Should I do my own clutch install?
#1
Should I do my own clutch install?
I have done cam, valve springs, oil pump, and LS6 intake installs on 2 LS1 cars. So I just wanted to know if you guys think I should do my own clutch install. My trans has to be repaired due to it popping out of 3rd and I figured I should be able to pull it and do the clutch myself. I have an air compressor and air tools I just need a trans jack. My local performance shop will only charge about $250 so should I let the do it or do it myself. Where can I rent a trans jack or adapter if I do it myself? Thanks.
#2
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I say do it yourself. I was in your same shoes, except at the time I had only done one cam swap (my own) and I did the clutch swap myself. Just be sure to have someone helping you when pulling the tranny, you wouldn't want that sucker smashing one of yours hands or fingers. Find some good write-ups by doing a search here on the board, and you'll be set. The three hardest things about the swap are: getting the master cylinder U-bolt through the firewall if you plan on installing a new MC, pulling/re-installing the tranny, and getting that damn bellhousing off due to the seized dowel pins.
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i just wanna ask how do you take off the pins im replacing some internals on my car and i unbolted the bellhousing from the engine but it seems the pins are the only thing holding me up can you explain how to remove them?
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Originally Posted by DJB
I have done cam, valve springs, oil pump, and LS6 intake installs on 2 LS1 cars. So I just wanted to know if you guys think I should do my own clutch install. My trans has to be repaired due to it popping out of 3rd and I figured I should be able to pull it and do the clutch myself. I have an air compressor and air tools I just need a trans jack. My local performance shop will only charge about $250 so should I let the do it or do it myself. Where can I rent a trans jack or adapter if I do it myself? Thanks.
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It's not hard, just time consuming (if you are slow like me) and it's VERY UNCOMFORTABLE if you don't have the use of a lift and a tranny jack. I did the clutch in my 94 Z28 and it took me three days. Granted I fiddled around making a tranny jack. However, laying under the car while trying to stab the tranny back in is tough. I found an very good shop in town that will switch out the clutch for $275, so for that price, I let them do the clutch on my 01.
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I just pulled my tranny out today and I actually used a craftsman motorcycle jack that I had, worked perfect. They're like $90 at sears and worked great on the tranny plus if you or any of your buddies have bikes it'll come in handy there too. Just an idea. You sound like you're handy enough to do this yourself, really the only things to remember are locktited your bolts, clean your surfaces real good, and get the car up enough to work comfortably. It's up to you to decide if $250 is worth the work and if you want someone else working on your car.
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Originally Posted by 98trans-am
i just wanna ask how do you take off the pins im replacing some internals on my car and i unbolted the bellhousing from the engine but it seems the pins are the only thing holding me up can you explain how to remove them?
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#8
I'm sure you are more than capable to totally do the job. That being said, if you trust the shop willing to do it for only $250, go for it. Money well spent. It's not a Question as to whether you can do it but is it worth it given what your repair shop would charge.
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Originally Posted by DJB
I have done cam, valve springs, oil pump, and LS6 intake installs on 2 LS1 cars. So I just wanted to know if you guys think I should do my own clutch install. My trans has to be repaired due to it popping out of 3rd and I figured I should be able to pull it and do the clutch myself. I have an air compressor and air tools I just need a trans jack. My local performance shop will only charge about $250 so should I let the do it or do it myself. Where can I rent a trans jack or adapter if I do it myself? Thanks.
Last edited by smokeum99ta; 02-11-2006 at 09:14 PM.
#11
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I say do it yourself, and then take the trany in to be repaired. You can get a trany jack from Harbor Freight for about 65.00 which works great. Now you will have one more tool to add to your collection. FWIW make sure to use new hardware for the FW PP, loc-tite. CLEAN and torque everything to spec,s.
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Originally Posted by DJB
I have done cam, valve springs, oil pump, and LS6 intake installs on 2 LS1 cars. So I just wanted to know if you guys think I should do my own clutch install. My trans has to be repaired due to it popping out of 3rd and I figured I should be able to pull it and do the clutch myself. I have an air compressor and air tools I just need a trans jack. My local performance shop will only charge about $250 so should I let the do it or do it myself. Where can I rent a trans jack or adapter if I do it myself? Thanks.
Changing the clutch is pretty straightforward.vvMuch easier than the cam install. If you do it yourself....you'll knowit's done right. And for the love of God, use a nice helping of Red-locktite on the pressure plate bolts!
Good luck.
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Damm, $250....Most places around here charge $300 and up just to Pull the Transmission. Clutch installation is another story. Most places will nail you for @ least $800 for a complete job "around here". Mind you, this is the cheapest cost i,ve found. Average cost is about a grand.
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If you can handle cam installs and such you can handle a clutch install.
You may need to purchase some specialty tools and such but thats par for the coarse. You can get your money back working out deals with your buddies clutch installs
I say go for it. If you have problems we will walk you through it.
You may need to purchase some specialty tools and such but thats par for the coarse. You can get your money back working out deals with your buddies clutch installs
I say go for it. If you have problems we will walk you through it.
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Originally Posted by Farmer2
If you can handle cam installs and such you can handle a clutch install.
You may need to purchase some specialty tools and such but thats par for the coarse. You can get your money back working out deals with your buddies clutch installs
I say go for it. If you have problems we will walk you through it.
You may need to purchase some specialty tools and such but thats par for the coarse. You can get your money back working out deals with your buddies clutch installs
I say go for it. If you have problems we will walk you through it.
i did mine this weekend and had never done it before. i say go for it.