Dear All,
How are people wiring the clutch saftey switch when installing a tremec tko600 into a 70 chevelle?
I know there is a neutral saftey switch on the trans itself. If you use that switch itself then you can start the car with the clutch engaged but it has to be in neutral? Is that safe?
Or should I wire in an original 1970 chevelle clutch saftey switch? I have the bracket and clutch switch but it looks flimsy and brittle. I think it would break after some time? Does anyone out there have problems with their stock clutch saftey switch(70-72)?
I also saw in some other posts that 68-69 chevelles use a metal clutch saftey switch which is different than the 70-72? Is this more durable than the 70-72 switches? If so, how would I retrofit it into a 70 chevelle. (I don't have a schematic of the 68-69 clutch pedal setup)
Or are people using another method to incorporate a clutch saftey switch? I have seen 80s f-body clutch saftey switches that mount to a bracket near the firewall and is contacted by the pedal itself when pushed all the way to the floor. I'll post a pic of that switch when I get home tonight.
Thanks for any help.
scottie

Most pre 68 cars did not even have a clutch safety switch. I have a Tremec TKO600 in my 68 camaro and I use the internal switch in the trans. You must use a relay because the swich can not take a lot of current. Here is a diagram I made up for my 68 Camaro. It should be very close on a Chevelle also.

http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/data/500/DCP_1298.JPG

Mike

Because my car was an auto when I put the TKO in, I just wired it up direct to the purple and some other color wire that was on top of the column designed for park or neutral starts only.

To be clear, this is for neutral safety that is already on the tko, it is in no way linked to the clutch pedal, just requires the shifter is in neutral.

I know there is a neutral saftey switch on the trans itself. If you use that switch itself then you can start the car with the clutch engaged but it has to be in neutral? Is that safe?


Why wouldn't it be. The vehicle can't move if the trans is in neutral, it may even be safer considering your foot could slip off the pedal while starting in gear. The only drawback would be under some circumstances (like the smooth move of stalling the engine :D) it is easier to start the car in gear with the clutch depressed.