Manual Transmission - Bell Housing Carnage and a Question or Two

Early April, I had my 02 Z28 on the dyno to tune for the intake and exhaust changes I did. It put down a very nice torque curve, peaking at 450wtq through my stock 10 bolt. I was VERY pleased with the improvements, but knew the rear end was on borrowed time. I had an S60 built and awaiting the end of the dyno session, but the yoke let loose at the end of the last pull and the driveshaft commenced with operation rain-on-my-parade... the driveshaft was dinged badly in a couple places, my torque arm was dinged in a few places, the ebrake was disconnected, the DS tunnel was distorted, the clutch pedal was stuck to the floor, clutch fluid everywhere and the bellhousing was "shattered".

Well, I finally got to rip into the car this week. Surprisingly, the rear end was PERFECT except for the destroyed yoke straps! The ebrake was just disconnected so I reconnected all of that, the torque arm was salvaged and I decided I would make a lamp out of my driveshaft... to be done after the repairs.

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/themealonwheels/Avril/IMG_0129C.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/themealonwheels/Avril/IMG_0126c.jpg
http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/themealonwheels/Avril/IMG_0132C.jpg

I've learned my lesson and I've installed a driveshaft safety loop. I'm gathering parts and inspecting the transmission before determining if a rebuild is necessary, but I have a question regarding the clutch. You can see a piece of the bellhousing actually got stuck in the clutch pressure plate (LOL!)... but the clutch overall looks fine externally (to my untrained eye, mind you...)

http://i437.photobucket.com/albums/qq94/themealonwheels/Avril/IMG_0125c.jpg

So my question is, are there measurements I can take with the clutch installed to determine if it needs to come out for replacement? Thanks for any input, guys! :burn:

create a lever that lets the chunk out. Inspect the diaphragm. If you can't see it fully, take it to a clutch and brake re-liner shop.

create a lever that lets the chunk out. Inspect the diaphragm. If you can't see it fully, take it to a clutch and brake re-liner shop.

Whoops, should have mentioned the small chunk in that picture came out easily... it wasn't wedged firmly like the picture would suggest :nod: What diaphragm should I be inspecting? Is it in the pressure plate? What should I look for, tears?

Bump, any more input on inspecting this assembled clutch?

Bump, anyone? How do I inspect this clutch?

Bump! Guys, I seriously need an answer... Monster has not responded to my message and I've got everything (minus a clutch) to reinstall the trans!

Driveshaft lets loose on a dyno and the bell housing is shattered. Clutch pressure plate exterior visually appears to be fine and input shaft is not visibly bent. Can I reuse the clutch/flywheel without taking it off? Is there anything in particular to inspect/measure to verify? Help!

Diaphragm is just the belleville spring black steel piece that makes up the pressure plate fingers. I misunderstood originally the chunk to have wedged in between the PP housing and the diaphragm. If the alum. chunk did nothing but scratch black paint off and you can see no other damage, it sounds like you're good to run that PP.

Diaphragm is just the belleville spring black steel piece that makes up the pressure plate fingers. I misunderstood originally the chunk to have wedged in between the PP housing and the diaphragm. If the alum. chunk did nothing but scratch black paint off and you can see no other damage, it sounds like you're good to run that PP.

Indeed, it did nothing more than scratch the paint. Awesome, thanks for the good news! :chug:

If there is no obvious damage then it's probably okay. I would at least remove the PP and disc and inspect them thoroughly.