A superficial glance at a Corvair clutch is misleading. Although the parts look essentially the same there are important differences.

Essentially there are 2 different Corvair clutch assemblies (and each has several possible variations).

1960-63 FLAT FINGER CLUTCH - the flywheel is flat across the face. The throw out bearing is the "long" variety and the pressure plate is the "flat finger" (or diaphragm) design - although when not bolted down, the diaphragm still bends up a bit. (See picture immediately to the side))

1964 BENT FINGER CLUTCH - uses a "stepped" flywheel, the "short" throw out bearing and a bent finger pressure plate. The plate fingers are bent up and, although it comes down some, still bends up after installation. You can see the difference in the picture left.

TURBO MODEL OR ? To the left is a standard plate showing the small "lug". To the right is the 1962-64 Spyder and 65-69 Corsa plate with the heavy "lug".

Besides the difference between 60-63 and 64-69 type clutches are the different pressure plates available. 1962-64 Spyders (with turbocharged engines) and 65-69 Corsa's (140hp and 180 turbocharged). Two things are different about these "high performance" pressure plates. The diaphragm pressure is several hundred lbs higher AND they weigh more than "standard" units owing to the heavier "lugs" on the disk ring. These are easy to identify by sight (see pictures above right) As we understand it, the heavier weight was used to overcome "off the line" response in the turbos, which are known for a sometimes weak low end when starting out. The reason for them in the 140 hp non-turbo engines is a bit less clear then, although the higher diaphragm pressure is useful in that application. Perhaps it was a matter of consolidation (?)

Watch out for your ring gear! Notice that there is a step (picture to the left) on the gear. When the upper step is gone (broken worn etc) the ring gear is no good. Not only can this cause serious starter trouble, but is not acceptable as a core to us against a rebuild. Save your starter AND save wasted dollars sending us a core that has no value! It's ok for the ring gear to have some normal wear but broken or missing teeth, missing upper "step" or a flat spot on the gear (oops someone dropped it on it's side) aren't acceptable cores.