fidanza flywheel

[brodykelly]

will be installing a fidanza alum. flywheel and blue spring clutch i got from the GREAT Lee Gaff and was wondering what everyone thought.....should i get the flywheel balanced? should i change the pilot bushing and throwout bearing while i'm there? do you believe the pressure plate is good? the car has 40k miles....it's Peter Bernards old ylw 93 Z....by the way if anyone knows how to get in touch w peter please PM me..... brody p.

[VetteMed]

Definitely change pilot bushing and release bearing (throwout bearing), there'll never be an easier time to get to those items! I suppose one could argue that with 40K, the throwout bearing might still be very serviceable, but given that the trans needs to be pulled to change it, do you really want to tempt ol' man Murphy?

As for the pressure plate, if the clutch previously was holding well, I suppose you could reuse it as long as the friction surface looks good. I know that the fingers of the diaphragm spring are rated for a certain number of cycles, and at 40K I am sure there's lots of life left in it. I'd probably still replace it, but I have gotten tired of doing the same job twice.

Andrew

[GOLDCYLON]

I concur with Andrew on the bearing and the bushing. I would replace the friction ring as well since it is used.

[mgbrv8]

I would attend to the rear seal also while you are in there.

Dave

[limey]

Don't forget, i still have the LT5 Original pressure plates and INA Release bearings for sale $265.00 shipped for members. Sold 2 of them yesterday to members, still have about 6 left.

[LGAFF]

Marc Haibeck advised me if there is nothing suspect on the throw out to not change it...rare part

[LGAFF]

good price from Mr. White...might be worth it...

[brodykelly]

thanks for the info guys...is there any specific tools i'll need for this clutch/flywheel changeout....i got the clutch alignment tool, but the manual shows a tool for removing the pilot...is it Z specific...just wanna have all part and tools ready for the job...no one replied if they would balance the flywheel???? talk to me guys, i'm heading into unchartered waters...but i will succede!!!! with the proper info.... brody p.

[XfireZ51]

Originally Posted by mgbrv8

I would attend to the rear seal also while you are in there.

Dave

Good advice BTW. Something I need to get to once I pull Dana 44 for gears.

Brody,

The usual trick for the pilot bushing has been to pump grease behind it and have it pop out. However, I think I heard that was a no-no with the
LT-5. I have a small puller where 2 jaws get in there and then draw the bushing out. Also told the brass bearing should be used. The roller bearing
breaks down.

Also, no need to balance the Fidanza. They're pretty good from the manufacturer. I've had 2 of them and Marc H says he install them with no balancing necessary. JUst make sure you are using the coorrect ARP bolts.

[Scrrem]

Originally Posted by brodykelly

thanks for the info guys...is there any specific tools i'll need for this clutch/flywheel changeout....i got the clutch alignment tool, but the manual shows a tool for removing the pilot...is it Z specific...just wanna have all part and tools ready for the job...no one replied if they would balance the flywheel???? talk to me guys, i'm heading into unchartered waters...but i will succede!!!! with the proper info.... brody p.

No, the pilot bearing tool is not ZR-1 specific, Northern tool sells one that works fine. You want to be "Ever So Careful" when pulling and re-installing the bearing that you do not dislodge the crankshaft plug that is seated just behind the pilot bearing. This plug seals the oil gallery that runs through the center of the crankshaft. If that plug get's dislodged, you could cause that plug to start leaking engine oil. I have heard of people balancing the FW and clutch assembly's but don't think it's really necessary. Maybe someone else can chime in here.
Rich