Clutch problem/questions (limp pedal)?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,931
Likes: 2
From: Tx
Clutch Upgrade questions (limp pedal)?
Ok, I know I’m going to need to upgrade my entire clutch pretty soon, but I think there may be another problem here and wanted to see if anyone can provide me with a short term fix.
My experience working on the driveline of these cars is very limited, so please pardon my ignorance.
My car is pushing somewhere near 500hp and seem to have no slipping issues on the street when I get traction. However, when I went to the track the other night something went horribly wrong. I launched very conservatively at about 2k rpms and slowly rolled into the throttle, but it seemed like the clutch was slipping or something. The tires spun pretty well, but the pedal felt strange on the shift to 2nd so I let out. I could then small that horrible burnt clutch smell. I went ahead and did one more run, but launched like a grandma and waited until 2nd gear before I really laid into it, It seemed to hold fine in the upper gears and I still pulled off a pretty good trap speed considering the 3.0 60’.
Based on some basic research I have done, it seems like the problem could be related to the hydraulics in the clutch and not the actual pressure or clutch plate. It’s almost like spring is not strong enough to let the throw out bearing move fully to the disengaged (at rest) position. I read some old post about the clutch sticking to the floor and this seems similar. If this is the problem, what do I need to replace, Master or slave? How difficult is this and what parts should I look at. I could not find an answer in the other posts.
I know I’m going to need to replace the entire clutch if I ever want to really launch hard, but I’m only running street tires now and would be happy with just a decent launch.
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 7:58 PM 4/7/2003]
My experience working on the driveline of these cars is very limited, so please pardon my ignorance.
My car is pushing somewhere near 500hp and seem to have no slipping issues on the street when I get traction. However, when I went to the track the other night something went horribly wrong. I launched very conservatively at about 2k rpms and slowly rolled into the throttle, but it seemed like the clutch was slipping or something. The tires spun pretty well, but the pedal felt strange on the shift to 2nd so I let out. I could then small that horrible burnt clutch smell. I went ahead and did one more run, but launched like a grandma and waited until 2nd gear before I really laid into it, It seemed to hold fine in the upper gears and I still pulled off a pretty good trap speed considering the 3.0 60’.
Based on some basic research I have done, it seems like the problem could be related to the hydraulics in the clutch and not the actual pressure or clutch plate. It’s almost like spring is not strong enough to let the throw out bearing move fully to the disengaged (at rest) position. I read some old post about the clutch sticking to the floor and this seems similar. If this is the problem, what do I need to replace, Master or slave? How difficult is this and what parts should I look at. I could not find an answer in the other posts.
I know I’m going to need to replace the entire clutch if I ever want to really launch hard, but I’m only running street tires now and would be happy with just a decent launch.
[Modified by QuickSilver2002, 7:58 PM 4/7/2003]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 885
Likes: 0
From: The Woodlands Texas
Re: Clutch Upgrade questions (limp pedal)? (QuickSilver2002)
My 2001 convertible did this about 8 months ago. It's a lot of fun in stop-n-go traffic when the pedal locks on the floorboard.
Solution (under warranty) was for GM to replace the flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, throw out bearing, master and slave cylinders with a 2002 Z06 setup - all brand new. I thought I was going to have to draw down on the dealership with my Ruger 9mm to get them to zero balance the setup before installing.
That said, with your 500+ RWHP, no way would I use OEM clutch components. You should look into a McCleod, or Cartek or similar setup for your heavier application. The OEM setup will not hold up under the stress of greater than around 450 RWHP. I would also use an aftermarket adjustable clutch assembly for tweaking your pedal engagement distance.
SAVE THE WAVE :seeya :cheers: :cool:
Solution (under warranty) was for GM to replace the flywheel, pressure plate, clutch disc, throw out bearing, master and slave cylinders with a 2002 Z06 setup - all brand new. I thought I was going to have to draw down on the dealership with my Ruger 9mm to get them to zero balance the setup before installing.
That said, with your 500+ RWHP, no way would I use OEM clutch components. You should look into a McCleod, or Cartek or similar setup for your heavier application. The OEM setup will not hold up under the stress of greater than around 450 RWHP. I would also use an aftermarket adjustable clutch assembly for tweaking your pedal engagement distance.
SAVE THE WAVE :seeya :cheers: :cool:
