Clutch :-(

[HIZNHRZ]

Originally Posted by c4koh

That picture looks like the Stage 1 / Stock (which is what I had) from Carolina Clutch - correct??

Correct!

Originally Posted by c4koh

Tom @ CC explained that my original dual mass flywheel may not have been damping well enough, due to age and wear, which on a high-rev shift basically can put far too much through the clutch disk...

I understand Carolina Clutch's position but in my cause I bought the clutch, pressure plate, throw-out and pilot bearing replacement kit from Carolina Clutch AND installed a new dual mass flywheel at the same time.

I spent a fair amount of time looking at options for replacement clutches and spent an equal amount of time talking with Marc Haibeck. I don't want to speak for Marc but I wouldn't be surprised if he didn't know Tom at Carolina Clutch or to find out they have talked to one another on this subject. I listen to Marc at every opportunity talk about ZR-1/LT-5 replacement parts, in general, and clutch replacement hardware specifically. I would encourage anyone, whether you do your own work, or are looking for someone to solve a problem for you, to talk (email is typically best) with Marc Haibeck as well. He does his homework and is very open with what he learns and experiences. You'd be hard pressed to find a better person to work with or a more informed subject matter expert on most anything ZR-1 related.

[c4koh]

Originally Posted by HIZNHRZ

I understand Carolina Clutch's position but in my cause I bought the clutch, pressure plate, throw-out and pilot bearing replacement kit from Carolina Clutch AND installed a new dual mass flywheel at the same time.

Well in this case, if there is the same failure with the same stage 1 clutch, even on a new flywheel, then it would be something for Carolina Clutch to look into... I'm sure they will.

On the other hand, Tom was very professional, has helped me out, and as noted I'm going to go with the Stage 2 (needing a new FW for this anyway) with a single mass (lightweight) flywheel (other option being a single mass steel flywheel). My vehicle is pretty much stock, except Marc's chip and better exhaust, and I plan it to stay that way.

Thanks all for their input.

Steve

[5ABI VT]

Was going to start my clutch in the morning. Now the word carolina has me thinking Explosions. If I may ask here.. I have the stg2 with alum flywheel. He did have an option for LT1 bolts or something that were the correct length are those good enough or do you guys still reccomend arp or better? I dont mind spending whatever it takes to get the best bolts for the whole setup even if it only makes me feel better about having them. I can order what I need and just tackle the stereo and top end in the meantime.

Ill take some pics in the am. I just looked at a not so great photo and my stg2 clutch disc does look identical to all those photos of exploded ones..

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by 5ABI VT

Was going to start my clutch in the morning. Now the word carolina has me thinking Explosions. If I may ask here.. I have the stg2 with alum flywheel. He did have an option for LT1 bolts or something that were the correct length are those good enough or do you guys still reccomend arp or better? I dont mind spending whatever it takes to get the best bolts for the whole setup even if it only makes me feel better about having them. I can order what I need and just tackle the stereo and top end in the meantime.

Ill take some pics in the am. I just looked at a not so great photo and my stg2 clutch disc does look identical to all those photos of exploded ones..

When it comes to keeping a clutch from becoming a buzz saw, a couple of extra bucks is worth it. I used the ARP bolts.

[5ABI VT]

Originally Posted by XfireZ51

When it comes to keeping a clutch from becoming a buzz saw, a couple of extra bucks is worth it. I used the ARP bolts.

Spoke with Tom over the phone and decided the stg2 disc that I have should work but there is still the possibility to want to break up at high rpms in instances like a down shift and a miss-shift where it would over rev. I did bump my limiter up and I do love the rpms and decided for peace of mind to upgrade. I'm used to the McLeod twin disc in the 93 and actually like it's engagement characteristics so I went with a dual friction disc.

[XfireZ51]

Since I use the Fidanza, I have paired that w the Camaro LT-1 sprung hub disc.
Have not had any issues with it handling 450+ at the wheels. I guess that although I used it to take up some of the rattle from the SMFW, it also helps in absorbing some of the shock when "bangin gears".