2001 C5 with A&A Supercharged LS2. 640hp 602 Ft Lbs. RPS twin carbon clutch. Not tracked...yet. Has been running GREAT. Clutch included since the engine was placed just over a year ago. Here is my issue:

In the last few weeks I have developed an increasingly noisy drive train. At a stop, as I let clutch out to start moving there is a very audible "che....che....Che....Che..." It increases with RPMs and then disappears when clutch fully out. With clutch fully depressed there is no odd sounds. No odd sounds while coasting.The clutch is not noticeably slipping and it makes no noise at speed. From time to time, shifting gets notchy, then seems to feel normal. There is also a noticeable clunk when I let out clutch that sounds like coming from back. I hear it only when I start moving forward and don't hear it again until I am stopped and begin to move again. I have done the rear half shaft fixes for the spline pop....but this is not that same sound.

I initially thought that perhaps a broken trans mount had things out of alignment, but last weekend I removed it and it looked pristine (I replaced it anyway...). Motor mounts solid. The pedal is smooth and feels no different than when Andy put it in. Obviously something is broken.....with the above run down can you guys offer up any direction before it heads to shop? I appreciate the input as usual.

 

Hi BadMedcn,
When my RPS Twin Carbon went in, a Remote Clutch Speed Bleeder Line was installed, and this is obviously mandatory...

How often are you changing your Clutch fluid?
Christian

 

Sounds like you may be having a throw out bearing issue OR one of the pressure plate springs is damaged.

If it were me, I would pull off the bottom inspection cover on the bell housing and see if you can see of better hear whats causing the issue.

 

Thanks guys for your input. The clutch fluid has just about a year of spirited but sane street driving....I can't imagine this happening secondary to fluid issues, but I am no expert when it comes to the driveline. To me it sounds as if something is warped....can't imagine I could have done anything to have that happen but an uneven disc secondary to a broken spring sounds plausible. To the two of you, Thanks!

 

the noise up front sounds typical of the throwout bearing from your description, the clunk in the rear could possibly be a bad torque tube coupler... were those inspected/replaced when the clutch went in?

 

I could not say for sure, but the engine was out of the car and replaced with an LS2. Knowing A&A work first hand I would say if it had been removed for the transplant, it would have been looked at. Andy and his crew are first rate. The clutch was not new and had in fact been put in a year prior by another shop closer to home. Never felt right, but I remember saying when I picked up the car at A&A, "Wow! This is a fantastic clutch". It has worked flawlessly until just recently as noted above. Bill also suggested throw out bearing.....and obviously you knowledgeable drivers interpreting the data and coming up with similar or same conclusions comforts me. I hate being at the mercy of the shop and since I don't have the time at present to trailer it to Oxnard for Andy to fix I am going to trust it to someone here I have not used but who comes recommended by local Vette Club members.