Clutch replacement

[commando57]

Do you have to pull motor?
How many hours?
What is a fair amount to pay?
1971 LT-1 manual trans.

 

[Lucky 3]

You can leave the motor in. the service manual details the procedure, remove the linkage, exhaust, starter, drive shaft, support the engine, remove the four bolts and slide to the rear, will need to lower the engine, watch the distributor cap, roll the tranny on its side and pull out forward and to the right side. Easy if you have a lift and a helper. You can now remove the bell housing to replace the clutch. about 6 to 8 hours with help, i would not pay anyone to do it, at $60.00 per hour i do my own work.

 

[Stallion]

No, you need not pull the motor.

How many hours? Depending on your mechanical agility and your knowledge. It's not a bad job, but it might be more than a weekend thing, depending on other factors.

New clutch kit will run you up around $200. Just go stock, that is best.

 

[curtis]

Commando, while you are in there, change the bushing in the end of the crankshaft. MIght save you some grief later on. Easy way to change it is to get a wooden dowel that fits just barely loose in the bushing. Pack the bushing with grease then put in dowel and hit it with hammer. the hydraulic pressure generated will push the bushing right out. clean it up and put in new, being careful not to damage the hole where the tranny shaft goes. add a little bit of grease on the tranny shaft.

 

[Stallion]

Do what curtis is saying. Chances are, the current one is worn out, and you will not be a happy guy if you have to get back in there because of that little thing. Also change the throwout bearing. All this comes in the kit.

 

[vettepacecar]

Ive done this job in less than 2 hours at the dealer

 

[MMM]

Yes, change the pilot bushing as this is the "center" used by clutch alignment tools. Also recommend you examine the flywheel for heat checking or discoloration that indicates uneven wear patterns. If your old clutch is slipping then these conditions will exist. If so, get the flywheel refaced by a reputable machine shop. Some of the new clutch kits come with a plastic alignment tool. My personal feeling is these tools do not do a very good job of alignment. If possible, beg, borrow or steal a 26 spline, Muncie input shaft somewhere and use it. Often found at trans shops (maybe rent it to you) or other corvette/ chevy owners who do their own work. Alignment of the clutch to the flywheel is the key for easy installation of the transmission.