Corvette Performance - Just exploded my pressure plate. Cars hurt.

Yup. My SPEC III clutch/pressure plate assembly just exploded. Damage caused...

Exploded windsheild.
Wiper motor/assembly/arms bent to hell. Useless.
Wireing harness severed, unrepairable
LG motorsports headers, totaled. Crushed, smashed beyond repair.
Bell housing, obviuosly non-existent
A/C lines, smashed, needs to replaced.
Engine block EAR where the bell housing bolts to is broken off. Block cracked.
Whole cowl area is shot.
LS6 intake done.
Clutch lines toast.
Fire wall has half the shattered pressure plate wedged inside. Cars fucked.

Thankfully, no damage to my legs...although I do have two chunks of metal on the driver side floorboard.

What an explosion.
What an explosion. Soo pissed.

J

holy shit.....

You are blessed for not having your legs in the wrong place!!! That was close. Will insurance cover that?

Are you going to rebuild or get another car?

Damn! Glad you weren’t injured. Did any shrapnel penetrate the car near your feet or legs?

Having the clutch explode is my number one fear.

Very, very lucky. We're all glad that you're safe - it's bad enough to lose a car like yours, but infinitely better than you being hurt. I've heard the horror stories of legs and bad clutch discs. I'll say a little prayer for you tonight. Best of luck in dealing with the aftermath.

Damn! Glad you weren’t injured. Did any shrapnel penetrate the car near your feet or legs?

Having the clutch explode is my number one fear.


Shapranel inside the driver side floor board. Right wear my micro switch was. Can't see where else it came in at but, it was more then one spot.

Thanks all. Not sure what I am gonna do. There is a long story behind this, when I have a minute....i'll type it.

I pretty much want to light it on fire right about now.

Really upset about the whole thing. Car looks mangled. I'll have to take some pics for everyone.

Yeah, pics of the damage would be good to see. I'd like to hear the story when you have time. I want to know if it was instalation or a material defect in this case. Scary stuff!

Yeah, pics of the damage would be good to see. I'd like to hear the story when you have time. I want to know if it was instalation or a material defect in this case. Scary stuff!



Pic's will be up probably tomorrow. Need to just load them in the PC.

hum another spec clutch clutch bites the dust

hum another spec clutch clutch bites the dust
:judge: I think my next clutch will be an aluminum LS2 flywheel with an LS7 clutch kit. Factory tested with plenty of bite. :pissed:

Glad your ok, would like to see pics when you have time to post

wow man yeah glad ur ok..... that sux about the car but that can always be replaced...... ur legs cant..... well sometimes they try but not always successful haha........

Holy shit!

Im having the spec clutch pulled out of my car as we speak, it literally felt like the entire car was going to come apart when I got on it.

WOW good thing your alright. :nod:
Cars are repairable.

V-S tech: very happy you are okay. The Spec line is definately questionable. I've installed them on several C5's with negative results. I don't know what to say about the company, it seems their product is less-than-perfect and needs WAY more R&D time.
They are decent on the returning of their product but I think that's due to them "knowing" they have a questionable item(s) for sale.

SPEC = Sub-standard, Poor quality Exploding Clutch.

Glad to hear you are OK, legs are hard to replace.

Forgive the newb question, but how does a clutch explode??!!! Maybe pic will explain it when he has time to put them up here.

I remember stories like yours from years ago when Chevy small blocks started exploding flywheels and clutches. It became mandatory to have a scatter shield if you ran at the dragstrip.

I have a Lakewood Blowproof Bellhousing on my old '56 Chevy.

Don't they make explosion proof bellhousings for LS1's? I don't know cuz mine is an A4. Seems like somebody should offer one though.

Just my 2 cents. Glad you didn't lose a foot or something.

pakisho i had to have mine removed after 800 miles come to find out after i sent it back to them that the pressure plate was not balanced it was only toucjing in 2 spots

I remember stories like yours from years ago when Chevy small blocks started exploding flywheels and clutches. It became mandatory to have a scatter shield if you ran at the dragstrip.

I have a Lakewood Blowproof Bellhousing on my old '56 Chevy.

Don't they make explosion proof bellhousings for LS1's? I don't know cuz mine is an A4. Seems like somebody should offer one though.

Just my 2 cents. Glad you didn't lose a foot or something.

In my research.....nobody makes anything for the car, since there is NO rppm to mount it. You can always have a custom STEEL bell housing made...costing money, as someone once told me.

Would like to find some kevlar and make my own rap or something.

J

Glad your alright.

Wow, I am sorry to hear that... I hope you can get it all worked out man.

In my research.....nobody makes anything for the car, since there is NO rppm to mount it. You can always have a custom STEEL bell housing made...costing money, as someone once told me.

Would like to find some kevlar and make my own rap or something.

J




Yeah it sucks that no one makes anything that we can buy.

I found this Q & A on the Lakewood site. They say not enough containment room to SFI certify, like you said. Bummer.
---------------
Question:Brand: Lakewood I can't seem to find a T56 to LT1 Lakewood scattershield. I see the LS1, but no LT1. Is there any sort of adapter or something I'm overlooking ?? I really don't want to put this car together without a Lakewood housing in it. Thanks. Gerry Massie- Norfolk, Va. Vehicle/Engine Specs:Make: ChevroletModel: CamaroYear: 1996Engine Type: LT1Transmission: T56 Modifications: headers, intake, gears, suspension, roller rockersDiscussion Topics: bellhousings
Solution:Your correct. There is no SFI bellhousing for the T-56 transmission. Tremec does however have a retro fit T-56 that bolts up to our standard 15000 chevy bellhousing. There part number is 1386-000-011 (T-56-011 transmission). This is a bellousing that we will not produce because of the small market and the crossection of the containment area of the bellhousing. We made a few and it did not pass the SFI certification test. It broke the transmissin housing and the bellhousing. Thanks

We want pics :judge:

Glad to hear you got away unharmed (just can't say the same for your wallet)

Did you ever take any pics?

Did you ever take any pics?
Yeah wheres those damn pics lazy ass?? Stop cruisin the open seas and get back to work!!

Yeah wheres those damn pics lazy ass?? Stop cruisin the open seas and get back to work!!



Just got back in town...kinda waiting to see what the insurance company has to say first. As soon as I get an answer as to who is gonna pay for it,..i'll post some pictures. I have plenty of them. Just don't want to have some stupid problem...if you get what I mean.


Cruise was great by the way. Great times... I think I partied enough to cover about 10 people. :devil:

Lots of pink,...everywhere.

Makes sense

no pix yet?

no pix yet?


Still fighting man. I know it's been a bit. As soon as I can get this thing worked out, to where I get an ok,...i'll post them that minute.

You might want to look at talking to SPEC before posting up much more. I know they have worked with some folks on this exact same issue. You may want to PM Vince on this as I believe they cam eto a mutally agreeable understanding.

At what RPM did it let go? Did it break with the clutch engaged, or during a shift? I've got a SPEC 4 that I'm going to pull out before I race the car again, I've grown to like my feet - I'd like them to stay attached.

I had a SPEC in my racecar project when I bought it. When I got rid of the T56, I simply threw the low-mileage SPEC in the trash instead of selling it. I'd hate for someone to possibly lose their feet from an item I sold them.

You don't hear about other brands having these explosion issues, its scary.

Tony

Ive been there. My spec 4 exploded. I will never run a spec clutch again. I was about 5k in damages, this was an F-body BTW.

damn, I'm pulling my spec clutch for sure now, sorry to hear about your loss man hopefully Spec steps up here. I wonder if they are just using a cheap alloy for the PP? Alot of these stories lately.

I've never had a problem with the Spec 3 and I had one in my previous 396 LT1 and in my current Corvette. That's some disturbing news.

You might want to look at talking to SPEC before posting up much more. I know they have worked with some folks on this exact same issue. You may want to PM Vince on this as I believe they cam eto a mutally agreeable understanding.



Curious to know more about this ?

How do I get in touch with Vince?

Is that his screen name?

Thanks for the input.

J

Vince is his screen name, and he is in Fl. also.

Vince is his screen name, and he is in Fl. also.



thanks J

Vince may be away for awhile...God, Im stressing over my spec 3 now... ugghhhh

Vince may be away for awhile...God, Im stressing over my spec 3 now... ugghhhh



Yeah, I PM'd....no response.

I have the adjuster coming out again, I don't know how many times he's been out but, it's been alot. Still fighting with them. I think today, i'll have the answer...

...unless I see another clutch out soon,...i'll probably still use a SPEC.

I use the spec SFI certified billet pressure plate. Supposed to be good to above 10K rpm. It's 199 bucks more to get with a kit (paid 169 through a spec sealer) but it's 8 lbs lighter and cheaper than a bellhousing.......But who knows, may not have been a pressure plate problem..Do you know anything yet? Hope your adjuster comes through-never had much luck with adjusters..

I use the spec SFI certified billet pressure plate. Supposed to be good to above 10K rpm. It's 199 bucks more to get with a kit (paid 169 through a spec sealer) but it's 8 lbs lighter and cheaper than a bellhousing.......But who knows, may not have been a pressure plate problem..Do you know anything yet? Hope your adjuster comes through-never had much luck with adjusters..


No adjuster yet,...

...i'll without a doubt pay for anything the upgrade. I can't have something like this happen again. :bang:

...unless I see another clutch out soon,...i'll probably still use a SPEC.

Didn't learn hard enough the first time?

How about some picks man?

Didn't learn hard enough the first time?

How about some picks man?

I did. What else is available man? That can handle power? Does the LS7 hold up?

Mcleod isn't an option.

WHo else?

Sorry bout the picks but, you muct understand, i'm waiting for the insurance to give me a final answer. As SOON as they do, i'll post all pictures. I just don't want any problems from a stupid mistake on my part.

Ya know what I mean?...

Ram makes a great clutch for the LS1, I have had one in my car for 2 years and absolutely love it. Its affordable and grabs just right.
Phil

^ What PHIL said. Plus Mas280 has posted his 400 rwhp car + a 150 shot-O-Juice has held up in his car with a L-S-7 clutch! :D

Thanks Phil and John. Pretty much what I needed to hear. I'm sure parts pricewise can't be that bad either. The clutch itself(LS7) i can get for cost.

Is it the WHOLE clutch assembly, or clutch disc alone?....or what.

Phil, about what did your complete ram kit cost you?,....Thanks

Freddy Beaners ( non-sponsor ) has the KIT for ~$460. I believe it includes the Clutch, PP and LS2 (vette) flywheel.

What does the LS7 clutch go for? Is a Z06 clutch enough for a car with 380-400 at the wheels?

V-tech, please post your incident... http://ls1tech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=426965

Thank you.

Fidanza flywheel, Ram 402 and dual disc works wonders. I think my car is the fastest 60' 6 speed C5 in the country but I may be wrong.
Phil

Fidanza flywheel, Ram 402 and dual disc works wonders. I think my car is the fastest 60' 6 speed C5 in the country but I may be wrong.
Phil



Nice.

Your '60 ft is sick.

You should see a video of it ripping 1.40 60's, it shoots out of a cannon.
Phil

You should see a video of it ripping 1.40 60's, it shoots out of a cannon.
Phil



Well c'mon brother,...let me see it. I'm sure it's nasty.

You have a stock displacement LS6, with pistons, rods, heads and cam?...

...reason I ask, I was given an LS6 as a tip(complete, heads and all)...and i'd like to just put some good pistons and rods in her. And spray the piss out of it....then this happens.

When you get a chance, link me to a video, i'd love to see it.

Thanks,
J

I did. What else is available man? That can handle power? Does the LS7 hold up?

Mcleod isn't an option.

WHo else?

Sorry bout the picks but, you muct understand, i'm waiting for the insurance to give me a final answer. As SOON as they do, i'll post all pictures. I just don't want any problems from a stupid mistake on my part.

Ya know what I mean?...

Would you ever consider Textralia? I know it was cuttin 1.4 60' w/ no problems. Just trying to give you heads up and something else to look to save you from it happening again / supporting the company who may not help you.

And yeah, I guess I understand, but showing a picture shouldn't change anything. Then again, its an insurance company.

The textralia is a very very nice clutch. For $309 you can get the Ram. Its done me very well.
Phil

any updates on PICTURES!?!?

any updates on PICTURES!?!?




Would you belive me if I told you they haven't told me anything yet?...

I have no rental, not anymore since the 30 days are long gone. Thankfully, i've been able to take home current projects that we've done, to add miles to fresh engines that we've installed, with the customers permission no doubt. Now i'm driving one of the managers Expediations.

Been a little side tract, cause I tore my ACL this past week. When it rains, it pours...

I'll call them today but, last I heard, they wanted someone else to look at it. The service director at my dealership talked to them,...and has not yet heard from them since.

So today, i'll call them again.

Sorry for the lame delay.

J

Man I would be pissed if I was waiting this long for the adjuster, you have great reserve.

What a fantastically horrible story, I want to see pictures of that! Glad you're alright tho, for metal to take so much damage and your soft flesh to get away unscathed is just amazing. I must say that I was wondering what would happen if that happened...thanx for sharing :jest:

Dam now I'm frettin' my Spec 3, I think I would cry like a little girl
if that happened to me. :cry:

What a fantastically horrible story, I want to see pictures of that! Glad you're alright tho, for metal to take so much damage and your soft flesh to get away unscathed is just amazing. I must say that I was wondering what would happen if that happened...thanx for sharing :jest:



Thanks cleveland...i'm alright.

Car is under investigation,...etc etc...i'm told soon.Soo...as soon as this happens,...again i'll post.

Thanks for waiting. MEanwhile,..i'll be beating my car with a baseball ball bat.

:bang:

Dam now I'm frettin' my Spec 3, I think I would cry like a little girl
if that happened to me. :cry:


...if it would help,...i would.

does moaning count? lol

any pix yet?

any pix yet?


plenty...just can't post them yet.

plenty...just can't post them yet.



haha ok are u allowed to email them?

plenty...just can't post them yet.
Put the headers up, that'll give em a good idea of what a mess you've got. :devil: (no car pics)

where are the god dam pics, jesus

...your all a bunch of bastards.

uno momento mother bitches

...

uno momento mother bitches
:jest:

trying to upload but,..says pic to large...

....and so it's known...i'm not a computer wizard so,...j-dawg may need help.

Let me know if you need help, I can reduce them for you or host them on a server.

Let me know if you need help, I can reduce them for you or host them on a server.


I need help.

:confused:

Can you e-mail me the pics ? microzon@twcny.rr.com

Can you e-mail me the pics ? microzon@twcny.rr.com


doing,...now.

logging on email that is,..standby.

sent the pics.

got 'em....transforming now.

wonder twin powers activate !!

I kept them a little big to show detail:

http://www.ls7power.com/images/FRC/137_sm.jpg

http://www.ls7power.com/images/FRC/142_sm.jpg

your the man.

I was wondering what that tingleing feeling on the back of my neck was.

Thanks again player.

holy shit, glad you are okay, can't wait to see the rest of the pictures when everything else is settled

good luck to ya

holy shit, glad you are okay, can't wait to see the rest of the pictures when everything else is settled

good luck to ya

holy shit is right,...thanks,...and i'll get the rest posted soon...

:eek2:

http://www.mcleodind.com/
Mcleod has bellhousings for F-Bodies. They are heavy!

that's good info as I got a fortune cookie that said I'm going to be needing a clutch in the future...in bed

thanks for putting up pics. my friends keep buying Spec clutches and i keep trying to tell them all the stories ive heard...so maybe pics will help them make a better decision.

thanks for putting up pics. my friends keep buying Spec clutches and i keep trying to tell them all the stories ive heard...so maybe pics will help them make a better decision.



werd. I'll put more up.

I am about to go norman bates in a minute. Still NO WORD on weather or not i'm gonna screwed on this deal or not from my insurance. It really sucks, looking at your own car, every day, all day,....not knowing whats gonna happen to it,....or how your gonna get the money to fix it,...should I have to come up with it.

Life,...can suck. :bang:

im sure everything will be fine. everything will work out in the end. if not, i know good lawyers :)

im sure everything will be fine. everything will work out in the end. if not, i know good lawyers :)




werd. I have no choice but to move on,..and fix it. We'll see. I have enough people in the shot to help me but.,....car is still in bad shape. Alot of $$$ parts need to be replaced. Headers,clutch,bellhousing,firewalldamage,ac lines,..wireing harness,...windsheild....etc etc etc. Shit adds up quick.

Anyways,..thanks, and we'll see.

J

will a fbody clutch work on a vette? i have a ram powergrip i bolted up and took off of a 99 SS (so it has 0 miles on it) for sale.

Should work man but, with my recent experience man....I can't take the chance of putting on a used clutch, especially if i'm upping the power.

J

Werd Up

I've been using the Ram clutch for 2 years now...No issues.
Phil

I've been using the Ram clutch for 2 years now...No issues.
Phil


lucky bastard.

I haven't even thought about what I'm gonna run yet,...but I do remember you saying you had great success.

Friggin' 1.45 60 ft. nice.

;) Last year we changed the setup and saw 1.40-1.42 consistent but a bent valve prevented any faster ETs.
Phil

;) Last year we changed the setup and saw 1.40-1.42 consistent but a bent valve prevented any faster ETs.
Phil



I have never had my car to the track with my current setup...dieing to see what it can do. Best I ever did, 60 ft wise was 1.8 on Z rated tires.

Do you have a hardened output shaft? or any other driveline mods?

All I have is the DTE brace.

Should work man but, with my recent experience man....I can't take the chance of putting on a used clutch, especially if i'm upping the power.

J
alrighty, it was only bolted up but it wouldnt engage b/c he needed a new master. just figured id offer since its just sitting around :)

alrighty, it was only bolted up but it wouldnt engage b/c he needed a new master. just figured id offer since its just sitting around :)


Thank you.

That sucks more balls than Richard Simmons in a men's locker room. hate to see that. i can safely say i will never buy a SPEC clutch. this may be a stupid question but why cant you post pictures of the car when its in litigation? sorry if its a stupid question.

That sucks more balls than Richard Simmons in a men's locker room. hate to see that. i can safely say i will never buy a SPEC clutch. this may be a stupid question but why cant you post pictures of the car when its in litigation? sorry if its a stupid question.



I was told they check thses sites.

Don't want to have a problem.

I was told I would....so,..with my recent bad luck, anything can happen...

wonder what the problem would be.

wonder what the problem would be.
They could claim slander. It's a stretch, but with his luck I wouldn't count it out.

P.S. I have a spec 3 plus on my current setup. We'll see how it holds.

They could claim slander. It's a stretch, but with his luck I wouldn't count it out.

P.S. I have a spec 3 plus on my current setup. We'll see how it holds.



right,..with my luck...according to my calculations,..the sky should be falling on my head any second now.

Best wishes with your clutch man.

Well guys,..remember my clutch problem?

Looks like, after I was told that I was going to be allowed to FIX the car, they decided to total her, as the cost to repair her, would be too great.

Still working it out, as I need to get the worth of the car, and pay off for my loan. It can go a few different ways, either they'll total it, and it's gone. Or, i'll try and buy it off them, for the right price,....or i'll get my dealership to lower the cost of parts, so it would bring down the bill, which in turn, I may be able to keep it.

It really sucks, haveing this happen,....
I've already stripped the car of half the things on it.....

Dang, that does suck. Another FRC might be going to the big graveyard from beyond.