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 #HCRC. It bolts to the popular Chevrolet 90 degree style bellhousings - typically Small Block V8 & V6 and Big Block V8, I6 and Iron Duke style bellhousing flanges.
3/4" Slave Version (our most popular) - if you are in doubt which to choose for your Jeep, start here
7/8” Slave Version
Our #HCRC clutch kit has been engineered to bolt to most Chevrolet 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.
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.
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 accommodate 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.
The Novak #HCRC has been proven to work on big clutch & small clutch as well as big bore and small bore Chevy bellhousings. We have verified that the following GM bellhousing part numbers have the necessary block / bellhousing flange style that the #HCRC utilizes for mounting:
3840383
3788421
3858403
3899621
462606
460486
464697
6263756
15998496 (NV4500)
14010202
6263756
There are surely more Chevy bellhousings not yet listed, but these are the major ones. If you are not sure of applicability, send us a digital picture or two via e-mail, and we will let you know. See our contact page.
Many aftermarket bellhousings such as Lakewood, McLeod and others have thus far proven compatible with this system, excepting the Lakewood #15003, which positions the release fork pivot and window too high.
We have customers with drag and other racing setups running this system, as well as various other Jeep, GM and custom applications.
The classic cast iron bellhousing as found on so many Chevrolet engines from 1955 through the early seventies can be made to be compatible with this kit with two modifications:
Alternatively, one could install a spacer on the boss at 11 o’clock and adjust the pushrod shorter, accordingly. This cylindrical thru-spacer can measure 0.385” - 0.410” ID x 7/8” OD x 0.925” tall.
Once completed, our mounting bracket will sit at the same level as it does on the later aluminum bellhousings.
Installers with Chevy Big Blocks should be aware that the line fitting is very close to the oil filter boss and may require grinding.
Clearance for the standard diameter oil filters is sufficient without modifications.
Our slave cylinder uses a highly standard 1/4 DOT fitting. This is the female 7/16-24 threaded fitting ready for an SAE, male double-flare fitting. Most installers that have done any work with brake lines will be very familiar with these, as will their local parts supplier.
For the easiest installation and the most professional look, we recommend our braided stainless steel and poly wrapped flex hose and line assembly (right). It features a flareless compression coupling that can accept the provided straight, 90 degree or 180 degree pre-bent lines. Or the installer can bend the provided straight line to best match their situation. This line is ~3' in length.
These useful adapter fittings permit the adaptation of our #HCRC 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 #HCRC 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 #HCRC cylinder port.
While sometimes not needed in this application, it is priceless when clearances dictate its use. With all the variabilities in flywheel and clutch height, we highly recommend its use. Further information is here.
Installation instructions are included. If you have an existing hydraulic master cylinder, installation is very straightforward. If retrofitting the master things can get more challenging. Later CJ models are marked with the correct location on your firewall (at least the 80s era).
Older versions, especially if you have floor mount pedals will need to get more creative. Wilwood and other manufactures have some very nice options available. Make sure that the master cylinder travel will be about 1-1/2”. It is also possible to retrofit the pedal assembly from a later Jeep (87-90 YJ models would be a prime candidate if you choose to go that way).
The clutch article listed below is extensive and highly recommended reading.