Well I don't even know where to begin. So I have been changing the clutch in my 2001 replacing it with an ls7 with a Fidanza aluminum Flywheel. Overall the combo is 7lbs lighter than the wore out one i removed. But that is not what I'm getting at, if you have ever changed your own clutch or given a write up or advice on hows its done, let me give my two cents. First it is not a hard job everyone with tools should save the money and do it themselves with one exception. As some of you well know changing the pilot bearing might possibly be the hardest part of the job. It is simple if you have a puller that will work but otherwise you might try and think of other clever ways of doing it. Some may know to fill the crank with grease and hammer a dowel about the size of the I.D. of the pilot bearing and hydaulic reverse press it out : . THIS IS NOT THE WAY! I have learned that behind the pilot bearing is a stainless steel soft plug sealing the crankcase from the clutch. With my limitless luck managed to destroy the pilot bearing all the while turning that soft plug side ways. So LONG STORY shorter I was pushing grease, needle bearings, and pilot bearing junks directly into my engine! This method can be used on solid cranks that have no passage into the engine but after my experience I would never suggest this method to anyone just to be on the safe side. So the remaining part of my day was spent removing the oil pan and cleaning out the engine which if you don't already know is a major PITA! Sorry this is so long but I had to vent.

 

Oh s**t, I've not had to change the clutch in a LSx engine but have always used a bearing puller . I can only imagine the suprise when you discovered that. Well I'm too old to be under a rack pulling a tranny but thanks so much for sharing. I sure you'll save someone from heartache

 

That is the only thing I hate about the LS Gen. That darn crank with
the forge plug,and when they leak

 

Hi NIKDSC5 -

Holy cow!

That would just plain suck!

Good bit of info there.

The only thing I would add is a link to a decent blind bearing puller that you can buy fairly cheap - I have removed three pilots with this same tool with relative ease:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=95987

best regards-

mqqn

 

I've heard this story many times. It still makes me cry a little.