I'm doing a DIY clutch replacement [1998 65k mi]this weekend including new OEM clutch and slave.
Just got the slave. Is the slave primed with fluid or empty?Is bleeding required. Is it advisable to replace master cyl also?

 

Answer from the C4C5Specialist

First, tip of the week, once the torque tube is down, remove the old slave and reattach the line. Have someone work the clutch pedal by hand, while you keep the master reservoir topped off. Simply open the bleed valve and allow all the old fluid to drain through the lines to the old slave.
Once you have fresh fluid in the master to the slave, disconnect the slave.
This way, when you attach the new slave cylinder, you will have completely new fluid in the entire system.
No need for a bleed once you are attaching the new slave.
Allthebest, Paul

 

The slave comes primed so there should be no need to bleed the system. Replacing the master is not necessary.

 

How much of an endeavor is it to attack a C5 clutch?

 

Depends how mechanically inclined you are. It looks alot harder then it is. Short verson of directions.

remove shifter from inside
Remove H pipe
remove tunnel plate
disconnect upper control arms (4 bolts)
disconnect shocks (4 bolts)
remove calipers and hang to the side
unplug ABS sensors and disconnect Ebrake cables.
disconnect all wires going to the trans and rear
pop axles out of diff to clear brake lines
lower rear subframe (4 bolts)
dislodge wire harness on top of torque tube
disconnect slave cylinder line
remove 5 or 6 bolts connecting torque tube to bellhousing in front
and slide it back.
remove clutch

That is basically it, there might be a few other lil odds and ends but you will most likely see them while you are doing it. By leaving the trans and rear on the rear subframe it will require two people. You can lower the subframe seperately and remove the trans and diff from the torque tube if you wanted but I did not see any reason to.

 

I replaced the clutch/flywheel,slave cyl,pilot bearing and both axle seals. It took me 2 1/2 days working primarily by myself. If I were to do it again I could do it in 1/2 the time.I studied the service manual, an article in july 03 Corvette magazine and forum postings at;
http://www.z06vette.com/forums/showt...t=clutch+guide
http://redshift.homestead.com/Drivetrain1.html

You will need couple of floor jacks+jack stands+some basic hand tools+trans jack+fly wheel holding tool,pilot tool. Auto Zone will loan a Pilot bearing puller for free.
I'm going to offer for sale the tools I purchased to do the job since I don't expect to be doing another C5 clutch change anytime soon.
Transmission jack+FlyWheel holding tool+pilot tool+alignment dowels for torque tube for $75.00 + 2 new seals for the rear axles since they are a breeze to change while the unit is removed from the veh.