Tick master worth it?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,021
Likes: 133
From: Conejo Valley CA
Absolutely not worth it
As part of a drive-train rebuild from clutch all the way down to the rear diff, I thought I was doing myself a favor getting a Tick Master cylinder. It was a big mistake. The clutch pedal became 20 times harder to depress. I called Tick and they told me nothing could be done to rectify this behavior. Tick warrants the product, yet despite having used it for only a mere 100 miles and had it professionally installed & uninstalled by a very reputable C5, C6 specialized Performance shop, they wouldn't take it back which shows how much they think about the reliability of their product.
For track applications, this is probably a great clutch and I admit it appears to be made very well. For street driving, this not the clutch master cylinder you want.
For track applications, this is probably a great clutch and I admit it appears to be made very well. For street driving, this not the clutch master cylinder you want.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
it does very true (not 20 times) but it is harder once you get use to it you appreciate that fact that no matter how many back to back runs i make i have a usable clutch peddle (knock on wood)
i daily drive my car got use to it only time it ever really bothers me is after 45 to 60 minutes in gridlock traffic other wise i don't notice it, kinda feels like cable clutch from a 90's mustang for comparison
i daily drive my car got use to it only time it ever really bothers me is after 45 to 60 minutes in gridlock traffic other wise i don't notice it, kinda feels like cable clutch from a 90's mustang for comparison
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 214
Likes: 26
The LS7 is a great clutch for spirited driving, some rolling pulls and maybe 1 or 2 passes at the drag strip but it won't last, I know clutchs are mainly driver dependent on how their abused and driven, but if I plan on abusing my car on a Daily basis its better to find something that can take the abuse. There are many different clutch choices for our cars from Mantic,Monster,Mcleod,SPEC,ACT,Exedy,Cen terforce,etc if you're trying to be cost effective see what different brands have to offer at the price points you're looking for and find info on drivers who've installed them on this forum. Every clutch is different not a singe perfect one out there for all purposes, especially considering all of us drive differently.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
The tick MC is easily your best option then, just make sure you bench bleed and set up the height correctly.
The LS7 is a great clutch for spirited driving, some rolling pulls and maybe 1 or 2 passes at the drag strip but it won't last, I know clutchs are mainly driver dependent on how their abused and driven, but if I plan on abusing my car on a Daily basis its better to find something that can take the abuse. There are many different clutch choices for our cars from Mantic,Monster,Mcleod,SPEC,ACT,Exedy,Cen terforce,etc if you're trying to be cost effective see what different brands have to offer at the price points you're looking for and find info on drivers who've installed them on this forum. Every clutch is different not a singe perfect one out there for all purposes, especially considering all of us drive differently.
The LS7 is a great clutch for spirited driving, some rolling pulls and maybe 1 or 2 passes at the drag strip but it won't last, I know clutchs are mainly driver dependent on how their abused and driven, but if I plan on abusing my car on a Daily basis its better to find something that can take the abuse. There are many different clutch choices for our cars from Mantic,Monster,Mcleod,SPEC,ACT,Exedy,Cen terforce,etc if you're trying to be cost effective see what different brands have to offer at the price points you're looking for and find info on drivers who've installed them on this forum. Every clutch is different not a singe perfect one out there for all purposes, especially considering all of us drive differently.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
Supporting Vendor
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 3,090
Likes: 1,258
From: Harbor City California
In our opinion the Tick master cylinder is worth it. Hands down one of the best mods you can do the a C5 or C6 corvette.
A slight increase in pedal pressure but it is a true race master cylinder that you can adjust the engagement point to your liking.
We put a few in a month.
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
A slight increase in pedal pressure but it is a true race master cylinder that you can adjust the engagement point to your liking.
We put a few in a month.
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 1,325
Likes: 239
From: Missi'ppi... no mo' MO for me!!
Stroker87: i installed one with a monster stage 2, the clutch peddle becomes much harder then stock it takes a little to get use to until you do your going to hate it! after a few weeks of driving the car i was fine. …
Zeevette: Depending on clutch you have, the Tick MC is a HD part that flows more than a factory MC. However, there are instances that it's too much of a good thing. I replaced my clutch, FW, and all the hydraulics, using a Tick MC, and no more soft clutch after a high RPM run. Great, right? With my RPS twin, the Tick makes the pedal VERY stiff, and the engagement is about a 1/16", so driving it takes a very fine touch to drive smoothly. Your results may vary. …
Zeevette: Depending on clutch you have, the Tick MC is a HD part that flows more than a factory MC. However, there are instances that it's too much of a good thing. I replaced my clutch, FW, and all the hydraulics, using a Tick MC, and no more soft clutch after a high RPM run. Great, right? With my RPS twin, the Tick makes the pedal VERY stiff, and the engagement is about a 1/16", so driving it takes a very fine touch to drive smoothly. Your results may vary. …
I'd estimate the force required as about 2-3x "more PSI"; it's definitely a hard pedal, but one shouldn't have any troubles with it unless the left leg has a medical problem (bad knee, etc.). There's no doubt the pedal resistance would be no fun in a long cross-town stoplight-to-stoplight commute.
Ya'll oughta try the combination with a lightweight flywheel.
(Add a newly-acquired sensation of a touchy gas pedal to the mix and then go enjoy some commute traffic til you get used to it.) I drive the c5 only once or twice a week and after a month or just a little more, it's not so bad--but I don't have a leg problem--and I'm 64yr old; haven't pressed a weight in 35 years.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 11,060
Likes: 291
From: Pasco WA
In our opinion the Tick master cylinder is worth it. Hands down one of the best mods you can do the a C5 or C6 corvette.
A slight increase in pedal pressure but it is a true race master cylinder that you can adjust the engagement point to your liking.
We put a few in a month.
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
A slight increase in pedal pressure but it is a true race master cylinder that you can adjust the engagement point to your liking.
We put a few in a month.
http://www.americanheritageperformance.com/
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i can only tell you about 3 that i have used stock, ls7 & monster stage 2
i didnt care for the ls7 myself felt weak and mushy when shifting aggressive the monster 2 has been a reliable clutch for me between both cars i have maybe 20k on it 440ish wheel with some drag strip use and aggressive driving hold really well
monster stage 2/tickmaster combo ZERO loss of clutch peddle even after back to back passes
i'm sure other will chime in about clutches they used
i didnt care for the ls7 myself felt weak and mushy when shifting aggressive the monster 2 has been a reliable clutch for me between both cars i have maybe 20k on it 440ish wheel with some drag strip use and aggressive driving hold really well
monster stage 2/tickmaster combo ZERO loss of clutch peddle even after back to back passes
i'm sure other will chime in about clutches they used
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 763
Likes: 45
From: Long Grove IL
It was recommended to use the stock master cylinder when I did my clutch job and I'm glad I did. I used the Centerforce DYAD DS, the clutch engagement range is fairly narrow and that might be even worse with the tick.
Centerforce recommended only using the stock master and slave in their documentation.
From what I've read over the years most of the issues are related to the clutch and not the hydraulics.
Centerforce recommended only using the stock master and slave in their documentation.
From what I've read over the years most of the issues are related to the clutch and not the hydraulics.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
i disagree with that, my problems with my camaro and last zo6 started after headers was installed making more heat under the hood boiling the clutch fluid since its so close to the exhaust by going to a higher boiling brake fluid it helps but didnt fix it for me still had loss of clutch peddle just not as bad but still could not do back to back runs
Acct Suspended APR 2026 by request
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 10,367
Likes: 1,272
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
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how much power are you making and do you plan on more in the future?... I always suggest to overdo the clutch that way if you end up adding more power later on then you don't have to go back and do the clutch again
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
Currently at 450's whp. Thinking now maybe going with monster level 2. But it says on that clutch it doesn't like nitrous. I would like to put nitrous on eventually. Can anyone tel me if the Tick master can be installed with out pulling torque tube?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 543
From: Appleton WI
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 2,725
Likes: 149
From: chicago area IL.
Yes it would be better to do it all at the same time if you are going to do a clutch also
Btw the tickmaster gets connected to the clutch peddle and the bleeder to the slave cylinder witch if your doing a clutch the slave should be replaced too..
Btw the tickmaster gets connected to the clutch peddle and the bleeder to the slave cylinder witch if your doing a clutch the slave should be replaced too..
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 100
Likes: 0
From: Milwaukee Wi
Planned on doing all of it. Even the torque tube couplers. Was just curious if there's enough room to get the speed bleeder on with the torque tube tunnel removed. I know you can bleed it but wasn't sure if the line could be attached
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 14
From: Honolulu, HI
I'm pretty used to mine.
Yes, pedal pressure is harder but not horrible and engagement is quicker.
My hydraulic system is overbuilt now with Tick MC, Mcloed RST, Castrol SRF, and a Remote bleeder.
I had installed mine when at 385rwhp I was having issues with a hard pedal at WOT Shifting. NOTE: the Tick MC alone did not resolve the issue, what did was the new clutch (Mcloed RST).
So If you ask me now though if I was to do it all again I'd probably replace the clutch 1st, put Castrol SRF in, and use a new stock MC. If that didn't work, then a 3/4 Tick Master (stock size). Again the Tick MC is not horrible, but it's one of the mods that takes away some of the stock-level drivability. I also think that because the engagement is so quick the likelihood of breaking something is higher.
Yes, pedal pressure is harder but not horrible and engagement is quicker.
My hydraulic system is overbuilt now with Tick MC, Mcloed RST, Castrol SRF, and a Remote bleeder.
I had installed mine when at 385rwhp I was having issues with a hard pedal at WOT Shifting. NOTE: the Tick MC alone did not resolve the issue, what did was the new clutch (Mcloed RST).
So If you ask me now though if I was to do it all again I'd probably replace the clutch 1st, put Castrol SRF in, and use a new stock MC. If that didn't work, then a 3/4 Tick Master (stock size). Again the Tick MC is not horrible, but it's one of the mods that takes away some of the stock-level drivability. I also think that because the engagement is so quick the likelihood of breaking something is higher.
Last edited by dagon138; Apr 22, 2016 at 01:58 AM.