Why or why not to go with a hydraulic clutch?

[chatas1]

This is for my 69. I will be using a TKO trans behind a 408. I have cable clutches in the past with good success but was wondering if the hydraulic is smoother or easier. What's the best kit out there?

Thanks

[Fast68back]

Here is a great website for a DIY kit, a lot cheaper for a little leg work.

[70vert]

Like you, I currently use a cable clutch. It's on a TKO600 that I put behind an original 302. Not because it needed it, obviously, but because I need to do my upgrades in chunks and I am enjoying the hell out of a manual 5-speed while I wait for the rear end to be done, then save up for a 408. The 600 is for the 408, of course.

IIRC, the benefits seemed minimal for me - less pedal effort and not requiring adjustment like a cable clutch. It relies on engine vacuum, though, which would seem to be a drawback in a high performance engine with little vacuum . . .

[69 Rustang]

Huh? How does engine vacuum affect a hydraulic clutch?

My hydraulic clutch will not be "Vacuum assisted" and I doubt that others are that way either. A hydraulic clutch just needs a separate master cylinder for the clutch hydraulic system.

[DaneGA]

Fast68, thats awesome! thanks for posting the site I need that setup.
..what a money saver

[DaveSanborn]

Huh? How does engine vacuum affect a hydraulic clutch?

+1

No vacuum is required.

I used the JMC hyd. kit in the car in my sig pic and the clutch operates as if driving a newer model car. Light pedal effort and no heat related cable routing issues would be the main benefits of a hyd. system over the cable.

Dave

[Fast68back]

Originally Posted by DaneGA

Fast68, thats awesome! thanks for posting the site I need that setup.
..what a money saver

The real thanks goes to JamesW ( a member here), he did all the leg work and built the webpage with all the info. :thumbup: I just bookmarked it until I need it (hopefully soon)

[chatas1]

That is a cool website. I'm on board with that set up.

[70vert]

oops, newb response. I was thinking of vacuum assist brakes . . .

[JamesWnew]

Rick, your car is lookin' sweet. That green is beautiful. Next time you trek down to Waco give me a shout.

[69 Rustang]

Is the reinforcement plate necessary inside the firewall of a 69-70 or could one just use large fender washers? Glens install refers to it being necessary on the early 65-66 models.

[Stroked66]

Do you have power brakes?

If so, the hydraulic clutch MC may not clear your booster. In which case your only options are z-bar, or cable.

FWIW,
I have the Mustang Steve Cable Clutch set-up and like it just fine (have a Spec Stage 3 clutch so it's pretty heavy), but I've also installed and used the JMC hydraulic kits.

If it wasn't for my power brakes, I'd have gone hydraulic to begin with, Hell................. I might even switch to manual brakes just to get the smoother pedal

[DaveSanborn]

Ah, I hate to be the one to break the news, but JMC has a kit designed for 65-73 Mustangs that use the original type brake power booster....

It's a tight fit (anything in that corner of the engine bay is), but because the clutch master angles downward at an approx. 15-20 degree angle, it clears the side of the booster.

Just barely visible in this photo....



Dave

[Fast68back]

Originally Posted by JamesWnew

Rick, your car is lookin' sweet. That green is beautiful. Next time you trek down to Waco give me a shout.

Thanks James, I was actually down in Waco a couple weeks ago. I wanted to put my windows in and Dallas Mustang was out of stock on the front run weatherstripping so I ran down to Texas Mustang one Sat morning to get them, after I made them check (twice) to make sure they really had in stock.

[onegreedy67]

very interested in this since i have power brakes, who is jmc and where do i find said clutch master