Quote:
Originally Posted by Dan Stokes
As I understand it, the '79 clutch will not fit the '83 trans so that's not an option. I'm running the '83-style trans (I understand it's a Getrag) in my race truck and don't expect any issues. While the Mercedes-made trans is marginally stronger my understanding is that there isn't a LOT of difference between them. I mean, WHY would Mercedes install a trans that's too fragile behind their somewhat more powerful 616 engine? Unless you're doing a lot of drag strip racing I doubt there would be an issue.
Another thing to consider - I'm not sure that the transmissions are the same length so you may get into swapping driveshafts, crossmembers, replacing the rubber biscuits, etc. AND, the Mercedes trans is a TON heavier than the Gettrag which matters when you're shoving it up from under the car!
I'd buy a decent clutch for the '83 and fix what you have - I got my Sachs from Pelican parts. A consistent failure on these is the clutch slave cylinder so you may want to replace that while you're in there. It'll be a stinker to bleed but there is guidance on here for that.
Dan
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From what I've seen, (and I've only done the bare minimum of research so far) there's only one clutch available (well, more than one brand, but I'm not seeing an early or a late version). I am seeing differences in the throwout bearing, though. If you're right, that's good info to have. As for swapping other parts, I'd have to remove the driveshaft anyway, and have all the parts from the '79, so that wouldn't pose a problem. I'm also planning on replacing the flexdiscs and center support/bearing while I'm doing all of this.
As luck would have it, when I bought the car, only the downpipe from the engine was installed, and the rest of the exhaust was off. The seller included a brand new, never-installed exhaust, but I've held off installing it until after I have the clutch/driveshaft stuff done. So, that won't be in my way.
As for the weight, I hadn't considered that the difference would be that large. It's not too big an issue. I do have a flat-topped transmission jack. But, it's still good to know.
Quote:
Originally Posted by t walgamuth
I autocrossed with the aluminum case four speed with no issues.....running wide hoosier slicks with loads of traction and standing starts....  |
Hmmm.... so, it sounds like there's no long-term design problems with the aluminum case transmission. Good to know.
Assuming the following is true...:
- the '79 clutch actually is compatible with the '83 transmission
- the '79 clutch does indeed seem to be in like-new condition
I wonder if it would make sense to save a few hundred dollars and swap those over to the '83. I realize a clutch is a wear item, but if it really was just about new when parked, could it potentially cause a problem to use that?
And yes, I very much am trying to be as cheap as I can with this project. I'm putting a formerly junkyard-grade car back on the road, and am interested in doing quality work as cheaply as I can. The hard part (bodywork) is basically done.