Clutch "while I'm there"
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2009
Posts: 492
Likes: 19
Clutch "while I'm there"
Will be swapping the clutch out in my 2004 to support my new supercharger HP. Was wondering what items I should also change while I have the driveline out? Besides slave and torque tube bushings.
Thanks
Thanks
Popular Reply
May 8, 2025, 01:12 PM
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 1,386
From: Orange County, CA
Some things you might consider, all of which I did "while I was in there" 5 years ago:
- clutch kit, pilot bearing
- rear main seal, used the latest version with the full cover and includes screws with larger heads (my old RMS was not leaking)
- billet oil barbell (i.e. from Sac City) if the rear cover is off anyways
- slave cylinder
- remote clutch bleeder
- torque tube bearings and couplers
- thicker and insulated tunnel plate (already had this, but you take it off so putting on a new one during reinstall can make sense)
- tunnel insulation, DEI makes a kit
- replace clutch packs in diff's LSD with pieces from C6 Z06. My C5Z's clutch packs and belleville washers/springs were TOAST with 70k miles. Most C5s have broken bellevilles and therefore no real LSD action (diff becomes open)
- diff axle seals, diff-to-trans seal, diff side cover seals (especially if replacing clutch packs)
- some people will upgrade some of the diff internals (beyond LSD) to C6 Z06, but I opted not to with stock LS6 power
- any hard shifting in the trans, you might consider rebuilding the trans. I DIY-rebuilt mine, this was the main reason for taking everything apart. Reverse was really hard to get. If you're interested I had a whole saga and ended up 'improving/fixing' reverse while rebuilding the trans.
- perfect time to upgrade the shifter linkage to eliminate slop. My shifter is 98% slop-free because of linkage upgrade, TMOD lower box, and Hurst shifter. TMOD is one source for shifter linkage upgrade.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 2,654
Likes: 1,386
From: Orange County, CA
Some things you might consider, all of which I did "while I was in there" 5 years ago:
- clutch kit, pilot bearing
- rear main seal, used the latest version with the full cover and includes screws with larger heads (my old RMS was not leaking)
- billet oil barbell (i.e. from Sac City) if the rear cover is off anyways
- slave cylinder
- remote clutch bleeder
- torque tube bearings and couplers
- thicker and insulated tunnel plate (already had this, but you take it off so putting on a new one during reinstall can make sense)
- tunnel insulation, DEI makes a kit
- replace clutch packs in diff's LSD with pieces from C6 Z06. My C5Z's clutch packs and belleville washers/springs were TOAST with 70k miles. Most C5s have broken bellevilles and therefore no real LSD action (diff becomes open)
- diff axle seals, diff-to-trans seal, diff side cover seals (especially if replacing clutch packs)
- some people will upgrade some of the diff internals (beyond LSD) to C6 Z06, but I opted not to with stock LS6 power
- any hard shifting in the trans, you might consider rebuilding the trans. I DIY-rebuilt mine, this was the main reason for taking everything apart. Reverse was really hard to get. If you're interested I had a whole saga and ended up 'improving/fixing' reverse while rebuilding the trans.
- perfect time to upgrade the shifter linkage to eliminate slop. My shifter is 98% slop-free because of linkage upgrade, TMOD lower box, and Hurst shifter. TMOD is one source for shifter linkage upgrade.
Running Guns & Moonshine
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 12,649
Likes: 7,292
From: CT
Trevor's list is spot on.
I would specify to also consider the C&S Corvtte (corvettepartscenter.com) upgraded rear engine plate which comes with a rear main seal. It is a redesign which will help to prevent future oil leaks.
Adj master cyl
I would specify to also consider the C&S Corvtte (corvettepartscenter.com) upgraded rear engine plate which comes with a rear main seal. It is a redesign which will help to prevent future oil leaks.
Adj master cyl
Former Vendor
Joined: Sep 2017
Posts: 1,114
Likes: 259
From: Apple Valley CA
, spot on. I cry a little every time I see a sloppy old linkage go back into a car. If you want to tighten up, smooth out your / any shifter the linkage upgrade is great. You have to send your linkage in to be upgraded, I usually have them back in the mail within a day or two. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Florida
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Absolutely have TMOD do the linkage and the lower shifter box. That’s money in the bank.
Last edited by vette4fl; May 10, 2025 at 12:18 AM.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2022
Posts: 758
Likes: 366
Some things you might consider, all of which I did "while I was in there" 5 years ago:
- clutch kit, pilot bearing
- rear main seal, used the latest version with the full cover and includes screws with larger heads (my old RMS was not leaking)
- billet oil barbell (i.e. from Sac City) if the rear cover is off anyways
- slave cylinder
- remote clutch bleeder
- torque tube bearings and couplers
- thicker and insulated tunnel plate (already had this, but you take it off so putting on a new one during reinstall can make sense)
- tunnel insulation, DEI makes a kit
- replace clutch packs in diff's LSD with pieces from C6 Z06. My C5Z's clutch packs and belleville washers/springs were TOAST with 70k miles. Most C5s have broken bellevilles and therefore no real LSD action (diff becomes open)
- diff axle seals, diff-to-trans seal, diff side cover seals (especially if replacing clutch packs)
- some people will upgrade some of the diff internals (beyond LSD) to C6 Z06, but I opted not to with stock LS6 power
- any hard shifting in the trans, you might consider rebuilding the trans. I DIY-rebuilt mine, this was the main reason for taking everything apart. Reverse was really hard to get. If you're interested I had a whole saga and ended up 'improving/fixing' reverse while rebuilding the trans.
- perfect time to upgrade the shifter linkage to eliminate slop. My shifter is 98% slop-free because of linkage upgrade, TMOD lower box, and Hurst shifter. TMOD is one source for shifter linkage upgrade.
The above may sound crazy, but it’s some solid advice if your committed to the car.
If not then I’d at least put new torque tube couplings on. If you’re doing your own work where labor isn’t crushing you then I wouldn’t skip any of it.
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