Clutch Knowledge

[Fugitive]

I need someone to drop some knowledge about clutches. Back in summer of 2000 I had my clutch and fly wheel replaced due to wear. The dealer told me I had to replace the fly wheel because on LT4's GM recomends you don't turn them. I called around and heard other sources confirm this. Anyway I was never completely satisfied with the job they did because it would frequently make a chattering noise when I would reverse up an incline especialy steep ones. They never really addressed the issue when I asked them about it. Well I put lots of miles on it since that time and I finnally invested in a grocery getter (96 Saturn) to commute in.

The release point on the clutch is very low and in the morning or cold it is difficult to get into gear. Obviously it's time for a new clutch but I have questions that need answering. 1 Does that sound like a bad job of installing the cltutch and fly wheel? 2. Is the GM clutch inferior and after market better? 3. Does it take a clutch expert to install it correctly? Enjoy your input thanks! Scott

 

[LT4BUD]

The only negative I have "heard" regarding the GM oem clutch is that it doesn't do very well with drag radials, that is with high traction tires it starts slipping. So if you are in to racing you might want a clutch upgrade.

 

[Fugitive]

What are some of the clutch upgrades on LT4's I'm not to familiar with any?

 

[69MyWay]

Scott,

There are trade offs with everything. The more aggressive the clutch disc, the more chatter you might get in low speed operations, and shorter life in bumper to bumper traffice.

If you are not racing it on a weekly basis, etc, I would stick with an OEM replacement.

I have had the dual mass turned in the past with good results. Most of the time, you need only to knock the glaze off it anyway. That can be done with a standard sander and 180 grit paper.

It is a tough job for a first timer. You have to get the car up pretty high, pull the exhaust, torque arm, drive shaft, console around the sifter, hydraulics, then pop the trans off the bell housing. Then, drop the bell housing to gain access to the clutch.

You have to have a lift with trans jack, or a good safe floor and much upper body strength. I usually roll the trans on my belly and wiggle it in place with my knees and hands and elbows.

 

[Fugitive]

Thanks 69 looks like I'll stick with the OEM clutch. I'll just be driving around town occasionally mashing on rice rockets and mustangs! Thanks! Scott