Zf installation questions
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
Zf installation questions
I just replaced the engine on my 94 vette, with the new engine it got a new clutch kit (spec stage 5 SC425Y) and this is mated up to my Fidanza aluminum flywheel with a new friction surface. Now for some reason I can get the ZF lined up mint with the clutch and slide through very well without and resistance however I can not get it to fully seat flush against the back of the bellhousing, it sits 1/4" to a 1/2" off. Does anyone have any tricks to line this tranny up better so it will go in all the way. The alignment tool slides in and out with no effort why can't I get the tranny to go in just as easily.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,710
Likes: 739
From: Stay dangerous my friends
Sometimes it's a struggle, don't force it, should go together easy. I had the same issue but when I finally got it, it went right in all the way. Make sure the engine mounts allow the engine to tilt down enough without damaging anything, and it goes up at an angle, perfectly in line with the crank centerline obviously. Check the pilot bushing if you need a break, and it helps if the tool you're using is an actual input shaft rather than the plastic alignment tool.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
Put a bolt or two in by hand, just to keep the the trans from sliding backwards NOT to pull the trans towards the bellhousing.
Then hook the slave up and push the clutch a few times. I bet it slides right in after that. This worked for me (twice).
Then hook the slave up and push the clutch a few times. I bet it slides right in after that. This worked for me (twice).
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
I will add to make sure your clutch disk is installed correctly. Mine was labeled for an f-body and would not seat because the side labeled "flywheel side" was supposed to be towards the transmission.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
I installed it based on how its labeled, flywheel side against the flywheel. Stupid question how can you tell if its mislabeled?
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 7,362
Likes: 2,281
From: Central Maryland
As others have said, release the clutch a few times before you bother worrying about whether the disc's sides are marked incorrectly. Better still, if possible, have a helper release the clutch while you're pushing the gearbox toward the engine.
Live well,
SJW
Live well,
SJW
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,355
Likes: 396
From: Northwest Ohio
For you the clutch fork operation only uses the bellhousing and won’t push the trans backwards while you operate the clutch.
Once I operated the clutch it came together like magic.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 3,946
Likes: 63
From: Marianna FL
I would definitely try working the clutch first. If it does not get any better, then worry about the clutch disk. If I remember correctly, the flat part should be toward the transmission.
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 3,467
Likes: 43
From: Auburn MA
That worked like a charm..... thank you sooooooo very much for everyone that added to this tread.... I cycled the clutch a couple times then wiggled the tranny and she popped into place. You don't even want to know the struggles I've had with this project, I am so pumped it's almost over.
