What type of clutch do I have!

[English]

As you may be aware, I have an engine swap coming up  Straight swap, 5.7 for a 5.7

The fitter recommends I get a clutch kit, so he can change it if need be.

But I'm a bit confused. The truck is a 1979 K10, with a 350 engine and SM465 'box. According to my research, I should have a 12" coil spring clutch, but the only kits I can find are diaphragm spring. Am I heading to a world of pain?

Is there any way to identify the clutch before I take it to the shop?

[English]

From the GM Heritage Centre

[Jason S]

The 12" 3-finger coil spring clutch kit is available, here is one from O'Reilly Auto Parts (Power Torque K1862-01). With the link and part number you may be able to find one more local to you.

You might remove the dust shield from the transmission bellhousing and run bent wire or coat hanger to 'feel' for the diaphragm or fingers; or possibly remove the starter and use a mirror; or have someone push in the clutch and try to peek through the throughout fork hole in the bellhousing.

My thoughts are that the clutch kit with the diaphragm type pressure plate should be fine.  Maybe others will provide additional insight.

[Irish_Alley]

i know when i went to swap my 350 in my 79ish mud truck with a sm465 i ran into the same problem. i selected the diaphragm spring clutch and it all worked out. i dont recall what was on my sm465 but i think it was a more popular choice so its the one i went with. that being said in my autozone they only carry the 12" diaphragm clutch in stock. now some times theyre wrong but most time they stock the more popular options over the lease likely options

[Irish_Alley]

http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/clutch-set/duralast-clutch-set/chevrolet/c30-1-ton-p-u-2wd/1979/8-cylinders-l-5-7l-4bl-ohv/213942_121841_6061/
this is the one they have in stock
and they cant order the other one but you can have it shipped to your home





http://www.autozone.com/drivetrain/clutch-set/duralast-clutch-set/chevrolet/c30-1-ton-p-u-2wd/1979/8-cylinders-l-5-7l-4bl-ohv/5690_122042_5233/
is the one they have to order

[English]

Cool, so a diaphragm clutch should be okay then? Makes things a lot easier!

Any thoughts of using an 11" clutch instead of a 12"? Just because the vendor has 11"s on the shelf but has to order 12"s in.

[Irish_Alley]

im going to tell you the truth, i dont know if thats the correct one for your area. around here these trucks are more common so the parts stores will carry more common parts for our trucks. but on your side of the pond they might carry a more common part for another truck and it just so happens its also a part for yours.

if the 11" fits then the only problem might be it might be more likley to slip more due due to a slightly smaller surface area

[English]

Cool, thanks for the advice. Good to have a bit of knowledge before the truck goes to the shop!