LMDNC5

I have been told to put a LS7 clutch kit in my C5 that is autocrossed and street driven. Can someone tell me the advantage or if this is even possible

JeremyGSU

I haven't done it but there is a kit available sold by the GM Parts Warehouse. They also offer an aluminum flywheel package. I would say the advantages would be it's OE equipment, holds more HP than the C5 clutch, OE reliable, easy to drop in.

Check out the C5 Z06 section and there is a recent thread about purchasing one.

LMDNC5

Thanks for the info. I will start looking for the setup here on the forum before I drop the big bucks.

argonaut

I have the LS7 clutch in my C5. It will obviously hold stock LS6 power levels without any strain. It is very street friendly - tolerates slipping and easy on the leg muscles. Mine was installed by RKTperformance.com (Rick Kim). Not sure which flywheel was used - you might want to contact Rick and ask.

sebdavid

I have a C6Z clutch in my C5Z as well. This is what was recommended for best durability by the shop. As a bonus it's OEM-easy to drive, so when my mom tracks the car she doesn't have to deal with an on/off racing clutch. Of course it's heavier (rotational weight, not pedal weight) than race-spec aftermarket offerings.

CHJ In Virginia

Is the old clutch toast, if not, why make the change ? Have you added a bunch of mods to increase HP ? I am a big fan of the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" philosophy. The LS7 clutch would definitely be a great, cost effective upgrade if you need a clutch. Many folks have used these assemblies without problem.

froggy47

My choice when the time comes.

LMDNC5

yeah unbelievably I have over 100000 on original clutch. It is starting to chatter a little. I have GM hot cam LT headers ported and polished LS6 heads and A BER ported LS6 manifold and throttle body. I am going thru trans and going with a three rib 3:90. I figure as long as I have it all out I will replace Clutch with a LS7 and replace Clutch master and slave with the 04 Z06 setup. I am going to replace the bushings on the torque tube while I have it all apart.

NemesisC5

I am in the market to replace my clutch as well for something suited to HPDE events and some street driving. On my 2002 C5Z I had a SPEC 2+ with aluminum flywheel and aluminum pressure plate (came on the car as purchased). It revved very quickly and have been weighing my options with the C6Z flywheel compared to the unit I just mentioned. Currently my car is forced induction which will be removed and have an RPS Billet Triple Carbon purchased at the time as insurance that I wouldn't blow through another clutch. The peddle pressure however is high and not comfortable to drive.

mountainbiker2

I don't think a LS7 is an upgrade. I had one with a Fidanza aluminum flywheel. I believe the complete unit was close to LS6 weight. But the big difference is that the clutch itself weighs much more. That puts more strain on the synchro's. My car didn't want to shift at high rpm's now. Look into it more, I might be telling you a lot of BS, but I believe that's what happen to me.

Steve A.

ZedO6

Exactly. I drove an identical car to mine with the only difference an LS7 clutch and it did not shift as smoothly at high revs. The owner had the same impressions as I did after installing the LS7 clutch setup. Like Mountainbiker suggests, the disc weighs more. When the time comes, i'll go with the LS6 disc, press plate and probably a lighter flywheel.

sperkins

A C6Z clutch would be the last one I would consider for a car that sees any track of autocross duty. It's probably the heaviest one offered for our cars which is bad in so many ways.

NemesisC5

I've considered these three for my 99 coupe with estimated 410-420 rwhp after forced induction removed.

>>SPEC 2+ w/aluminum pressure plate & aluminum flywheel (36lbs)
(had this on my 2002 C5z HPDE car, worked great)

>>Centerforce DYAD. Heard many great reviews but not from any HPDE particpants. (50lbs)

>>RPS Full Carbon Twin. Strongly suggested by a few. although not people that drove HPDE events (36 lbs)

>>Mcleod RXT Twin w/aluminum flywheel. Never hear a bad word on ant Mcleod twins (40 lbs)

I'm inclined to go back with the SPEC 2+ because I've driven it and it is lowest cost option of those listed above. About $800 shipped from forum vendor.

Can anyone give me their thoughts on these or other suggestions?

giantkeeper

^^ I have an RPS twin that I have been driving around on. It's a great clutch for high hp applications. Everything but first gear is baby butt smooth. My first HPDE in the new to me C5Z will be in January.

NemesisC5

Why is 1st gear not as smooth as the other gears? Any issues shifting above 6600 rpm?

giantkeeper

First gear engagement is on/off, typical of twin disk clutches. I can't legally get to 6600rpm in my car, so I'll have to get back with you after my track weekend. Aside from the initial bite/engagement with first gear it drives like stock and gracefully handles 600 hp

NemesisC5

Thanks for the explanation