I just had a Spec Stage III clutch system installed in my 1997 Trans Am. I had them put in a new Pilot Bearing and a new poly tranny mount. The stock flywheel with 64k mi on it was resurfaced. I have put about 600 mi on it so far, and it rattles like CRAZY.

I did some searches, but I cannot seem to find anyone who describes their problem the same way so here goes:

First, the clutch point is VERY high on the car. It's at about 80% of the pedal travel before it engages. When the pedal is between 60% and 90% the car shakes and rattles violently. Once the car is rolling, it's fine. Unless I shift into too high of a gear. Like if I am in 5th gear and run into some traffic and it gets down to 1,500 - 1,800 RPMs the rattle will come back, but very minor.

The car pulls VERY hard now, but starting from a stop is pretty nasty and violent. Any suggestions?

 

I have a spec III in my car too, it will do that for about 300 miles or so, mine would shake the **** outta my car, but it doesnt anymore, and mine engages high too, its the way the pressure plate is set up, all normal. All I can tell you is that it will get better.

 

I know there is a break-in issue, but I have over 600mi on it already.

There was a lot of highway miles, but also quite a bit of stop-and-go as well as some time spent at Gingerman Raceway (1.8mi Road Course) I would expect it to have settled in my now. I am OK letting it go for a little while longer, but what if it's not a break-in issue?

 

its called clutch chatter, normal with the stage 3, i have over 1300 on mine and it still does it. try this, go out to a lonely road and do a couple hard launches, it should get better in time

 

well i had to drop my tranny this weekend, prior to this my clutch was chattering still, when i got in there i loosened 3 pressure plate bolts with my hand, the guy that put the clutch in didnt do it right, got em tightened up and now i only have a lil chatter if i let the clutch out at low rpms, but it used to chatter when switching gears also.

 

Well, I am planning to go up to the drag strip this weekend. If the hard launches don't seat the clutch, then I will have to drop the tranny and inspect I guess.

Thanks guys.