I just got a 00 SS 6 speed. the clutch pedal is much firmer than other ls1 cars ive driven, and a guy that owns a 35th SS and a tranny shop drove it and thinks theres something wrong with either the clutch or hydraulics. he said my pedal is about 3 times as hard to push than his.

He recommended I go ahead and replace the clutch assembly(with flywheel, pressure plate and clutch), and the throwout bearing.

1.Is the throw out bearing the same as the slave cylinder?

2.Ive noticed that the upgraded slave unit now has the same part number as the old, does this mean that its the old version, or just new version with old part number?

3.Is replacing the master cylinder really nessecary? It seems like a real pain in the *** to do.

I basicly want the clutch to feel stock with a light pedal. I dont plan on modding the car, and Im going with the ZO6 clutch for added strength.
Thus far I am planning on getting the zo6 set-up with the slave for the 01-02, and I guess the master only if it has to be done.

what do you think (remember, no mods and daily driver)?
thanks

 

also, when I go the GMpartsdirect, and I look up teh slave cylinder, it gives me a part number for the V6 (12565145, if you look up its been updated to 15046288), but in the line for V8 it says 'V8, Serviced in Master Cylinder'
any one have a clue?

 

The slave cylinder will come with the throwout bearing. You'll want to update both the slave and the master. The old slave or master is no longer available.

The Z06 will be a good choice for your plans. I ran my Z06 for about 25000 miles and it held pretty well until I started spraying on it.

 

Do you think the firm pedal is a symtom of the master? I understand that a throwout bearing is normally replaced anyways and that is no big deal, but the clutch master is not something that should have to be replaced on a regular basis, and it looks like a real bitch to do. what are the problems with the first design of the master? From what Ive read, most complain about lack of pressure when the master goes out.
should I just do the drill mod on the line from the master to the slave? is that pretty easy to do once the tranny is off?

 

ok, ive fiqured out that the master has to come off for the mod. Is there a really big difference between the 98-2000 master and the 01-02's? I should also state that I get a grind going into second gear when Im shifting fast at high RPM's. The pedal is depressed nearly to the floor when this happens. If I granny shift it or shift at lower rpm its ok. Is this a symtom of the master?

 

Not an engine question.

 

Yes. What happens is the fluid is unable to move fast enough up the line when you release the clutch pedal and the clutch doesn't engage as fast as your placing the stick into gear. The new master design allows for more volume and move fluid faster. You'll still want to look into doing the drill mod.

 

thanks a bunch. after tons of searching, thats the only clear answer to the difference between 98-00 and 01-02 masters. most other post just say to replace it because 'thats what your supposed to do ' sort of thing. well, i'll just plan on replacing it. Do you know of anyone that just replaced it with out the drill mod, and that fixing the problem? Maybe i should just do to make sure there is enough fluid flow. I dont really think my clutch is bad. It grips good and I dont notice it slipping. Its just that most ls1's ive driven would slide right into gear very easy, but mine is somewhat stiff and notchy. I find that I cant shift anywhere near as fast as I could with my lt1 car. Even when parked, it can be difficult to get in gear. It will go in, but I may have to try a couple times, or go into second gear, then try first.

Sometimes when stopped, with the clutch pedal all the way down, I'll try for first and it gives me hesitation. at the same time I will hear noises from the rear and feel the drivetrain sort of loading up. Its as if i was trying to get it in gear with out the clutch depressed all the way.
Should I just try the gunshot approach and replace everything? i hate throwing money at problems without a clear idea of the resolution.