Early vs late model sbc - pressure plate bolt pattern

Doober

Moderator
Jun 2, 2003
14,704
1
38
Catalina, AZ
www.cardomain.com
I don't remember exactly what I did when I swapped the one piece rms 350 in place of the old 305... I'm thinking I just put the pressure plate/disc on the new flywheel but I'm not positive. I'm about to start looking at clutch kits in case I have to replace the current one in the '78 (pedal feels like something is stuck/bound up in the bellhousing area), and may step up holding power a little (could feel the clutch slipping a little on quick shifts).
 

1981Regal

Dragway Regular
Mar 10, 2008
1,274
0
0
Cincinnati, Ohio
But isnt the crankshaft lip smaller in diameter one piece vs the two piece rear main seal? I know they are with flexplates or maybe getting mixed up with tooth count 153 vs 168.
 

Doober

Moderator
Thread starter
Jun 2, 2003
14,704
1
38
Catalina, AZ
www.cardomain.com
Possibly... the bolt pattern is different (or dowel is in a different spot, etc.), but the pressure plate and clutch disc never really get very close to that area. I had this clutch on a '78 305 when I originally converted the last car to a 3-speed from TH350.

I'm thinking I will step up a tad in performance if I can't get this one warranted, when I up shift at higher rpms it would tend to slip a little...
 

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