Well, I'm new to the F-body M6 tranny. I drove 5 speeds growing up, but for the past year, I've been driving a Z28 with an A4 tranny. However, due to an unfortunate incident on the interstate, I no longer have that car. I bought a TransAm M6 to replace it and now I have a couple of questions:

(1) When starting off, the clutch doesn't start grabbing until WAAAY at the top of the pedal travel. Is this normal? Someone told me that it's normal since it is a hydraulic clutch, but I'd like to hear from people who drive the F-Body M6.

(2) The clutch doesn't really seem to have much "bite" to it when driving "normal". But when I get the revs up and dump the clutch, HOLD ON TO YOUR NUTS! I assume the clutch is OK since it bites hard when you dump it. So the "soft" clutch at a slower start is normal?

(3) Sitting at a stop light, tranny in neutral, foot on the brake, not touching the clutch .... when I press the clutch and shift into first, I hear a "THUNK" ( and I think it's coming from behind me ) ... is that normal?

(4) I get a little "chatter" every now and then when I start off in either 1st or Reverse. Is that normal?

Sorry for all the ignorant questions, but I'm new to the F-body clutch and tranny. Thanks in advance.



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2001 TransAm WS6, M6 3.42
HPP, TBB, 160* t-stat, MTI Lid, Holley PowerShot, Flowmaster 80, Port/Polish MAF

2001 Z28
-- R.I.P. - 06/25/02

 

yea it sounds like ur about to drop the tranny...i get it...i hope its normal.
this is my 1st fbod, ive had it since april.
so im still basically new as well, and this is my 1st stick.


and that chatter...i get it from the xhaust...u know SO MUCH POWER that it rattles it
i guess thats what u mean.

as far as the soft clutch goes...ummm
well, this is my 1st stick so i dont have much to compare it to. ive driven other sticks but not often enough to compare.

 

I purchased a 2002 Z28 about a week ago and am seeing (basically) the same thing.

Clutch releases very early (so I don't actually have to go all the way to the floor to shift). I also notice that it slips very nicely as I start out - but will grab hard if I shift hard.

The 'chatter' is something I noticed in First. It actally sounds a bit like knocking to me, so I thought it might be because the dealer put 87 octane gas in the car when they filled it up (I'm still on my first tank of gas). Since you are having the same sound it might be 'normal'.

I don't have any clunk when I shift into first. The transmission is solid (other than the dorky stock shifter that's going to go soon).

 

1.)Yes, normal. Mine, as well as every other LS1 M6 that I have driven was like that.

2.)Its supposed to be like that to allow for easy driveability on the street, but aggressive when you want it to be.

3.)Characteristic sound for these cars. My car does it was well as a few of my friends 6 speed LS1 cars.

4.)I never remember experiencing any chatter when I had my stock clutch. You may just need to bring the revs up just a little more than you are to get rid of the chatter.

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2001 NBM Camaro Z28 M6
Mods listed on webpage...
Best ET:12.797@110.52 (1.985 60'), Best MPH 12.835@111.04
Moderator at The F-body Hideout

 

do you mean a slight rattling, towards the rear of the car, when you ease off in 1st or reverse? My car has been doing it since day one. You don't notice it unless your listening for it or its quiet.. I've read in a 4th gen faq a while back that even LT1's had this rattling sound on slow starts.



[This message has been edited by Ken S (edited July 16, 2002).]

 

The clutch engaging at the top is normal for the stock clutch. Ever since I changed to the new ZO6 clutch and clutch slave (check my sig), my clutch now engages at about an inch or less off the floor. Yeah it is a big difference from stock and you cannot get lazy, you have to push the clutch all the way in and then shift or you will here grinding. It grabs pretty good and I have not regretted the upgrade. Check the GP section to purchase it from any chevy/GM dealer. LOL!

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99Z Pewter,M6,t-tops,ASR,
Paint matched mirrors
and targa top.FRA.
Wings West SS spoiler
AFS 17'x9.5 ZO6 rims front and back w/Kumho 275's
Whisper,Triflo,Ripper,
cags,and GMS maf. '02 Z06 clutch and '02 clutch slave. Custom owner installed black vinyl rally stripes.
BMR LCA & STB.
Dyno results 12-15-01
316hp/316tq

[This message has been edited by Haw'n Z (edited July 17, 2002).]

 

1)yes normal
2)Um sure normal
3)This sounds like what happened to me, I got that thunk sound, and I ignored it for about 3 weeks, then my WEAK POS 7.5in 10 bolt that GM had no business putting into these cars in the first place rear blew.
4)"chatter"?? Hmm... dunno

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//BLACK 99 SS//TR 224/112LSA cam,CNC Heads,Volant induction,BBK throttle body,SLP stage 1 suspension, powerslut rotors, mosser 12 bolt/4.10, SPEC stage 3 carbon fiber clutch, ASP pulleys,Lingenfelter alm driveshaft, BMR sway bars, lower controll arms, panhard rod, track pak, strut tower brace, taylor wires, NGK plugs, HPP 3,160 stat,skip shift eliminator, B&M ripper shifter, SLP LT's, Borla,dynomax bullit,

 

Thanks for all the info ... The Z06 slave/clutch will be installed whenever this one decides to go out.

I appreciate everyone's input.

 

I get all of the same things as you. I have a new ZO6 clutch kit in the box ready to go when my current factory one gives out. Apparently, there is a difference between the system in the 2000 vehicle and the 2001/02 vehicles. When ordering the Z06 kit, they want the slave on models prior to 2001. With yours being a 2001, slave might not be needed.
Clunck type sound in the rear? I get that too. Makes you think you have a transaxle rear end (we don't, Corvettes have transaxles). It only happens to me if I shift slow and softly. I noticed it from day one. I have the Auburn rear, so I had thought maybe that was a signature noise. Guess not. I'm not worried about though.

 

This may sound an awful lot like a sales pitch, but I like to comment on the 'chatter'. I've sold a number of METCO LCA's to owners of new F-bodies who remarked that the 'clutch chatter' the car had disappeared after the installation of the LCA's. Perhaps the bushings in the factory control arms are soft enough to allow some compression/expansion when the driveline is loaded. Just a thought.

 

Roger...Since your car is a 2001 then you already have the Z06 Slave/Clutch...btw all that seems natural, even the clunking, mine does it also only when i'm not pressing anything.

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1993 Camaro Z28 A4
Performance:3.23's, K&N, 3 Chamber Flowmaster
Appearance: Black RK Sport stripes, GTS Front and Back Blackouts, Tinted Windows.
Homepage:
http://www.hometown.aol.com/gonoles93z28/myhomepage/auto.html
Sold!!!! New Car: 2001 Z28 M6 Red Hardtop, Sport Cloth Seats.
Cut-out, !FRA, !MAF.
Best E.T: 13.0 @ 108.5-2.2 60'
Best MPH: 13.1 @ 110.5- 2.3 60'

 

I dunno ... I think mine was built before the changeover. My build date is 10/00 and I know I got the bad catalytics (being changed out Monday).

I would expect the Z06 slave to grab closer to the floor than this one does.

Anyone else have info on when the Z06 slave changeover was?

 

Hey ... I'm going to be in Cleveland, TN for a wedding. I'm coming in Friday night, August 02 and leaving Sunday afternoon to head back to Memphis.

Want to hook up for dinner Saturday night or lunch on Sunday?

WS6@midsouth.rr.com

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2001 TransAm WS6, M6 3.42
HPP, TBB, 160* t-stat, MTI Lid, Holley PowerShot, Flowmaster 80, Port/Polish MAF

2001 Z28
-- R.I.P. - 06/25/02