How much abuse can a stock C5 clutch take? I don't burn out often (maybe 2-3 times since I have had the car)...but the other night I lit them up proper without TC on and I had the burning clutch smell in my cabin for about 1/2 hour afterward. Seems to drive fine...but something just feels a little different when I let out the clutch...doesn't seem to grab as quickly as it did prior to doing that burnout.

I revved up to about 3500-4000 (maybe a little higher) and then dropped the hammer. I would think the Vette could handle it...but just curious if anyone out there has any experience with clutches going out.

Also I've reviewed a couple aftermarket clutches...curious to how much a dealer or other reputable transmission shop charges to install them.

 

TTT :lurk:

Tom

 

You have probably glazed the clutch disk. The stock clutch won't take that kind of abuse for long.

High RPM dumps overheat the disk and also can damage the flywheel.

 

not that i would ever abuse my car like that:reddevil , but :lurk:

 

I did the same thing. My clutch also never felt the same again. Right after that happened I got a spec stage 3 clutch w/ceramic disk put in. Now I never have to worry about my clutch slipping again.

 

What is the cost of said clutch? And what would be the cost to install? Would I take that to the GM dealership (yeah right... :) )

 

My 98 has the stock clutch with 57,000 miles on it. I abused the stock clutch one too many times and now if I try to to a burn out, the only thing that smokes is the clutch. Dont get me wrong, it still rocks but the clutch just wont handle the stresses of a good burn out any more. It drives and runs great under normal use and will even handle a wicked down shift. It doesnt slip in any gear except when I abues the tires in first. It will last the rest of the driving season and maybe then some. When I get tired of not being able to do a hole shot I will break her down and install a new clutch.
My 02 ZO6 on the other hand has very good clutch. The clutch for the ZO6 was beefed up to withstand the extra torque and HP of the Z. I plan on replacing the 98 clutch with a ZO6 unit! :thumbs:

If you drive it normally for a couple of hundred miles, it should de-glaze and be fine. I wouldnt worry about it too much. If you keep abusing it :rolleyes: (been there done that) you like me will be putting in a new clutch. Spirited driving is one thing but hole shots will roast a stock C5 clutch.

Someone sells a module that sets the TC to off or COMPETITION MODE on a ZO6. I would recommend getting one of those if you regurally forget to turn off the TC module.
I plan on installing my new clutch myself. It is a rather involved process but not all that difficult. The dealer will want many many $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ to do it.

Good luck

Bill C


[Modified by Bill Curlee, 12:19 AM 9/20/2003]

 

My stocker finally went out at 138,000 launching it at 4K on drag radials. A stocker on EMT's should take a LOT of abuse before it slips unless you REALLY ride the clutch in everyday driving.