Clutch replacement- Dare I do it myself?

[kevin-design]

So I generally like working on cars and stuff, I've swapped a few engines, camshafts, and intakes before- but that was on an old '73 Mustang. Now that I have a '92 LT1 corvette (6spd), the clutch is finally starting to go (after 120k). I'm considering doing it myself, but have never had the opportunity to switch a clutch before. Is this a total nightmare job, or something I could complete in a weekend? (maybe one saturday?) I do have access to a cherry picker but am worried about pulling such a modern engine.
Anyone with experience in changing out a clutch on a C4, I would love to hear your experiences- especially tips that I might otherwise miss!

Also, where can I get a good deal on the replacement clutch? What other parts would I be wise to replace along with it?

thanks for any help!
-kevin

ps. What would a garage charge me for this?
p.p.s. I do tend to drive it pretty hard- maybe a racing clutch?

 

[waterboy1976]

a dealer would probably charge around $650 plus parts for a clutch on a 92......as far as doing it yourself if your mechanically inclined and can read a service manual then you could do it. BUT..............without a lift to lift the car youd be on your back for a LONG time......

Clutches? I have the RAM HD Powergrip in my 73 and love it .......makle sure to resurface the flywheel before you install the new clutch....

 

[kevin-design]

Okay, so for $650 in labor its probably worthwhile to do it myself. Assuming that its a reasonable job to take on. I'm still trying to get an idea of how big of a job it would be. Maybe $650 is a bargain..? I assume that you'd have to pull the engine out and install the clutch in between the trans and engine- or is there a way to sneak parts in from underneath?
Also- is there a clutch adjustment that I might be able to make? I noticed a little slipping for the first time this morning- is the only reasonable diagnosis a worn out clutch disc? With that many miles, I wouldn't be surprised, but just to be sure...

Sometime down the road I was thinking of putting in a supercharger once I can afford it. If I did that, it would be smart to put in a racing clutch now, right?

To resurface the flywheel, I'd have to remove it and take it in to a machine shop, right?

Thanks!
-Kevin

 

[gmhowe]

I replaced the clutch myself on my 85 ( 4+3) it took me 3 days since I was doing it myself, if was a pain but I checked around and was quoted $800-1000, so I think it was worth it and I learned alot by doing it myself. I was used to my 72 240z when I could have it out and in in 1.5 hours..

 

[pthoma1]

first off, I would like to see you remove the tranny not the engine. If you can get a tranny jack, or have a pretty desent jack then you can remove the back u joint drop the drive shaft and then back the transmisson out and down. will most likely have to pull the crossmember too. The ideal situation would be to have a lift. But if you got 4 stands you could get the car up high (be careful) and then have more room to work. I have never pulled a C4 tranny, just make sure you get all the cables and wires before you pull out the tranny. Its easy to do and can cost some big time $$$ if you forget something. You can also try using a motorcycle jack too, they can work with alittle imagination, and are not to expensive. Just remember that the tranny is round and heavy so becareful where the jack hits it.



Best of luck, you can do it!!
Paul

 

[chaos on wheels]

My friend and I replaced the clutch in my '90. Took a short day to get the tranny (ZF6) out. And another day to get it all back together. I waited for parts for a couple weeks cause I wanted to make sure of what I needed before ordering.

The car was up on jackstands. Trans came out from below. In retrospect, a trans jack would have made life MUCH simpler (we used one to pull the trans out of my friend's RX7).

Hard part is the C-beam between the trans and diff (no crossmember). Very little room to get it out from the trans tunnel. It's been awhile, I don't remember the sequence to remove it.

The dual-mass flywheel is NOT supposed to be resurfaced (says Chevy). Some have done it and have not had problems. While others have had the flywheel fail shortly after resurfacing. Mine just had a little glaze on it so I buffed it with some sandpaper :crosses fingers:.

 

[kevin-design]

The ZF6 is the standard 6 speed I presume? I would really like to hear from someone who has successfully done a '92 this way- with my luck there would be some dumb little detail specific to the '92's that would screw up this whole deal. I know that changing out the radio turned into a weeklong project, maybe I can hold out until winter and then take my time on it.

Would this fit my car?
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=33730&item=2428296552

thanks!

 

[LuckyVette]

I am facing the same issue - replacing my clutch, except I have an '86 with a 4+3 tranny.

Anyway, after all the time I have spent pricing things out, reading the service manual, and trying to line up time to do the job myself, I have decided to take it to a mechanic I trust.

If you haven't ever done the replacement before, don't expect to do it in a day. At least for me, I was able to learn about every single part of the clutch and what to do, but it all comes down to is: 1) do I trust myself to not make some silly mistake that will end up needing a mechanic anyway 2) do I really want to spend two or three days on my back (since I don't know anyone with a lift)?

The answer is: I'm taking it to a trustworthy mechanic for $475. The dealer would charge twice that price. Since you're not in a hurry for repair, I would search around for some hole-in-the-wall guy that prides himself on doing it right the first time.

Hope this helps you in your decision.

 

[kevin-design]

Still waffling...

Okay, whether or not I do it myself, I still am going to go ahead and buy a clutch (kit). Anyone have a lead on a good deal?

It's taken 120k to wear out the current clutch, so should I get an OEM one and not worry if I were to add a supercharger or something down the road? Would it be worthwhile to invest in a performance clutch now? (though I expect a stock corvette clutch is inherently performance oriented)

I'm still hoping to hear from someone who's done a clutch replacement for a '92 LT1 since every vette year seems to have its own quirks.

Thanks for any help!
-Kevin

 

[TomsToy]

Clutch

Don't forget to get the flywheel "Skimmed" just to make sure it's true. I didn't opt for the performance clutch and went back with a complete aftermarket kit but not OEM. Had to let the shop do it because I didn't have the lift to get it up high enough to slide the tranny out.

 

[kevin-design]

Wow- nobody's changed a clutch on a '92? Now I'm REALLY intimidated! After spending all afternoon yesterday at an autocross event I REALLY need to get this clutch fixed! Here's my top prospects so far- I'd appreciate any advice or experience with any of the following (or suggestions to alternates):

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=CTF-DF039020
(strangely, if you click 'applications' you will see this is specified for '93 and up vettes, or the other is to '81 or something)

http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=RAM-98764
(This one also lists GM 1.125"/26 spline for 350 but only to '81)

As I understand it, my car has an 11" clutch disc with 1.125" shaft and 26 spline. Isn't that correct? Why can't I find a clutch that specifically lists my car?

And finally:
http://store.summitracing.com/partdetail.asp?part=ZZZ-HP5505-1&view=1

Not familiar with 'Zoom' their application info is very general, but at least it doesn't exclude my model in their description.

Also (from this site):
http://www.carolinaclutch.com/ These guys seem to have the best deal, but when I go through their selection menus, it comes up with a 14 spline clutch. what gives?

Thanks for any help!
-kevin