3rd gear synchro took a dump..Questions?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Fl
3rd gear synchro took a dump..Questions?
It looks like I have the dreaded 3rd gear synchro failure. The car started grinding into 3rd on the downshift. Lucky I am still under warranty. I am going to make sure that they replace everything they can while in there. My question is should I go ahead and upgrade my clutch while they have it apart? I only have 9500 miles on the car. I am right at ~435 rwhp and 425 rwftlbs. I have been running F1 SCs spinning thru 3rd and just got a set of Nitto 555 drag radials for the rear and Extremes for the front. I will be putting the new rubber on when I get the car back. Obviously that will be putting a little more stress on the drivetrain. I really don't want to spend an extra $1000 for the clutch now if it doesn't make sense but I would be saving on installation cost. My OE clutch is not slipping. Thoughts?
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
Depending on how obvious the mods are, some sharp-eyed tech who needs to put a notch in his pistol grip may point out to the service manager that the car has been modded. Depending on who the warranty is with, that may make a problem. If it's GMPP the problem is probably more than if with another warranty provider. If you can "hide" the mods, I'd do it. My guess is, though, that the kind of horsepressure you're quoting means LT, maybe a lumpier bump stick, for sure some after market intake. The company underwriting the warranty may decline the claim if their warranty policy excludes modifications that can result in damage.
Charlie
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
Charlie
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Fl
I don't think horsepower should affect the synchronizer going out. This is a known problem with the M12. I have a very good dealer who understands Corvettes. I don't think the warranty is going to be a problem but I will let you know. I was more asking for thoughts on spending the $ now to upgrade the clutch even though it is working fine. If I do upgrade I figured I would strongly consider the the Textralia with the billet flywheel although I see some of the folks suggesting a LS7 set up. Thoughts?.
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 2,498
Likes: 4
From: Brentwood TN
And you make a valid point for the rational person. We're dealing with essentially an insurance company that wrote a warranty on an automobile. Of necessity these policies are written to provide fair coverage while at the same time assuring that the company makes a profit that are competitively priced. That means there will be restrictions on certain types of damage that can be linked to normal wear and tear or to abuse. The owner may have to document the known issue with the 3rd gear synchro to get it fixed under warranty. The process will be made more problematic with obvious engine mods that can provide a legitimate argument that the higher horsepower causes abnormal wear and tear over and above that which would be expected with a stock engine, which gives the company a way to reject the warranty claim.
The warranty repair depends on (1) the verbiage in the warranty policy regarding modifications, abnormal wear and abuse, and normal wear and tear (2) how obvious the engine mods are that clearly indicate higher performance and non-stock components.
If someone has a GMPP policy, maybe they can either post language that refers to engine mods and effect on warranty or explain what the policy says. That would provide at least one reference point.
Charlie
The warranty repair depends on (1) the verbiage in the warranty policy regarding modifications, abnormal wear and abuse, and normal wear and tear (2) how obvious the engine mods are that clearly indicate higher performance and non-stock components.
If someone has a GMPP policy, maybe they can either post language that refers to engine mods and effect on warranty or explain what the policy says. That would provide at least one reference point.
Charlie
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Pro
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 606
Likes: 0
From: Virginia Beach VA
See if your dealer will rebuild your 3/4 syncro assembly with billet keys instead of the failure prone stamped steel keys. While they’re in there upgrade the plastic shift fork pads to brass and swap your aluminum 3/4 shift fork to a steel part.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Fl
Just for everyones info this is not a GMPP warranty issue. ~9500 miles on an '04. Still original warranty until July. I will see about alternative keys however I imagine due to it being under warranty original OE parts will have to be used. My dealer has a specialty corvette shop and they are very knowledgeable. I will let you guys know on the warranty issue.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
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From: Austin TX
Just for everyones info this is not a GMPP warranty issue. ~9500 miles on an '04. Still original warranty until July. I will see about alternative keys however I imagine due to it being under warranty original OE parts will have to be used. My dealer has a specialty corvette shop and they are very knowledgeable. I will let you guys know on the warranty issue.
Pro
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 667
Likes: 0
From: Austin TX
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 446
Likes: 0
From: Orlando Fl
Just to update all who helped and those who had questions about the warranty covering the repairs. The dealer/warranty covered all the trans repairs including replacing the synchro's and shift forks. I also had them install RPM bushings and keys. While we were there I had my Textralia OZ700 clutch installed and a C6 Z shifter. The clutch chattered a good bit initially but after talking to Pete at Textralia and heating her up a little she is getting much better. Soon the drag radials are going on and I hope that will help me hook up better. Anyway, the dealer only charged $120 to install the clutch while they were in there. I thought that was fair.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 25,889
Likes: 7
From: Virginia Beach
CI 3-5-6-7-8 Veteran
^ Awesome... last summer I had the same problem... put in RPMs upgraded 1/2 fork, the steel 3/4 fork, new synchro keys and bronze pads.
Tonight I got the dreaded 3rd gear grind again... I'm a bit nervous
Tonight I got the dreaded 3rd gear grind again... I'm a bit nervous
