C4 Tech/Performance L98 Corvette and LT1 Corvette Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine

Dual mass flywheel article

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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 04:43 PM
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Default Dual mass flywheel article

I scanned an article and hopefully it will come thru big enough to read.
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 04:48 PM
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I have an 89 that soon will need a clutch.I know its been recommended on the forum to replace the dual mass with a solid.I'm just worried that it will harm the ZF 6spd and those are expensive to replace.Anyone have any problems with the solid replacement flywheel?
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 04:50 PM
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Interesting article. The only problem I've heard about single-mass flywheels is the horrible rattle. There isn't anything wrong, but they're just noisy as hell.
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 07:37 PM
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To me the Dual Mass cost was a deterrent, plus I don't "think": they make a 2-piece seal DM
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 09:24 PM
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DINO84,

I used 100% GM parts 4 yrs ago when doing pilot-bearing, DMF, clutch, pressure plate, release bearing, etc. on our 94 which has 100k miles -- it still shifts like butter -- and is smooth as silk with no marble or rattling noises. It shifts and is smoother than our y2k C5 verte with only 12k and our y2k transam with 100k.

Even at the expensive GM dealer discounted price (which is $100s more than getting it directly from Carolina clutch -- wish I had known then) it was still worth it, based on how well it shifts and drives, and I would do it again in a heartbeat.

Remember, practically no one says the DMF is bad, just expensive. Isn't the adage: you get what you pay for --

Needless to say, I would recommend replacing the DMF with a DMF if needed (remember the test mentioned in the article).
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Old Jan 26, 2009 | 10:44 PM
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It depends on what you want. A few years ago, I rebuilt the motor in my 89 and put new clutch ans dual mass flywheel in. I did however take the flywheel to the engine builder and he balanced the motor with the flywheel on. Totally smooth running.
I recently pulled and modded my motor. I decided to leave the dual flywheel alone because of the drivability.
I am not sure how they balance everything when replacing the dual mass, but there is a way.
Good luck!
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 04:04 AM
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Previous owner of my car put in a single-mass flywheel, and it's noisy as can be. If I ever have to dig into the trans or motor, a Dual-mass is going in in its place.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 08:38 AM
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I recently installed a Spec single mass STEEL flywheel & Carolina Clutch press plate & disc. The new flywheel only makes slightly more noise than the DMF did. I've only noticed this when very low in RPM range & lightly accelerating, my black tag ZF whines enough to hear it now. This new flywheel is 12 pounds lighter than the DMF & that has more bennefit when driving than just added noise.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 10:36 AM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
The SMF (steel) option is supposed to eliminate most of the clatter because steel is still heavy enough to dampen most of the idle.
Riiight..

-- Joe
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 11:15 AM
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Originally Posted by anesthes
Riiight..
Seemed to work for "metal tech" (above your post)....
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 11:22 AM
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Thanks all for your replys.A couple of questions.When replacing the clutch and the dm flywheel is still good can it be resurfaced?And what price is the carolina dm flywheel?Thanks
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 11:23 AM
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no single mass for me, man.

went thru the aluminum gig a few years ago, the noise and clanging of that damned thing far outreached any fly-by-seat-of-the-pants neato-burrito revving it did.

no way, jose.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 12:09 PM
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Originally Posted by DINO84
Thanks all for your replys.A couple of questions.When replacing the clutch and the dm flywheel is still good can it be resurfaced?And what price is the carolina dm flywheel?Thanks
ZFDoc recommends using a maroon scrubby to clean/prep the surface of a reusable DMF. No other prep.

Price of the CC DMF is on their website.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Seemed to work for "metal tech" (above your post)....
It's the sprung hub clutch disc that is part of the SPEC kit that is key. Having said that, the rattle is still there just not as pronounced as it is with a solid hub (ie stock) clutch disc.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 02:00 PM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Seemed to work for "metal tech" (above your post)....
Didn't work for me. Mine rattles like nothing else.

As he pointed out, he is running a sprung hub. I'm not.

-- Joe
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 02:20 PM
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Why don't I remember transmission rattles/noises when I owned a 1968 GTO with (muncie/saginaw?) 4-spd growing up?

Also, Tom @ CC did mention their stage (x) clutches would absorb part of the DMF's dampening function.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 02:40 PM
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I am running the Stage 3 clutch from Carolina Clutch, a 6 bronze pad sprung hub disc. In going to a single mass flywheel I saw no need to use a non-srung hub disc, either the flywheel or disc needs some dampening capability IMHO. This type of setup does work with a sintered iron disc & adjustable pressureplate for drag racing. Each of us has different things we'll tolerate versus another person. With my 3" B&B Triflow exhaust (& drone) I like the mechancial music the car makes, others would never tolerate a trip around the block with this "noise". BTW, with 300+ miles, this clutch is not as harsh as I thought it would be, still easy to drive in traffic.
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 02:46 PM
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Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Why don't I remember transmission rattles/noises when I owned a 1968 GTO with (muncie/saginaw?) 4-spd growing up?
Sprung clutch disc, tighter clearances, and more than likely helical cut gears in the transmission.

The engine RPM is not a steady factor, it will fluxuate which causes a push/pull on the input shaft of the transmission which creates a rattle.



Originally Posted by GREGGPENN
Also, Tom @ CC did mention their stage (x) clutches would absorb part of the DMF's dampening function.
Maybe. I don't see how, but it sounds good.

I use fort wayne for all my clutches. Scott custom makes them for me.

-- Joe
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 02:50 PM
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Originally Posted by metal tech
I am running the Stage 3 clutch from Carolina Clutch, a 6 bronze pad sprung hub disc. In going to a single mass flywheel I saw no need to use a non-srung hub disc, either the flywheel or disc needs some dampening capability IMHO. This type of setup does work with a sintered iron disc & adjustable pressureplate for drag racing. Each of us has different things we'll tolerate versus another person. With my 3" B&B Triflow exhaust (& drone) I like the mechancial music the car makes, others would never tolerate a trip around the block with this "noise". BTW, with 300+ miles, this clutch is not as harsh as I thought it would be, still easy to drive in traffic.
I'm using a multpad bronze non sprung disc with kevlar on the pressure plate site. Engages smooth. I used one of these clutches in my fbody which was a lot heavier (3600lbs), had a smaller diameter (10.4"), and it didn't slip and got 120mph trap speeds. It should be fine for my vette.

I've had a few different exhausts on the car. The LT1 catback with resonators did the trick. Nice and quiet the way it should be.


I've had cars with loud exhaust, straight-cut blowers, and all kinds of noisy stuff. I'm at the point in my life where I think I can build a car that is just as fast but sounds stock.

-- Joe
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Old Jan 27, 2009 | 10:06 PM
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Joe, You make some valid points. By having someone you trust & know build your clutch's he knows what you'll tolerate & how to build something that will hold, good on you. Yes a silent "killer" is the greatest weapon as your oponent/victim never knew what was next to them. My "vision" of my corvette is as that of a road warrior, more road racer than drag racer, & noise makes no difference to me as noise means nothing when the curves start. We each try to help each other over many miles, it's very difficult to convey every aspect that a change may have to our cars so as another can make a choice based upon our evaluation. To Greg Penn, if he asks I'd let him drive my car if it'd help him buy parts he wants(he's in Kansas/i'm in OK). The only thing each of us can do is represent the facts as we see/feel them to others. Al
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