Hey folks,
I have a problem with a very stiff clutch pedal. It's a 68 GTS 340 car with standard 833. The car did not have a stiff pedal before I restored it but afterward, it did. I've replaced the bellhousing with a factory correct housing and used dial idicator. Good there. Replaced clutch pressure plate and disc with brand new RAM 3 finger-style. I'm running the factory pedal box (rebuilt with all new bearings) and over-center spring. Still stiff pedal. The z-bar (Torque shaft) and the bellhousing Z bar mount are factory correct I believe (they look like what Brewers shows). Also the clutch pedal rod is factory correct I believe. When I look at the Z-bar though, it looks like the end-closed the bellhousing is not centered. Any ideas?

ask RAM what the plate pressure is. probably far more than you need.

I agreee.I used to run a 3200 poundcCleod plate in my 65 Clutch was a bear to push.Now center force and its easy.Rocky

I've always run stiff, 3 finger clutches. My latest street car, I decided I wanted something a little easier for cruising in traffic. Getting older. I reached out to Centerforce and the tech recommended the CFII (not dual friction). It's so much easier on the leg, zero chatter, smooth release and never hints of slip. I'm only running about 400hp smallblock but I like to grab some gears. Zero complaints and would buy another tomorrow.

It's a street clutch. I think 2800 pressure up to 450 HP.

It's most likely the clutch. If you lay under while someone presses the clutch down and don't see anything wonky or noises, it's probably not a mechanical issue.

it's not about horsepower; it's about torque. small blocks are not torque engines. i'd rather have less plate pressure and more friction area on a street car. 440's and street hemis used a 2700-2800lb borg&beck BUT they had a heavier over center spring than the 383's with a 2300lb clutch; and even with the heavier over center spring they were a pain in the a$$ in traffic. this reminds me of way back in the day when a friend had '63 409 with a 3000lb borg&beck with no over center spring; miserable to drive.

Thanks for all the replies. I'll investigate further.

You may have the wrong pivot in the bellhousing, or wrong ballstud mount attached to the bellhousing . Go to Brewers site on the internet and look at the component photos. If you don't see the problem , give them a call . They have the knowledge, and all the right components.

Can the Z bar be swapped end for end? I've seen that happen on other vehicles. It throws off the linkage ratio.

Dunno, I'd guess not if all the factory stuff is in place, BUTTTTT ? Great suggestion.
And to the OP do be aware that the frame side mount will give it up without reinforcement. Myself, I like the Centerforce clutches. probably installed 100 of them in various vehicles, only 1 manufacturing problem.

TJP agree CF clutchs are great Love the one in my 65 Been beat on for years and still works great.Oh yeah make sure the buching etc on the z bar are greased.Rocky
y

I feel as though if it could be done, I would have done it and caused problems. But I've only worked on Big Block cars. I've had a couple "heavy" pressure plates 3,000+ pounds, even with the overcentre spring it just might be "how it is"

Fix it with a center force. Done.