in the clutches of umm no clutch

[Tom Jennings <tomj@xxxxxxx>]

Well, I'm not gone, if forgotten! I've been incredibly busy. I
just switched from full time to part time from my long-commute
job, and will do some consulting that I'll do from home, so I am
just starting to work on the Hornet again. Finally stopped raining
too (no garage, car is outside under plastic).  I've also been
working on another project, restoring a 25-year-old minicomputer,
http://wps.com/NOVA4.

Anyways.

I've been having no luck finding a 10" clutch. I've got a 1982 258
six, a T150 trans. The driven shaft is 1-1/16" diam, 10 splines.
There are plenty of 9" - 9.5" clutches for this combo, but no 10"
clutches listed. The motor has a hot cam, claimed 275hp, probably
closer to 250 to 225. The bigger clutch seems like a good idea,
though probably not required. Street car, not racing.

There's rumors of Ford application parts, but unless someone can
vouch for it having *done it* personally, I'm sticking with
AMC-listed parts.

I don't have an old 10" to match up. I don't have access to enough
books to do better cross-listing, and though stores have been
helpful, nothing comes up without knowing what to look for.

I'm also seeing $200 - $220 for pressure plate, disk, throwout
bearing.



I do have a nearly-new, used 9" clutch that I may use. It's new
enough that the inked "MADE IN USA" or whatever on the friction
face is perfectly readable -- essentially no wear. Polish marks
clearly visible on the pressure plate.

With this used-bird in hand, and $200 for a plain old 9" clutch,
I'm leaning toward using what I've got.


Suggesions? Opinions? Condolences?