This really isn't a C5 issue per se, but a clutch issue regarding all LS1 cars, in my instance an '02 Z28. I haven't gotten much response asking questions on all the Fbody forums so I thought I'd ask here at CorvetteForum since the quality of the posts here tend to be higher. I also cross-posted this to the Fbody section as well.

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I've been trying to get some straight answers on the various Fbody message boards to no avail regarding all the issues with LS1 clutches. Here is what I have found so far:

1. The factory '98-'00 clutches/hydraulics are garbage; GM has tried to remedy the problems with new slave cylinders and the "Z06 clutch" fix, but neither of these really takes care of the problems adequately.

2. The aftermarket clutches (Mcleod, RAM, Spec) are not necessarily much better than stock because of issues with durability/longevity, noise, and drivability. On top of that many people have significant installation issues with the aftermarket pieces.

3. Opinions on the aftermarket clutches are polarized. No one agrees on which clutches are good/bad. If you ask about a particular clutch, you get 50% saying that they are junk/impossible to install properly and the other 50% saying they are great/easy to install/ a gift from god.

So I guess I just want to hear more opinions on all of this. I don't know how many of you frequent camaroz28.com, ls1.com, or ls1tech.com but I have threads going on those boards as well.

The reason I'm so interested in this is at 9000mi my damn clutch is already slipping under hard launches and I am sure it is only going to get worse rapidly.

Thanks in advance,

 

Hey--good to have you here :cheers:
I'm curious of this boards experience with aftermarket clutches as well... there doesn't seem to be a great deal of discussion on that topic here at the corvetteforum....as long as I've been here, I honestly can't think of any good discussion of clutch options... and since I'm facing an impending clutch upgrade as well, I too am anxious to see what my good friends here have to say about this...
:cheers:

 

I have been through this topic quite a bit over the last few weeks. I also agree that GM has some design issues with the current design that has cause some of us great aggrevation.

Many of us, who drag race regulary, have had great results with Carteks clutch. They supply a beefy pressure plate, composite disk and a new modified master cylinder (thats adjustable) and a modifed slave cylinder.

When broken in properly and adjusted properly it works fantastic. I don't know why GM doesn't supply a HD unit for these cars and your right the ZO6 units is just as bad!

If you are interested in more info on this clutch call Dave at Cartek. His # is 1-908-654-9993.