what's the right clutch???

I have a 67 Cougar that I recenty swapped in a c4 auto to a 4spd toploader. The engine is a 392W that I think makes a good amount of power. The clutch I put in was a Zoom "competition" clutch, and it never would grab very good. I tried adjusting it a few times but no matter what when I got on it it would slip and not go anywhere (and smell real bad). I'm wondering if I needed a better clutch (like a Centerforce) or maybe I did something wrong installing it. Perhaps gear oil was getting on it, I don't know. Since I need a new one now, does anyone have any experience with this? What would be a good clutch to use?

Lack of clean engagement/disengagement is a function of the linkage and the adjustments to it. Zoom clutches aren't the best or the worst. They're pretty good. If you got oil on it, it would "smoke" it. Once it's glazed or the flywheel is "hot spotted", it will be feeble at best.

When you bought it, did you order it by "application"? Ford clutches of the era were "Long-style" pressure plates. They have three "fingers" where the TO bearing pushes, that are heavy forged steel. The bolt pattern is not equ-distant (two holes close, bigger gap, two holes close, etc.). As a matter of routine, with high performance Fords, we would always change the bolt circle and install a diaphragm-type pressure plate from a GM application. The trans would shift much "crisper" and engagement is much smoother. The significantly lower pedal effort from the diaphragm also helps reduce clutch linkage failure, a common problem in those old Fords. The new bolt circle must be done by a competent machinist. The Ford disc works fine.

As for brand names, Hayes, Zoom, McCleod are "old standbys" and for the most part, very good. Ram is another good one. Spec is considered "high end", and rather pricey. Centerforce is another that's rather pricey, and may or may not be overrated. In high horsepower cars, CF clutches haven't held up real well. I'm sure there are others, so my "list" is not meant to be complete.

Jim

yeah, I did order by application. It uses the "long style" like you say with the three finger things. Switching to a diaphragm is a good idea I think, I actually considered it when putting this one in and I may do it next time. I'm just wondering if anyone has any specific experiences with good/bad clutches to use in higher horsepower Fords? And if anyone has any speculation on what the problem I'm having is???

Clutch Right prides itself on servicing all makes of car in line with the manufactures guidelines so you have that dealership peace of mind with the cost saving only independent garages can offer.