Changing clutch – can I do this myself? - ZR-1 Net Registry Forums

ghlkal · 05-26-2012

I’ve been reading through the FSM and posts here and on CF. Is it possible for a below-average shade-tree mechanic like me to do this job?

(The last time I replaced a clutch was 30 years ago on a 1973 Vega [remember those?]. I was younger then and had more free time)

I know I work slowly too (I read posts about changing L98 injectors in 30 minutes – it took me a lot longer to do that job.) I’ve read that Bill B (ZFdoc) can drop the tranny in 15 minutes. I’m worried that it will take me 2 hours just to drop the exhaust. I am really hoping to take the Z to Bloomington Gold. I’m working overtime in the summer so I could only devote a couple hours a day to this project.

What I really need is a helpful group like FBI or WAZOO nearby :-)

A local Corvette specialty shop quoted me $1250 for the job. Based upon past experience, I need to add 50% to that quote. I don’t want to drop $2K right now.

So, is this a job I should tackle, or will I screw it up and have to take it to a shop anyway?

Gary

tccrab · 05-26-2012

You can easily do this job at home, but I'd highly recommend that you have help.
The ZF is HEAVY!!
I did mine a couple of years ago with the help of my brother in law.
Removing the C-Beam is a bit tricky, I highly recommend Bill B.'s C-Beam plates for the re-install.

'Crabs

USAFPILOT · 05-26-2012

I helped Rhipser do it once...pretty straight forward, but the trans is heavy when laying on your back under a car on jackstands. People with a lift and transmission jack will have an easier time.

Kevin · 05-26-2012

the zf is just damned heavy! i can remember helping pete load one into someones truck at carlisle a few years ago. damn heavy thing

LGAFF · 05-26-2012

What part of WI are you in? I did mine on my own, the ZF weighs about 150-160lbs not so much heavy as the shape and surface make is hard to maneuver.

Might check with Pete to see if he has time to do it...I would think he would be cheaper than a dealer

Paul Workman · 05-26-2012

Dittos on the beam plates.

As for parts, the Veleo is no longer being made. However, the LT1/4 PP will work, if you even need one (recommended). Shorter PP bolt are needed is all.

Good time to flush the clutch, while you have the slave out.

If you can't find an OE clutch, call Pat at Ram Clutch. He has worked up a single or a dual disc clutch for the ZR-1; a conversion to a push type PP using a hyhydraulic TO bearing. Really nice stuff!

P.

rhipsher · 05-26-2012

Been there done that three times on my 90. Once by myself. And twice with the help of a friend. It's not a small job. But any shade tree mechanic can do it. There's some really good choices when it comes to clutches. Spec,Centerforce,Carolina,Mcleod,Ram ect.

USAFPILOT · 05-26-2012

that picture still cracks me up

VetteMed · 05-26-2012

I did it myself, the ZF is cumbersome, but nothing that a hydraulic floor jack can't help with. the key is getting the car high enough in the air to get the jack & trans under the car.

BTW, I have a NOS LT1 pressure plate, never used, if you need.

rhipsher · 05-26-2012

Quote:

Originally Posted by VetteMed

I did it myself, the ZF is cumbersome, but nothing that a hydraulic floor jack can't help with. the key is getting the car high enough in the air to get the jack & trans under the car.

BTW, I have a NOS LT1 pressure plate, never used, if you need.

Yep! Get it as high as your jack stands will go. Once you get it out you'll still have to lay it on its side and drag it out from under the car.

05-26-2012	#1
ghlkal Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 882	Changing clutch – can I do this myself? I’ve been reading through the FSM and posts here and on CF. Is it possible for a below-average shade-tree mechanic like me to do this job? (The last time I replaced a clutch was 30 years ago on a 1973 Vega [remember those?]. I was younger then and had more free time) I know I work slowly too (I read posts about changing L98 injectors in 30 minutes – it took me a lot longer to do that job.) I’ve read that Bill B (ZFdoc) can drop the tranny in 15 minutes. I’m worried that it will take me 2 hours just to drop the exhaust. I am really hoping to take the Z to Bloomington Gold. I’m working overtime in the summer so I could only devote a couple hours a day to this project. What I really need is a helpful group like FBI or WAZOO nearby :-) A local Corvette specialty shop quoted me $1250 for the job. Based upon past experience, I need to add 50% to that quote. I don’t want to drop $2K right now. So, is this a job I should tackle, or will I screw it up and have to take it to a shop anyway? Gary

05-26-2012	#2
tccrab Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Folsom CA Posts: 1,645	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? You can easily do this job at home, but I'd highly recommend that you have help. The ZF is HEAVY!! I did mine a couple of years ago with the help of my brother in law. Removing the C-Beam is a bit tricky, I highly recommend Bill B.'s C-Beam plates for the re-install. 'Crabs __________________ TomC '90ZR1 #792 Honorary Pirate [B]If it ain't FUN, you're doing something terribly WRONG. [/B]

05-26-2012	#3
USAFPILOT Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Spring TX Posts: 1,348	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? I helped Rhipser do it once...pretty straight forward, but the trans is heavy when laying on your back under a car on jackstands. People with a lift and transmission jack will have an easier time. __________________ 1994 #293 ZR-1 Stainless Works Long Tube Headers, B&B catback w/ X-Pipe, 18" Shelby Series One Wheels, SLP CAI.

05-26-2012	#4
Kevin Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: pittsburgh Posts: 4,633	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? the zf is just damned heavy! i can remember helping pete load one into someones truck at carlisle a few years ago. damn heavy thing __________________ It's not the car, it's the people - Doug Johnson 90 r/r "KEYS ON" nick named "T.L.B"

05-26-2012	#5
LGAFF Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Crystal Lake, IL Posts: 7,191	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? What part of WI are you in? I did mine on my own, the ZF weighs about 150-160lbs not so much heavy as the shape and surface make is hard to maneuver. Might check with Pete to see if he has time to do it...I would think he would be cheaper than a dealer __________________ LGAFF 90 #966-150K miles-sold 92 #234-sold 1987 Callaway TT #17 1991 ZR-1 #1359

05-26-2012	#6
Paul Workman Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Squires (near Ava MO in the Mark Twain N'tl Forest) - Missouri Posts: 6,493	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? Dittos on the beam plates. As for parts, the Veleo is no longer being made. However, the LT1/4 PP will work, if you even need one (recommended). Shorter PP bolt are needed is all. Good time to flush the clutch, while you have the slave out. If you can't find an OE clutch, call Pat at Ram Clutch. He has worked up a single or a dual disc clutch for the ZR-1; a conversion to a push type PP using a hyhydraulic TO bearing. Really nice stuff! P. __________________ Good carz, good food, good friendz = the best of timez! 90 #1202 "FBI" top end ported & relieved Cam timing by "Pete the Greek" Sans secondaries Chip & dyno tuning by Haibeck Automotive SW headers, X-pipe, MF muffs Former Secretary, ZR-1 Net Registry Last edited by Paul Workman; 05-26-2012 at 01:04 PM.

05-26-2012	#7
rhipsher Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Houston 90 Red ZR-1 Posts: 2,320	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? Been there done that three times on my 90. Once by myself. And twice with the help of a friend. It's not a small job. But any shade tree mechanic can do it. There's some really good choices when it comes to clutches. Spec,Centerforce,Carolina,Mcleod,Ram ect.

05-26-2012	#9
VetteMed Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Orlando, FL Posts: 1,828	Re: Changing clutch – can I do this myself? I did it myself, the ZF is cumbersome, but nothing that a hydraulic floor jack can't help with. the key is getting the car high enough in the air to get the jack & trans under the car. BTW, I have a NOS LT1 pressure plate, never used, if you need. __________________ 2004 Z06/Z16 LeMans Commemorative Edition 1991 ZR-1 #302 White/Gray (sold) 1991 ZR-1 #1147 Red/Saddle (sold)