Stock Cluth Probs?????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
Stock Cluth Probs?????
So I went to E-Town Raceway Park today for my annual run and low and behold the car launches awesome, rockets out of the hole, engine zooming up to 7K RPM try to shift and nothing.....engine stays at 7K RPM no matter what gear I try......I imagine the clutch is on the floor? I try to run again and the same thing happens again. The clutch fluid is clean and the car drives fine when not racing......how is it that the clutch only sticks during track duty?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
You've probably seen this but just in case you haven't:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1561070929-post3.html
Sounds like it might not be your issue though. The clutch experts will probably have the answer. Good luck.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1561070929-post3.html
Sounds like it might not be your issue though. The clutch experts will probably have the answer. Good luck.
Track Junky
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 4,075
Likes: 36
From: Orlando Area
Tech Contributor
I have read that repeated high RPM shifts can cause the pressure plate fingers to heatup and swell slightly, causing clutch to stick between shifts. In my first '07 vette it happened to me with 15 miles on the clock after some high speed runs. Didn't realize it at the time and thought it was wheel spin accompanied by smoke... Then I smelled the smoke - Holy Crap! That burnt clutch smell is one you will never forget. I bet I put 40k miles of use onthat clutch in about 5-6 seconds. All because the pedal stuck to the floor that one time. I shut down the car for about 30 min and you could STILL smell it.
A clutch swap isn't easy or fun, but there are plenty of excellent write-ups out there to guide you. Run a search and you can find plentyof info.
A clutch swap isn't easy or fun, but there are plenty of excellent write-ups out there to guide you. Run a search and you can find plentyof info.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 12,391
Likes: 2,910
From: Fort Worth, Texas
You're far exceeding the power limits of the stock clutch and when you try to launch it you are asking even more of it, I'm assuming the tires aren't spinning at the track unlike on the street and the clutch is taking the full brunt along with extra heat induced from the launch the pressure plate fingers get weak and can't disengage the clutch. I'd definitely would say it's time for a new clutch, don't hesistate to ask if you have any questions.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 3,411
Likes: 40
From: Smallingerland Friesland, Netherlands
Are your outside mirrors real carbon?
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 7,155
Likes: 154
From: The Arid Sunny Desert
You're far exceeding the power limits of the stock clutch and when you try to launch it you are asking even more of it, I'm assuming the tires aren't spinning at the track unlike on the street and the clutch is taking the full brunt along with extra heat induced from the launch the pressure plate fingers get weak and can't disengage the clutch. I'd definitely would say it's time for a new clutch, don't hesistate to ask if you have any questions.
Thanks for the input, that sounds exactly like what has happened. Looks like the Vette Doctors are going to be installing a new twin disc setup, new flywheel and slave cylinder.
