Hydraulic Clutch Slave Retrofit Kit
for
Buick Bellhousings
Hydraulic clutch release systems have gained wide acceptance in the aftermarket as a keen solution to both engine conversion and stock clutch linkage replacement scenarios.
Novak's Hydraulic Clutch Slave Retrofit has evolved into its third and best rendition, as our #HCRB. This version bolts to Buick V6 & Buick V8 bellhousings, as found in many Jeep and GM applications.
Option I - 7/8" bore
Option II - 3/4" bore (our most popular size)
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The Kit
Our #HCRB clutch kit has been engineered to bolt to most Buick 90 degree style bellhousings and to work with their associated pressure plates.
All included components work as a system to insure a straightforward installation. The arm provides the proper ratio for the great majority of pressure plates and the T6 hardened and hard anodized billet aluminum slave cylinder and piston are absolutely durable, yet rebuildable or replaceable down the road, if necessary.
Available Kit Versions
Hydraulic clutch release systems are typically engineered to have a 1:1, master-to-slave ratio, where the leverage is not obtained through differential hydraulics. The force is obtained through the leverage provided by the clutch pedal and then the release arm / fork at the throwout bearing, like a conventional mechanical clutch - the method of transmitting the force is the only difference. These principles are discussed here.
As such, the installer will generally choose between our 3/4" bore version or our 7/8" bore version to best match the diameter of their master cylinder.
- Choosing a larger slave for a smaller master may create a situation where the pedal pressure is reduce, but the lessened travel may not fully release a clutch.
- Choosing a smaller slave for a larger master may create a situation where there is excessive pedal pressure. However, the Novak 3/4" bore slave has more travel than OEM units and typically work with 7/8" master cylinders without blowing out. This is helpful if the throwout bearing needs more travel for release, but note that this is not a substitute for not choosing the right length throwout bearing.
For your best benefit, read and understand the principles of working with hydraulic clutch release systems and determine the applicability for your vehicle.
* Note that Full Size Jeeps (Wagoneer, Cherokee, J Truck) vehicles do not accomodate conventional, firewall mounted master cylinders due to the brake booster and the electrical bulkhead connector. If converting one of these Jeeps to hydraulic clutch release, the installer will need to custom configure a master cylinder accordingly.
Bellhousing Compatibilities
Many Buick, Olds and Pontiac Bellhousings work with this assembly, excepting those that feature a starter pocket on the driver's side, as this is the installation location of the #HCRB slave assembly.
Jeep T14 bellhousings in 1971 are a special case. We do carry a version for these. Contact us for this kit.
If you are not sure of applicability, send us a digital picture or two of your bellhousing via e-mail, and we will let you know. See our contact page.
Aftermarket bellhousings such as Lakewood, McLeod and others have thus far proven compatible with this system.
Steering Clearances
The Buick V6 is found in many factory and conversion CJ Jeeps and Commandos. If your Jeep has the original factory Ross bellcrank steering, this kit may not have enough clearance. Please see the pictures of the HCR kit below as mounted to a bellhousing, and determine if it will fit into your Jeep.
Early Jeeps (1946-1971) that have had a proper Saginaw steering conversion should have enough clearance.
Hydraulic Lines and Fittings
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Optional Hydraulic Line Adapters for Jeeps
These useful adapter fittings (left) permit the adaptation of our #HCRB to 1991-present Jeep master cylinders that use the o-ring style fittings.
These fittings each feature a male 1/4" DOT threaded ends so that the installer can use or make standard hydraulic lines or hoses for the particular situation. The tip inserts into your 1991-1995 Jeep YJ (and 1991-1996 Jeep XJ) or 1997-present Jeep TJ & XJ master cylinder using the factory style o-ring and retaining pin. We recommend that you verify your particular fitting with the image and descriptions below prior to ordering.
Note that 1980-1986 CJ's and 1987-1990 YJ's master & slave cylinders already feature a female DOT fitting and do not require these adapter fittings
A common example of hydraulic hose / line use of these adapters when installing the #HCRB kit is to buy or fabricate a line with a female DOT 1/4 fitting for the adapter/master side of the circuit. This line should then feature a male DOT 1/4 end for the slave side of the #HCRB cylinder port.
Shown below is the Chevy version of this kit. The Buick version is very similar in appearance and specs.
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Optional Rebuild Kits
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Rebuild Kit, 3/4" Version