Can't find a Clutch

[gerryp]

I have a 1979 Dauntless Buick 225 V6 231 cu. in engine in my Jeep. The parts store sent me home with 3 different clutches and they all seem to be made for a flat flywheel. My flywheel is "stepped" - in other words the outer part where the bolt holes is lower that the clutch face. The casting number is 1263279-2. It must be a different year flywheel - any leads?

Gerry

 

[Rube83]

Did you just install this engine or have you been running the engine/tran combo?

 

[gerryp]

I have the engine out and I want to replace the clutch while I'm at it. The engine, tranny etc have been in and running for about 30 years. The tranny is a Borg and Wagner T10. The old clutch is a Center Force but they don't put part numbers on their clutches. I just wanted to get a replacement clutch but I think the key is figuring out what that flywheel came from. I'm thinking it might be from the Kaiser/AMC days when they put the V6 in Jeeps. I can't find any reference to that casting number.

Gerry

 

[tarry99]

I have the engine out and I want to replace the clutch while I'm at it. The engine, tranny etc have been in and running for about 30 years. The tranny is a Borg and Wagner T10. The old clutch is a Center Force but they don't put part numbers on their clutches. I just wanted to get a replacement clutch but I think the key is figuring out what that flywheel came from. I'm thinking it might be from the Kaiser/AMC days when they put the V6 in Jeeps. I can't find any reference to that casting number.

Gerry

Yes the 231 even fires did have a smaller diameter stepped flywheel. Summit and Jegs have that clutch but call them first or TA Performance in arizona should also be able to steer you in the right direction.
The Problem is , back in the day Buick did not put a clutch behind any of there V6's except when Willys did till 1966-1971 but these were Odd-fired and external balanced........the even fires were Internal balanced. Its just a reverse engineering............AA Adaptors in California also has a clutch for that motor...........they may be your best bet!

 

[Rube83]

Or you could call Centerforce directly - The guys I run with swear by them and say their Customer Service is excellent - (928) 771-8422

 

[Rube83]

One more thought - could you just go down to a 9.5" and stay on the fly wheel?

 

[Petescj]

Is this it?

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=...5ICQAw&usg=AFQjCNElofFto8V_Wy5owTyXyDdyqftenQ

 

[gerryp]

I emailed pictures of the clutch and flywheel to Center Force. They identified the clutch part number as DF 271884 which, unfortunately is discontinued.

I will try AA, Summit and Jegs. I'd rather keep the same size clutch but I can also look into having it re-surfaced.

I appreciate all the suggestions.

Gerry

 

[tarry99]

I emailed pictures of the clutch and flywheel to Center Force. They identified the clutch part number as DF 271884 which, unfortunately is discontinued.

I will try AA, Summit and Jegs. I'd rather keep the same size clutch but I can also look into having it re-surfaced.

I appreciate all the suggestions.

Gerry

You can also take a 225 flywheel and have it ZERO balanced for your 231 even fire motor.......If I remember the 225 has a 10.5 inch while the one you have is either 10 inch or 9.5"...........or:
T.A. Performance ,Centerforce & AA all sell a ZERO balanced flywheel for your 231 which will allow you to use the larger pressure plate and disc.

 

[gerryp]

Not quite - the guy at Center Force says that clutch is for a flat flywheel.

Gerry

 

[tarry99]

Not quite - the guy at Center Force says that clutch is for a flat flywheel.

Gerry

Gerry , THe aftermarket flywheel I'm talking about is Flat...........but it is ZERO balanced for your 231...........
You either have to find someone that has the smaller disc and pressure plate for your later 231 motor or convert it back to the larger disc by getting another flywheel..............I know this may sound confusing but that is your only option.

 

[Zech]

Gerryp, what did you end up doing? I think I am in the same boat as you and striking out everywhere. does your flywheel look like this? Where you able to find a pressure plate? I have pieced together all of the other parts but the pressure plate. Ive call Novak, Mcleod, all the local parts stores and 2 clutch specialty shops in the area and got nothing. Was centerforce able to ID the vehicle it came out of? When I called they were very short with me.
Zech