My friend replaced a worn out McLeoud clutch with a corvette clutch (stage 2 I think) and the mechanic didn't turn the flywheel and it has caused problems ever since. It is a slightly modded car well under 400 hp but this new clutch chatters badly and slips badly. The break-in procedure was followed to the 'T'. The mechanic told us that he didn't have the flywheel turned because it would throw the balance off and ruin the bearings. I think that's crap but would like a 2nd opinion. What do you guys think of this?

 

Intended to mention his car is a 2001 Z28......sorry bout that.

 

turning the fw is pretty much a "must do" for any clutch change.

unless of course it's already been turned a few times...in that case a replacement is needed.

and why would machining the same amount of material off the entire fw surface throw off the balance...if done properly of course.

bad mechanic

 

Yes it is required to machine the flywheel when changing a clutch. If your friend replaced it with an LS6 clutch, they usually come in a package deal where you get the clutch disc, pressure plate, and a new flywheel. That is, unless you order just the clutch and pressure plate by themselves. The pilot bearing that sits in the end of the crank is also replaced during a clutch swap. I'd highly suggest that your friend goes back to that mechanic and complain until he fixes the problems he created. Proof from a GM certified mechanic or a repair manual (Helms or Haynes) may be helpful. If not, the Better-Business-Bureau is just a phone call away. G/L

 

Thanks for the input, guys! I felt the same way but wanted to get backed up on this before I call his bs.

 

In defense of your mechanic, he was at least smart or aware enough to know that the LS1 is externally balanced, meaning the flywheel is used to balance the rotating assembly. In an ideal world, the new flywheel would be balanced to the car. Unfortunately that's not practical so a good quality new flywheel is the right way to go when replacing the clutch.