Author Topic: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block  (Read 5600 times)

Offline Topcat

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Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« on: January 05, 2014 - 03:07:48 PM »
Are the Z bars different small block vs. Big block on e body?
Mike, Fremont, CA.





Offline anlauto

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #1 on: January 05, 2014 - 04:07:58 PM »
Nope
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
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Offline Topcat

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #2 on: January 05, 2014 - 04:33:08 PM »
I suspected that.

This was getting me confused.

http://www.cuda-challenger.com/cc/index.php?topic=64928.0

the Z bar is unique to each application , with the wider big blocks the Z bar is shorter then a small block bar & the arms are at different angles depending on the application , I have often had to modify a bar to get the best results
 The Z bar has pivot balls & nylon bushings inside these can be bought as a kit from Mopar , they also have grease seals so the grease inside the Z bar stays clean , 1 ball threads into the belhousing , the other slots into the frame bracket 
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline 73EStroker

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #3 on: January 06, 2014 - 11:08:25 PM »
 :iagree: with Mike. Definitely different but not that they look different. My SB Zbar actually reaches my BB bellhousing without being too long, why? I don't know. But my pedal is trying to "push" the z bar top lever forward (not down) while still requiring more travel to properly release the clutch. The way I see it and figuring from my geometry days at school, I actually need to ditch the correct 15" rod from pedal to z bar and put about a 1" shorter unit in so that the angle is better for leverage without bottoming out that same rod over the bellcrank of the z bar. Hopefully this is not all confusing but I don't have pictures of the problem. The other issue with the SB bellcrank in a big block is that I have to use the angled actuator rod from the z bar to clutch fork. That's no problem though. My final attempt is to reconfigure this top rod and if no worky then hydraulic it is to be.
Barry (Salmon Arm)

Offline Chlngrcrzy

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #4 on: January 19, 2014 - 06:00:24 PM »
I read through, but i am still uncertain of the answer. I have a SB z-bar, but was getting ready to order the BB z-bar. When ordering, they definitely list both as being separate. If i can save $90 and use the SB z-bar i would like to.

Offline Topcat

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #5 on: January 19, 2014 - 06:12:26 PM »
I spoke to Jaimie at Mega Parts.

He confirmed what I thought was true.

The small block Z bar on an E Body is the same for the Big block.

As long as you aren't doing the 11" bellhousing or aftermarket type being involved.

Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline anlauto

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #6 on: January 19, 2014 - 07:14:54 PM »
Jamie is a great guy... :2thumbs:
I've taught you everything you know.....but I haven't taught you everything I know !
www.alangallantautomotiverestoration.com

Offline Chlngrcrzy

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #7 on: January 19, 2014 - 07:16:07 PM »
I spoke to Jaimie at Mega Parts.

He confirmed what I thought was true.

The small block Z bar on an E Body is the same for the Big block.

As long as you aren't doing the 11" bellhousing or aftermarket type being involved.
Awesome. That will save me a few skins by using my SB z-bar.    :woohoo:

Offline Topcat

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #8 on: January 19, 2014 - 07:25:42 PM »
Awesome. That will save me a few skins by using my SB z-bar.    :woohoo:

Glad to help out a Seahawks fan?
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline Chlngrcrzy

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #9 on: January 20, 2014 - 11:03:20 AM »
Glad to help out a Seahawks fan?
OH HE__ NO!   I clearly am their only Washingtonian NINER man. I Bleed Red and Gold. I wore my Niner Tie to Church yesterday and thought i was going to get tarred and Feathered.

Offline Topcat

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #10 on: January 20, 2014 - 09:55:16 PM »
OH HE__ NO!   I clearly am their only Washingtonian NINER man. I Bleed Red and Gold. I wore my Niner Tie to Church yesterday and thought i was going to get tarred and Feathered.

 :cheers:

Glad to hear there are logical thinking people up there. 

Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline WildJones

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #11 on: August 12, 2014 - 03:04:33 PM »
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but what is meant by aftermarket type bellhousings? Better yet, can you tell me if this combo will work? I bought a big block z bar and a Lakewood bellhousing. Brewers claimsI would need to use a small block z bar and, small block clutch adjustment rod to use the Lakewood Bellhousing.  :bricks1:
Mike
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1970 Cuda

Offline Topcat

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #12 on: December 26, 2014 - 08:36:08 PM »
Sorry to resurrect an old thread, but what is meant by aftermarket type bellhousings? Better yet, can you tell me if this combo will work? I bought a big block z bar and a Lakewood bellhousing. Brewers claimsI would need to use a small block z bar and, small block clutch adjustment rod to use the Lakewood Bellhousing.  :bricks1:

Nobody replied back to you.

I think Jaimie at Mega Parts was referring to was the Lakewood housings when I spoke to him about Z bars and Bellhousings.
Mike, Fremont, CA.


Offline javakm70cuda

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Re: Clutch Z bar: Small Block vs. Big Block
« Reply #13 on: December 30, 2014 - 02:09:17 PM »
Has anyone used a Lakewood bell housing behind a bigBlock dodge. I have a 68 charger with 383 I need to complete. It has a Lakewood bell housing on it. I have a zbar & fork off of a 71 4speed bigblock I was going to put on it. It sounds like big block parts I have won't work.
« Last Edit: December 30, 2014 - 02:10:58 PM by javakm70cuda »