Reply to "Flywheel question."

Hartwig, this is a complex subject. There are generally three different types of throwout bearings that may be found, depending on what kind of clutch you are using. The first is a flat-face bearing used for stock Long 3-finger and aftermarket bent-finger diaphragm clutches. The second is a crowned-face bearing used for GM-style flat-finger diaphragm clutches. And both types can sometimes be had as 'constant-contact' throwout bearings, in which the clutch fingers are in constant light contact with the bearing face. With these bearings, no free-play distance is needed. This is helpful with non-stock clutches since it saves space and gives slightly more disengagement distance, which also extends the life of your ZF synchros!

Note also that non-stock clutches often use non-stock bolt patterns and/or bolt sizes, so an aftermarket flywheel that has multiple bolt patterns pre-drilled in it can be a useful addition. Redrilling a stock flywheel is not recommended since its hard to do it right but very easy to do it wrong. Both aluminum and steel aftermarket flywheels may also be a little (or a lot!) lighter than stock, freeing up some power and changing the way the engine revs and drives. If you do change flywheels, be sure the assembly you get is balanced to 28.2 inch-ounces; late Ford flywheels can also be balanced to 50 inch-ounces, and will fit a 351-C but will shake your car apart when running!