I posted this in general and someone suggested it was better asked in this forum, I agree :)

Ok here it goes, how do you tell that the clutch is going?
I have the following symptoms:

1.Sometimes the shifter wont go into first gear when at a light
2.The Shifter doesn't feel smooth going into the shift points, not grinding or anything just doesn't feel smooth at the shifter
3.Sometimes when I sit at the light and push shifter into first gear, it feels like it engages but when I give it gas the shifter pops out.

I have never owned a car long enough that the clutch has gone out so I dont have any experience to base it on, only I don't think the clutch feels like it should. Are these signs that the pressure plate is failing?

I saw someone post something a while back about transmission fluid being dirty and getting it flushed would fix problem of it going into first gear, but dont know if that is the case. When i called the dealer of course they said sounds like the clutch but seems like they have a vested interest in it being as expensive as possible.

If it is a clutch problem what should I expect to pay to have it repaired? Dealer said around $1100 does that sound right or should I just find a Corvette repair place or Tranny place that can fix it?

Thanks for any feedback.

 

Sounds more like a syncronizer problem or broken fork in the transmission, than the clutch. One method to test the clutch, is the put it in 6th gear at about 55 MPH, and floor it. See if the RPM's rise too much relative to speed increase.

A clutch replacement cost is mostly in labor since the whole rearend, rear crossmemeber, transmission, torque tube, have to come out to get to the clutch at the engine. Almost looks like a body off restoration project. Not that bad of a job. And looks scarier than it seems. Heres a pic (click for larger version)

http://www.vetteguru.com/misc/driveline.jpg



Your 1100 dollar figure is pretty close if it was a clutch problem.

I would get a second opinion from a c5 tuner in your area, or another dealership. Again, from what you describe, seems more of a tranny issue.

You could have someone in your area like:

Speedworks (lewsiville)
21st Century Muscle Cars (lingenfelter dealer) (carrollton)
LG Motorsports (garland area)

They can look at it, as they are all forum vendors/tuners in the DFW area and should give you a professional diagnosis, and are well respected.





[Modified by kewlbrz, 10:36 PM 1/16/2003]

 

Change the trans fluid first. I had similar problems that cleared up by replacing the fluid. Go for the GM recommendation or, better yet use an after market quality synthetic. Every one has their own idea of what's best, my personal choice was Redline ATF. Some will agree, some will disagree. You decide.

As for the clutch, my first warning was the amount of travel in the clutch pedal. It wouldn't start to grab until it was 3/4 of the way out. Later it started slipping on hard shifts between gears. Normally on a hard shift the tach would drop down to about 4400 when I started the shift at ~6000. When I finally realized that it was giving up, on the same shift the tach would run up to ~5000 after releasing the clutch and slowly settle back to about 4500. You'll see it if you look for it.

LOL, I did my own and replaced the stock one with a Z06. I'm real happy with it. Not everyone has to do it themselves to save a few $$'s but, if you're mechanically inclined.... Give it a shot. You'll need a service manual and, a good set of tools. I strongly recommend a lift, trans jack and, help.

:cheers: