My car is a 96Z28 and the clutch is slipping pretty badly now. My car is lightly modded and is unlikely to see 350+ HP. I want to replace the clutch with an aftermarket unit. I read through a lot on this board, but I still have some questions for the experts.
- I read good things about Spec Stage II and the SLP clutches. Which one of these (or others) would you recommend for a street car with rare track use? $5-600 max.
- Exactly what parts do I need to buy? Besides the clutch disk, pressure plate, TO bearing, and the flywheel, is there anything else? Also do all of these come as a package?
- Can I manage without the flywheel holding tool and clutch alignment tool installuniversity mentions?
- Are there any other guides other then installU (theirs is for an LS1) that detail how to do this on an LT1 car?
- Finally, what else should I replace while I'm down there? The rear main seal, slave cylinder, anything else?

Thanks
Max

 

A clutch set will come with everything you need, not a new fly wheel. ( Most don't )Your old one will need to be machined at a local shop before installing new clutch.

I've heard of people using wood to hold flywheel, but you will probably need the clutch alignment tool. Most clutch sets include one specifically made for your car.

Heres a real good one right here.
http://www.zmydust.com/lt1clutch.html


The rear main seal and pilot bushing.

 

Thanks for the help, the article is very helpful.
Well I decided to go with the Spec II, but I am not sure about the flywheel. I really don't feel like spending $300 for a new flywheel, do you guys think I can get by with my old flywheel resurfaced? (350HP max) Will the clutch grab worse, wear out quicker, or cause more chatter with the old flywheel?
Also where can I get the flywheel resurfaced? I really don't know of any performance shops around me (Northern NJ), would Autozone be able to do it?

Thanks
Max

 

Your old flywheel resurfaced will work great man!

There should be machine shops close by, the autozones around here don't do it, you might want to try calling a mechanics shop and asking where you can resurface it, they'll know for sure.

 

Find a local NAPA with a machine shop. They resurfaced mine for $30. You can buy the clutch alignment tool at Autozone or Advance auto for about 5-$6 (get it, it makes setting the clutch a LOT easier). Not much to say outside of that, just get under there and get to work. Oh yea, if you decide to go with the Bushing make sure you use plenty of grease (i used lithium based grease, the white stuff).

 

I just ordered the Spec Stage II kit along with a new pilot and rear main seal. I never replaced either of these before, any guides or suggestions on that part? I'll be getting started on Sunday, I'll post the results and the inevitable problems I always seem to have.

BTW Should I drain the tranny fluid prior to dissassembly?

 

I used a broomstick handle for my alignment tool.

 

maksik7 - Def. drain that fluid, at least I would. I'm in the middle of doing it, I already have the tranny seperated from the bellhousing (on a 95 TA) I can atleast get you that far if you need any help ( my first time also ) aol me

 

Thanks, I'll keep in touch if I run into any problems. I will hopefully have eveything dissasembled tomorrow and I'll post my progress.

Max

 

raxxus,

How in the hell did you get the bolt out that holds the clutch fork out? Everything up to that point went smoothly, I unbolted everything, seperated the tranny from the bellhousing but I can't get the damn bolt inside the tranny out! I can't get the 13mm wrench on there solidly and just can't break it loose. Does anybody have any advice on how to do this?

Max

 

You DON'T take that bolt out. All you do is take off the slave cylinder and the aluminum cover that is in front of it. Then, simply grab the clutch fork and pull it out about an inch. Voila, you can pull the trans.....

 

Well I ended up tkaing the bolt out after much trouble, and after I took it out I saw that I could have just pulled on it a little harder and it would have slid out. Well thanks for the help anyway

Max