Scott97

Anyone using the Star III clutch setup?

Any problems, insights?

BIGBOS

I have the star spec stage 3 kevlar disc clutch, its awesome... <img src="gr_stretch.gif" border="0"> <img src="graemlins/gr_judge.gif" border="0" alt="[judgement]" />

MIGHTYMOUSE

iTrader: (59)

i have the s3 carbon.. got it back in january and discovered the pressure plate bolts loosening issue for spec and everyone else.. that was cured by scraping off the yellow paint arount both sides of the bolt hole and using red locktite on the bolts at 60 ft-lbs.

all else was/is great... its just a bit agressive

Scott97

Thanks BIGBOS!

MIGHTYMOUSE,
Was this problem discovered before or after your install?

Damian

iTrader: (89)

Ahh, here we go........

My Star Stage. 3 Carbon clutch lasted 2k miles and ONE pass at the track. This is with upgraded hydro's, proper 500 mile break in, perfect install, and installed in a bolt on car. This clutch blew to peices at the track on BFG drag radials. When I saw blown to pieces, I am not kidding. When I pull off my bellhousing, about 15 peices dropped out. The integrity of the disk could not hold a measily bolt on car. The rivets sheared off, and almost every spring in the center of the disk was laying on my driveway. Some f-cking clutch <img src="images/icons/rolleyes.gif" border="0">

Their customer service is even worse than their product. They basically told me to **** off, and they weren't going to help me. Thinking I would be this stupid, they offer to "fix" my blown up disk and send it back to me. Like I was going to install a clutch that had previously blown to bits.

There is probably 50+ horror stories about their clutch's, and thats just the ones who post on the boards. Yeah sure, there are a few good stories about these clutch's, but when you compare the "few" good to the many bad.........Well, i'll let you decide.


Josh

[ January 15, 2002: Message edited by: Damian ]</p>

Scott97

Thanks Josh.

I'm trying to get every perspective possible good or bad.

I'm also condidering the 02' Z06 setup.
Its supposed to have more clamping power.

BIGBOS

The 02 Z06 does have more clamping power than the 01 z06, but I went through my stock 01 z06 clutch in about 4000 miles.... <img src="gr_eek2.gif" border="0">

Scott97

Well I'm still open to suggestions.

Anyone got a setup thats working out?

NoOne

No problems with my clutch per se, my master was going, it was the original one from 98.

Put about 7K or so on it, master started to crap after a few launches at the track. ARE said the clutch is in perfect shape when they pulled it out, so its going back in and a new Master.

Scott97

[quote]02BQIK I don't understand what it is about f-body LS1s that destroys every clutch out there. I've heard equal horror stories about every clutch there is, and it's really depressing because i need one myself, but can't afford to spend that much money over and over. <hr></blockquote>

Seems to be a problem with LS1 heads/cam no matter the body style.

[quote]Originally posted by NoOne:
<strong>No problems with my clutch per se, my master was going, it was the original one from 98.

Put about 7K or so on it, master started to crap after a few launches at the track. ARE said the clutch is in perfect shape when they pulled it out, so its going back in and a new Master.</strong><hr></blockquote>

What were the symptoms before it went out?

NoOne

Clutch would stick to the floor only under hard high load RPM, like 3rd gear, I'd make 1st and 2nd then 3rd would stick.

Made my master adjustable, that helped but I didn't have alot of time to adjust it and play with it. One day late in October the rod I used to make it adjustable snapped, that was the end of foolin' around for the year.

FastAl

The Star Stage III Kevlar clutch is a horrible piece of junk! It lasted less than 4,000 miles with less than 10 passes at the track, some of which I attempted to powershift, but the clutch would stick to the floor. The clutch was totally shot and wouldn't hold for anything but the lightest amount of throttle. The customer service from them is the only thing worse than their clutch!

O2BQIK

I don't understand what it is about f-body LS1s that destroys every clutch out there. I've heard equal horror stories about every clutch there is, and it's really depressing because i need one myself, but can't afford to spend that much money over and over. <img src="gr_sad.gif" border="0">

Scott97

From what I've heard the clutch sticking to the floor is a hydraulic issue.

Installing a 02' Z06 clutch is out.
They are on back order and available for warranty work only.

The 02' clutches that you get at the GM parts desk
is un upgrade for the 97 - 01 clutches.
To get an actual 02' you need a vin.

Here is a thread referencing the issue.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=218853

I'm checking out the McCleod and Cartek stuff as well, but it seems like there are Customer Service/Delivery issues there.

BTW, Star is releasing a new version that is supposed to eliminate the pedal stick syndrome.

BLUEBALLS ZZ

iTrader: (2)

[quote]Originally posted by Scott97:
<strong>From what I've heard the clutch sticking to the floor is a hydraulic issue.</strong><hr></blockquote>

i agree., check this out. i am not trying to say the spec is the ****. but i have some where around 10,000 miles on mine now and have no prob with the clutch holding. i went to the track on slicks. with a 12bolt to back it up. and i launch the car at 5000. the tires held, but i broke the driveshaft in half,cracked the torque arm and twisted a 12 bolt axle. on one launch. with the spec clutch. i don't know how long the clutch will last but i do drive my car to the max!

<img src="graemlins/formula.gif" border="0" alt="[Pontiac]" />

[ January 16, 2002: Message edited by: BLUEBALLS ZZ ]</p>

Bad Habit SS

My Star Spec III carbon has held for about 15k and with 375 rwhp and a 12 bolt with 4.11s, it grabs. Even no problems with dumping it on ET streets and 4500 rpms. Now on more power I'm sure it would go

<img src="graemlins/gr_hail.gif" border="0" alt="[hail]" /> <img src="graemlins/camaro.gif" border="0" alt="[Chevrolet]" /> <img src="graemlins/gr_devil.gif" border="0" alt="[devil]" />

gator's 99TA

iTrader: (2)

i have only about 1000 miles on mine and only DR runs (only about 15 runs). what i can say is it is a very aggressive piece. i am not here to trash them. others are doing a great job of that. but i seriously do not believe all are POS like some say. some are having a good time with them. i am only pulling 365 RWHP with my setup. more power with NOS and i would go bigger with the clutch. i know the disk is big time, just the pressure plate is not up to par. the cartek PP is the ****. i know of that. also Ram makes a great piece too. i still would get the Cartek PP, it is actually an adanced piece.

Scott97

Thanks,
BLUEBALLS ZZ, Bad Habit SS, gator's 99TA

I've got 380 RWHP and 368 RWT or so right now.

I'd order a Cartek PP if I thought that I wouldn't have to wait an eternity for it to arrive.

My stocker was holding pretty goo until I started experimenting with 5K launches. <img src="gr_tounge.gif" border="0">

MIGHTYMOUSE

iTrader: (59)

in response.. when i say i discovered it, i mean i actually discovered this issue for spec and everyone else.. so yes the clutch was installed.. then the bolts came loose, i called spec, they sent me a new clutch.. and i bought new pressure plate bolts, and locktite, and scaped off the paint, to keep it from comming loose again..

thats the only problem i had with the clutch..

it worked fine on the stock hydraulics too.. but i broke the slave on one of the trannie removals.. doh!

Scott97

Thanks for the extra info!