Aluminum Flywheel/clutch assbly/ C Beam Plates installed, impressions

[pantera1683]

Thanks to the registry, I successfully changed out my stock flywheel to a Fidanza aluminum. I also installed a new clutch assbly from autozone and a sprung hub disc for a Camaro. Since I was taking down the C beam I installed the beam plates.

I thought a bad clutch disc was the cause of my slipping issues, after taking everything apart it I found my throwout bearing internally separated. The clutch disc was worn but still serviceable and the flywheel and pressure plate looked fine.

All-in-all the hardest part of the job was by far removing the C beam from the vehicle. Everything else was pretty basic. If there is one thing I could add to everyone else's great advice it would be to use an impact wrench to remove as many bolts as possible. I used a cordless one and it made this job so much easier, especially since I did 90% of it by myself. I had to bug my neighbor and his nephew to help with the tranny install. It is one heavy sob and using the tip of alignment stubs really helped speed up the tranny install.

Okay, so I finished up about 6 hrs after I started (3 hrs on Sat and 3 hrs on Sunday) and took it for a test drive. Wow, it feels like a different beast now. That aluminum flywheel is the bees knees, it really lets the engine rev freely. I didn't get on it because I have to break it in but I am really happy with how it drives now.

Thanks again to everyone sharing their valuable tips and hopefully I have added something that someone else will find useful.

[1990 415]

Sounds like you had a great weekend. Be sure to break in the clutch properly, then make sure the carbon is cleaned off the valves with numerous visits to 7000 rpm. Enjoy!

[pantera1683]

Anything special about the break in? The only thing I remember reading was to drive normally for ~ 500 miles.

[pantera1683]

I forgot to mention that the flywheel isn't noisy at all.

[LGAFF]

I did not use the sprung hub on my 90 and no noise either, I think the condition of the ignition system is the biggest factor.

[A26B]

Originally Posted by pantera1683

Anything special about the break in? The only thing I remember reading was to drive normally for ~ 500 miles.

"Normal" is a subjective description. I started driving mine "normally" at 400 miles and ended up having to replace the clutch.

The 500 mile break-in period means all city, stop & go driving and they do mean 500 miles. be patient & you will be rewarded.

[pantera1683]

Originally Posted by Dynomite

Do you have an other thread in which you discussed the component selection and/or installation (Thanks to the registry)?

Would you list the pressure plate, throwout bearing, and clutch disk you used by part number? Also the bolts you used on the aluminum flywheel to crankshaft?

Thanks

No, this is the only thread. I reviewed as many of the other clutch threads as I could.

As for the parts I used, here goes:

1. Clutch Assembly (Pressure Plate, Clutch disc (not used), throwout bearing, and pilot bushing (not used) - Autozone - Part No. NU31279

2. Lt-1 Camaro Clutch disc - Ebay no part number

3. Fluted bronze pilot bushing - Chevy Dealer Part No. 010125896

4. Fidanza Flywheel - Ebay seller Ultrarev

5. Flywheel to Crank bolts - Fastenal (8) 7/16"-20 x 1-1/4" Yellow Zinc Finish Grade 9 Hex Cap Screw Sku: 01120847

6. Washers for Flywheel to Crank bolts - Local Bolt Store (get these from Fastenal) - (8) 7/16" hardened 1/8" thick

Hope this helps.