Stiff Clutch
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 40
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
Stiff Clutch
I've done some research on the topic but I didn't understand too much because they were mostly arguing over it and didn't receive too much info. Anyways I have a C5 Z06 and my clutch is really really heavy, I have read that its the spring in the pedal and I checked the other day and it seems in fine condition. My question is how can I make my heavy *** clutch feel lighter because I've been in my other friend's cars and their clutch is nowhere near as heavy as mine. Some have Mustangs and other C6 Z06. Should I remove the spring or change it for another one, do I remove it, is it better if I leave it.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 2,258
Likes: 544
From: Appleton WI
Is your car stock or do you have aftermarket clutch and or master cylinder? That information would be helpful for others to chime in. It would also be good for you to test drive another C5 so you get an apples to apples comparison.
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
Reviving the thread as I have the same question.
I am in the market for a C5 Z06 and test drove my first one the other day. It had the heaviest clutch of any vehicle I have driven. I have had some manual clutches in a V8 CJ5 jeep and this one was heavier. The clutch in this one was aftermarket and he said they replaced the slave cylinder also. Not sure about the master. I am planning on trying to drive a couple more to compare but right now, if they are all that heavy, I would need knee and ankle surgery after a couple commutes.
I am in the market for a C5 Z06 and test drove my first one the other day. It had the heaviest clutch of any vehicle I have driven. I have had some manual clutches in a V8 CJ5 jeep and this one was heavier. The clutch in this one was aftermarket and he said they replaced the slave cylinder also. Not sure about the master. I am planning on trying to drive a couple more to compare but right now, if they are all that heavy, I would need knee and ankle surgery after a couple commutes.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 32,910
Likes: 2,402
From: Anthony TX
CI 6,7,8,9,11 Vet
St. Jude Donor '08
TRUST ME! The C5 LS1 and the C5 ZO6 clutches are all the same for peddle pressure/effort.
Hell, My Wife drove my 02 ZO6 when it was STOCK and NEVER EVER complained about the clutch. They NEVER came from the factory with heavy peddle pressure.
If yours is heavy, you have one of the following:
- Aftermarket pressure plate
- Aftermarket Master Cylinder with a bigger bore (greater peddle effort)
- Both of the above!! LOL!
- Something is wrong with the internals or the hydraulic system.
QUESTION??
Look under the drivers side dash at the clutch peddle. Does it have an adjustable master cylinder push rod or a NON adjustable one??
Does the clutch/pressure plate and or throw out bearing make any weird noises when the clutch is depressed and released??
Bill
Hell, My Wife drove my 02 ZO6 when it was STOCK and NEVER EVER complained about the clutch. They NEVER came from the factory with heavy peddle pressure.
If yours is heavy, you have one of the following:
- Aftermarket pressure plate
- Aftermarket Master Cylinder with a bigger bore (greater peddle effort)
- Both of the above!! LOL!
- Something is wrong with the internals or the hydraulic system.
QUESTION??
Look under the drivers side dash at the clutch peddle. Does it have an adjustable master cylinder push rod or a NON adjustable one??
Does the clutch/pressure plate and or throw out bearing make any weird noises when the clutch is depressed and released??
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 801
Likes: 31
My 2003 Z06 had stock clutch(79,000 mile) and I just replaced with a LS7 setup. I was having sticking clutch on the track and it was hard to get in reverse. After I replaced the clutch, slave cylinder, and everything it is great. Much smoother engagement.
I would try flushing the clutch fluid with the Range method. That may help.
I would try flushing the clutch fluid with the Range method. That may help.
1/4 mile/AutoX
Joined: Jun 2014
Posts: 11,442
Likes: 2,187
From: Buffalo Texas
My 2003 Z06 had stock clutch(79,000 mile) and I just replaced with a LS7 setup. I was having sticking clutch on the track and it was hard to get in reverse. After I replaced the clutch, slave cylinder, and everything it is great. Much smoother engagement.
I would try flushing the clutch fluid with the Range method. That may help.
I would try flushing the clutch fluid with the Range method. That may help.
dirty fluid is a good place to start !!!!
4th Gear
Joined: Jul 2019
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
TRUST ME! The C5 LS1 and the C5 ZO6 clutches are all the same for peddle pressure/effort.
Hell, My Wife drove my 02 ZO6 when it was STOCK and NEVER EVER complained about the clutch. They NEVER came from the factory with heavy peddle pressure.
If yours is heavy, you have one of the following:
- Aftermarket pressure plate
- Aftermarket Master Cylinder with a bigger bore (greater peddle effort)
- Both of the above!! LOL!
- Something is wrong with the internals or the hydraulic system.
QUESTION??
Look under the drivers side dash at the clutch peddle. Does it have an adjustable master cylinder push rod or a NON adjustable one??
Does the clutch/pressure plate and or throw out bearing make any weird noises when the clutch is depressed and released??
Bill
Hell, My Wife drove my 02 ZO6 when it was STOCK and NEVER EVER complained about the clutch. They NEVER came from the factory with heavy peddle pressure.
If yours is heavy, you have one of the following:
- Aftermarket pressure plate
- Aftermarket Master Cylinder with a bigger bore (greater peddle effort)
- Both of the above!! LOL!
- Something is wrong with the internals or the hydraulic system.
QUESTION??
Look under the drivers side dash at the clutch peddle. Does it have an adjustable master cylinder push rod or a NON adjustable one??
Does the clutch/pressure plate and or throw out bearing make any weird noises when the clutch is depressed and released??
Bill
- Don't really have the ability to check on the one for sale as it is a bit of a drive
Does the clutch/pressure plate and or throw out bearing make any weird noises when the clutch is depressed and released??
- I didn't hear anything odd like a squealing throw out bearing. Then again the car is pretty loud!
Got a chance to drive my friends supercharged C5 convertible today and definitely much lighter clutch peddle. He has the same aftermarket (Centerforce dual friction) clutch as the Z06 that I drove. Guess I just need to drive more of them and definitely now in the market!!
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