Power Train unit. Not a good report. Many issues. Some questions.

1. Is there a set of headers that I can buy to install the 455 in my 70 Cutlass that will allow me to use factory clutch parts?

I currently have a set of #3202 1 7/8 Hooker headers. Love this header, but there is just no way to put the Z bar through the driver's side header. This is what lead me to consider hydraulic clutch. Really don't want to use factory exhaust manifolds.

2. Is there a better hydraulic clutch kit out there than the American Power Train? Has anyone installed it.

3. What do I need to look for on the block and on the frame to install a factory clutch set up? Some kind of pivot ***** need to be installed. Can anyone help me with this? Is it possible my 455 block does not have these bosses to install the needed pivots? Its an old Toro block, year unknown. How about my frame?

Pics or diagrams would really help. I know its a hassle.

Thanks in advance.

Chesrown 67 OAI

I believe Hooker even tells you that theirs is for automatic cars only! ARH stainless work great

David DeCan

Yes. I get that about the Hooker 3202's. I had them before I decided to go stick shift. Chesrown 67 are you saying the ARH headers will work with a stock clutch set up--70 Cutlass?

Chesrown 67 OAI

yes

David DeCan

Hooker 3202's or sale. Thanks.