Is it the clutch?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
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Is it the clutch?
I have a 1989 vette that the only time I have a problem with it is when I back up a grade in reverse. The car chatters and almost jumps. The first thing that I thought of is that it must need a clutch, but in forward gears it's fine and has prenty of power to the wheels and excelerates smoothly. When I rev up the engine, it seems secure. I think the engine mounts are tight. Could my problem be something other that the clutch? Help!!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
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Is it an aftermarket clutch/fw? That is clutch chatter; I had the same problem with a puck style agressive clutch disk; changed to a different set up (Spec Stage 2 disc) and still does it somewhat but not nearly as bad......
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2001
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From: NEwhere Ohio
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
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From: oregon
as for the OP
some aggressive clutches clunk, chatter and do just what you described. would be strange if you had an organic but you have a "it could be many things" question. i've seen clutches do it. i've seen bad bushings do it. i've seen balljoints do it in fwd cars. i've even heard one perfectly functional clutch do it and wound up just guessing it was the springs i was hearing.
Last edited by racebum; Feb 3, 2012 at 10:16 PM.
Thread Starter
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I bought this vette this past fall and I don't know it's history, but it has over 100k on it. The clutch may have been changed, but I don't think so. The pedal is at the top of its travel. I'm thinking that it is probably the clutch and that the flywheel needs to be resurfaced. Does this vette have a DMF and can that be bad? What is the difference between stage 1 and stage 2 and 3?
Last edited by YellowStreak; Feb 4, 2012 at 11:29 AM.
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Suckin' gas, haulin' ass.
Joined: Apr 2010
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From: Newport News Virginia
They came factory with DMFs. Whether it has one or not, you have to pull apart and see. Stage 1, 2, 3, etc are the "steps" on clutch aggression and clamping force. The higher the stage, the higher the aggression and clamping force it has. If you're going to just daily drive it and not mod the crap out of it, stick with a stage 1 or 2 for stockish feel, with a slightly stiffer pedal.
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
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They came factory with DMFs. Whether it has one or not, you have to pull apart and see. Stage 1, 2, 3, etc are the "steps" on clutch aggression and clamping force. The higher the stage, the higher the aggression and clamping force it has. If you're going to just daily drive it and not mod the crap out of it, stick with a stage 1 or 2 for stockish feel, with a slightly stiffer pedal.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 2,616
Likes: 111
I would assume the clutch has been changed and you have a single mass FW with a more aggressive clutch set up that grips a little better than stock; this will cause clutch chatter; reverse gear is always worse due to the different ratio than forward gear 1st gear; however it could be the orginial clutch like mentioned above with other issues. Like you said, you'll have to take it apart. However, a high travel before it releases it not necessarily a bad thing on these cars. It's when the clutch engages right when you lift up on the clutch pedal is when things are going bad; hydraulic leak........
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
They came factory with DMFs. Whether it has one or not, you have to pull apart and see. Stage 1, 2, 3, etc are the "steps" on clutch aggression and clamping force. The higher the stage, the higher the aggression and clamping force it has. If you're going to just daily drive it and not mod the crap out of it, stick with a stage 1 or 2 for stockish feel, with a slightly stiffer pedal.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
I would assume the clutch has been changed and you have a single mass FW with a more aggressive clutch set up that grips a little better than stock; this will cause clutch chatter; reverse gear is always worse due to the different ratio than forward gear 1st gear; however it could be the orginial clutch like mentioned above with other issues. Like you said, you'll have to take it apart. However, a high travel before it releases it not necessarily a bad thing on these cars. It's when the clutch engages right when you lift up on the clutch pedal is when things are going bad; hydraulic leak........