Time for a new clutch??
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 680
From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
Time for a new clutch??
I have an '02 Coupe with nearly 92k miles. The clutch pedal sometimes sticks, usually about half way up, but a couple of times it's stuck all the way down. I've flushed the clutch reservoir more times than I can remember, even using the "modified ranger" method of inserting a tube inside the line at the bottom of the reservoir and flushing until the fluid is spotless, but the resulting improved pedal response is only temporary at best. This condition started about 2 weeks ago & is getting worse. There is no fluid loss in the clutch reservoir. Is it time for a new clutch?? Thanks for any help!
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
stock clutch can do that regardless. i remember when the c5 was a new car and guys would track them. same complaints, especially when the power went up. it does seem to get worse with age.
the choice you have to make is
1. do you want an ls6 clutch? 10lbs lighter than the ls7 but reduced power holding
2. the ls7 clutch, more power holding but that heavier assembly slows down throttle response
3. a monster stage 2. this can be the lightest combo of all with their billet flywheel. can handle the most power but also will be the quickest engaging or the 3 and potentially have some shudder...i'm still wanting to drive one of these before i install the one i have sitting here to see what it's really like
the choice you have to make is
1. do you want an ls6 clutch? 10lbs lighter than the ls7 but reduced power holding
2. the ls7 clutch, more power holding but that heavier assembly slows down throttle response
3. a monster stage 2. this can be the lightest combo of all with their billet flywheel. can handle the most power but also will be the quickest engaging or the 3 and potentially have some shudder...i'm still wanting to drive one of these before i install the one i have sitting here to see what it's really like
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
stock clutch can do that regardless. i remember when the c5 was a new car and guys would track them. same complaints, especially when the power went up. it does seem to get worse with age. the choice you have to make is 1. do you want an ls6 clutch? 10lbs lighter than the ls7 but reduced power holding 2. the ls7 clutch, more power holding but that heavier assembly slows down throttle response 3. a monster stage 2. this can be the lightest combo of all with their billet flywheel. can handle the most power but also will be the quickest engaging or the 3 and potentially have some shudder...i'm still wanting to drive one of these before i install the one i have sitting here to see what it's really like
You won't notice the slightest difference from stock, other than you don't get locked out of gear at high RPM, and you have great holding power and can actually feel your cars power.
There's absolutely NO SHUTTER WHATSOEVER!!! It's not a ceramic clutch. It's a Kevlar/organic. It's perfect. Kevlar for longevity.
Someone on here keeps saying Monster has a new stage 2 that's all organic. Ok. Why? I haven't heard that at all. I guess if you want a clutch that will hold what you want, buy wear out faster, then get it.
Good God folks. Get away from the self adjusting pressure plate (LS6/7 clutch)
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
Having had a Monster stage 2, I can say this.
You won't notice the slightest difference from stock, other than you don't get locked out of gear at high RPM, and you have great holding power and can actually feel your cars power.
There's absolutely NO SHUTTER WHATSOEVER!!! It's not a ceramic clutch. It's a Kevlar/organic. It's perfect. Kevlar for longevity.
Someone on here keeps saying Monster has a new stage 2 that's all organic. Ok. Why? I haven't heard that at all. I guess if you want a clutch that will hold what you want, buy wear out faster, then get it.
Good God folks. Get away from the self adjusting pressure plate (LS6/7 clutch)
You won't notice the slightest difference from stock, other than you don't get locked out of gear at high RPM, and you have great holding power and can actually feel your cars power.
There's absolutely NO SHUTTER WHATSOEVER!!! It's not a ceramic clutch. It's a Kevlar/organic. It's perfect. Kevlar for longevity.
Someone on here keeps saying Monster has a new stage 2 that's all organic. Ok. Why? I haven't heard that at all. I guess if you want a clutch that will hold what you want, buy wear out faster, then get it.
Good God folks. Get away from the self adjusting pressure plate (LS6/7 clutch)
Last edited by racebum; Nov 6, 2013 at 02:03 AM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
I have, I probably just didn't see it. I looked at ticks website as well and saw no mention. I find it interesting though, that's for sure.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
give chris a ring at monster clutch direct, he'll give you the run down, you may notice if you read all the new text, top to bottom the word kevlar doesn't exist anymore in the lower paragraphs
Last edited by racebum; Nov 6, 2013 at 02:57 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
that's the only way to use an ls7 clutch and keep the weight down. if you want a clutch that drives just exactly like stock this is how you do it. one of my personal friends beat on an ls7 clutch for a year and had no issue with it.
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Drifting
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 1,454
Likes: 1
From: Port Charlotte FL
I went with a centerforce II organic disc/pressure plate and fidanza flywheel. I didnt notice ANY difference in revs, but now it chatters a bit... Only at certain times which is weird, and is starting to in reverse now as well.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
the next step up in strength from there is the monster stage 2 which gets rid of the self adjusting pressure plate and brings the total weight down to 43lbs
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,367
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From: Fort Worth, Texas
Just to share my experiences, I've ran a Fidanza flywheel with an organic friction, kevlar friction and ceramic friction...all of which left the steel insert warped and a disengagement issue when heat was introduced from launching the car, that is why we run a billet steel flywheel even for our lightweight setups. For clarification an LS7 weighs ~57lbs and an LS6 weighs ~50, our 28lb setups vary from 52-54lbs depending on the disc and the 18lb setups are between 42-44lbs again depending on the disc used. Feel free to contact me with any questions, hope that helps.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 680
From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
Update : I opted for the LS7 clutch without the Fidanza flywheel. The clutch kit should be here next week. Thanks for all the advice!
Last edited by Mickeyrx70; Nov 8, 2013 at 09:17 PM.
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Why? Why when the Monster is roughly the same price, and you get a better product?
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 1,649
Likes: 50
From: Goldsboro NC
.......awwooo that shouldn't b funny but, I digress 
Monster FTW!
Pro
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 666
Likes: 11
From: Lafayette Louisiana
Going back and reading that in the light of day does look a bit brash and I apologize. I didn't mean it like "that"...
I just hate seeing people spend money twice. I've fought this battle before, and have helped way too many people in the past with the same issue.
Change everything hydraulic wise to brand new, still sticks. Drill mod the master, still sticks. Upgrade to a Tick master, STILL STICKS.
Get rid of the damned GM self-adjusting pressure plate... Problem SOLVED. It's the pressure plate that makes it stick like that. Period. It's not a sales pitch or sales ploy. It's fact.
I just wish you'd have went with ANYONE other than GM.
I just hate seeing people spend money twice. I've fought this battle before, and have helped way too many people in the past with the same issue.
Change everything hydraulic wise to brand new, still sticks. Drill mod the master, still sticks. Upgrade to a Tick master, STILL STICKS.
Get rid of the damned GM self-adjusting pressure plate... Problem SOLVED. It's the pressure plate that makes it stick like that. Period. It's not a sales pitch or sales ploy. It's fact.
I just wish you'd have went with ANYONE other than GM.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 11,150
Likes: 890
From: South Western Ontario
I agree that Monster isn't much difference once you add the slave, throwout bearing, pilot bearing etc that you still need to buy with the GM clutch. Everyone posts good things about Monster clutches too.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 3,498
Likes: 680
From: The beautiful Alabama Gulf Coast!!
I asked for opinions and I appreciate you taking the time to offer yours. Sorry you so strongly disagree with my choice., but the decision is made. Maybe the results won't be as dire as you predict.
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 16,028
Likes: 170
From: oregon
it's a pros and cons thing. the ls6 and ls7 clutches are going to win the ease of engagement contest over any aftermarket clutch. if someone drives on the street, in rush hour traffic and parking lots 99% of the time it may not be a bad choice. let's not ls7 clutch bash too bad. lot of guys running low 12s have hammered on that clutch and it hasn't failed. probably not the best choice for slicks, no lift shifts or high hp, but, if someone wants a clutch that feels just like factory it's going to give them exactly that
i love the guys over at monster clutch and think they have top tier customer service and an excellent product. it just may not be the best choice for every single c5 owner out there
i love the guys over at monster clutch and think they have top tier customer service and an excellent product. it just may not be the best choice for every single c5 owner out there
Last edited by racebum; Nov 9, 2013 at 03:23 PM.