Since I know this is a frequently discussed topic, but there is really not much actual information out there, I thought I'd share one setup that DOES NOT WORK. I got this advice from a fellow forum member--who I won't name, who claimed to be running this setup in his car for the last year.

Here is the setup, from his e-mail to me:

I used the following parts:

GM lightweight nodular flywheel - part # 14088646
GM pilot bearing (roller) - part # 14061685
GM stud-clutch - part # 10054279

Auto Zone replacement pressure plate and throw out bearing for 92-96 LT 1 (note-this is the same manufacturer as used by GM) - Lifetime warranty and cheaper than GM.

The pressure plate throwout bearing and clutch disc come as a unit so you have to kindly talk the sales person to swap out the stock clutch disc (solid disc, no dampening springs, used for dual mass flywheels) for a camaro clutch disc with dampening springs so it will work with the single mass flywheel.

You must make sure you order the GM clutch stud as listed above in order to have the proper clutch arm throw to engange and disengage the throw out bearing correctly.

This setup has been in my car for over a year and I have not had any problems. This also included many auto crosses and track time. The only difference you will find is that the ZF trans will be noisier as the dual mass flywheel will dampen the trans noise.

END

I passed this info along to a friend, who dropped about $500 on parts for this exact setup. We went to assemble it last weekend, only to find that the friction disc springs interfere with the flywheel bolts enough that there's about .75" between the flwheel and the friction disc. I see no way this can possibly work. I've tried e-mailing him to see if there's anything that might need to be machined, or any other problems, but there has been no response. (surprise...)

Luckily Jeff Kopp is cool enough to take these parts back, but we're out shipping and two weeks of wasted time. I might not have 40000 posts, but that's because I only reply when I know the answer to a question and nobody else does. I got both of my vettes off this site before I even joined, it's a great resource that I still check daily, but some of the BS that gets spread around by people who think they're experts is kind of annoying.

I just had to share this info so nobody else falls into the same trap we did, be skeptical of what anyone online tells you.... I saw no reason to doubt the info in the e-mail above, and I still can't believe he gave me such bogus info.

 

I was not the email source, but that is odd.

There are a number of people using that setup.

Are you sure the Auto Zone parts are correct???

 

Sorry to hear that...
I believe too many people discount or take the SM flywheel/clutch issue lightly, the geometry involved is fairly complex, when you combine that with the various part numbers available throughout the different model years it can become overwhelming.
Before doing my SM conversion I read everything I could, then called ZR51 Performance who referred me to Carolina Clutch, they provided the complete package, I didn’t have any problems, it cost me a little more but the clutch R&R on a C4 is a real PITA and I didn't want to do it twice.

Good luck on getting it back together....



[Modified by superlund, 1:36 PM 2/16/2003]

 

That is a bummer, but I'm sure nothing was intentional...

Even following manufacturers repair manuals, things don't always go correctly.

Jeff Kopp is #1 when it comes to customer service.

:)

 

I am not personally familiar with this particular swap. However, on SOME clutch installations, reversing the clutch disc, where the damping springs protrude into the center of the pressure plate assy, can cure the problem. Some clutch discs are even marked "flywheel side". I have NO idea if this pertains to your situation or not. I just thought I would mention it. Good luck, and...

RACE ON!!!

 

This is one option we thought of, but it is not possible in this application. The pressure plate is pull type, so the forks almost touch the stock no-damper Corvette friction disc. The camaro disc is clearly marked to have the damper side toward the engine. If it is reversed, the flywheel interference is gone, but then the dampers interfere with the pressure plate. I just don't see a way it can work, other than using the unsprung stock vette friction disc and I don't think that would be good for the trans or driveability.

 

Odd... Yea I was going to suspect the same thing that the disc was being installed backwards but I guess not.. I've only done one of these conversions from dual mass to single mass on a customers chevy tow truck we orderd a fly wheel for a regulat truck he brought me the chevy parts and we installed them no problems.. this can happen I guess when you mix and match parts and try to make your own remedy.. even if other used this before I dunno maybe it's just incorrectly labled parts possibly...
-Rick :leaving: