Clutch/flywheel interchangability confusion
 

Hey guys,

As some of you know I have started in on my new 79 GS project,and I am planning swapping stuff from my 83 LE,but I am a bit confused.

I have a light weight steel flywheel in my 83 now with a clutch masters clutch,and I was planning on swapping this to the 79.The thing is I know I can get the different counter weight from mazdatrix for $180,but my concern is which clutch do I use?I know the 79 uses a 215mm clutch,and the 83 uses the 225mm clutch,but if I am using the light steel flywheel could I use the 225mm clutch,or are there differences in the center piece as well as the diameter?Maybe I should just ditch the idea of using the lightweight flywheel,as I was never really happy with its drivability,or percieved(by me atleast)extra wear on the clutch.Thanks in advance.

Chris
79 GS
83 LE
74 RE/PU
92 Cummins diesel

im not really clear on what your doing.

if you put the 83 motor and trans into your 79 then use the 83's flywheel and clutch.

if your just using the 79's engine and transmission then the clutch will not interchangable.

You could also use the 79 motor with the 83 clutch flywheel and transmission.

on a stock 79->82 flywheel+clutch-pressure-plate-spring-housing there is enough room to stuff the later 83+ larger clutch disc.
this is the setup i run: stock 79 fly+pressureplate, stock aftermarket 83+ clutch disc, 83 tranny. no worries yet (10,000km...)

a visual inspection tells me that the spline shaft for the tranny didnt change between 79 and 83, so you should be fine.

isnt the bellhousing differnt on the 215mm flywheel cars vs the 225mm flywheel?
wouldnt it have to be? bigger flywheel meand differnt starter and or starter location.

What I am trying to do is use my lightweight flywheel,pressure plate,and clutch from my 83 on the 79 engine,and tranny.I don't think the bellhousing is any different,as the engines are all the same width,and height be it 12A,or 13B,but maybe I am crazy.Thanks for the replies so far,and keep them coming.

Chris

the bellhousings are identical.. the flywheels are the same OD, but the mating surface for the clutch disc changes shape. i have a 83 12a flywheel at my feet as a footrest and id estimate its outer diameter to be close to 30cm (300mm)

thanks sparkien i wasnt sure on the overall diameter.

mazdax- get a new counterweight and put your light flywheel and disk on the 79 motor and youll be happy.