S197 Clutch Install - Grabber Orange

With the bolts loosened, the Tremec trans is carefully removed from the car using the support stand before being put aside so the clutch assembly can be tackled.

Now that the gearbox is out of the way, we tackle the clutch and flywheel. First is the factory pressure plate. In order to release the spring pressure evenly, you must loosen and remove the pressure plate to flywheel bolts carefully and in a diagonal pattern. The clutch had been starting to slip quite badly, so when the pressure plate came out, the fingers showed signs of distortion.

Next is the factory clutch disc, which we pull out and put aside, along with the pressure plate. We now have access to the flywheel, which also needs to be removed and inspected, even though we won't be reusing it.

To prevent upsetting crank balance, carefully remove the flywheel bolts in opposing fashion before pulling out the disc.

Along with a replacement Dual Friction clutch assembly, Centerforce also supplies this replacement billet-steel flywheel (PN 700210). Compare it to the multipiece stock (and scored) flywheel on the right.

Before installing the flywheel, wipe off any residue, such as oil, grease, or foreign objects; otherwise it will cause squealing and can damage the lining on the disc.

Once the flywheel is installed, make sure the bolts are properly torqued. Centerforce recommends 65 ft-lbs for optimum retention.

Here are the replacement clutch disc and pressure plate, ready to go in. Compared to the stocker (right), the Centerforce Dual-Friction pressure plate uses special weights on the pressure-plate fingers. These weights enable the clutch to provide higher clamping force than stock as rpm increases, and when the pedal is depressed, their leverage angle changes, reducing the resistance to pedal effort. As a result, they're able to provide the clamping force of heavy-duty clutch springs without requiring a muscle-bound left leg to move the pedal (feel is very light for such a heavy-duty item).

Using the alignment tool, carefully maneuver the Centerforce clutch disc and pressure plate into position, making sure they're correctly centered. It's absolutely critical to make sure the disc and plate are properly aligned, otherwise you'll damage the clutch, pilot bearing, and transmission input shaft.

Once the parts are in place, it's time to reinstall and tighten the pressure-plate-to-flywheel bolts. Again, make sure you apply an even amount of spring pressure across the axis of the plate and carefully torque the bolts in a diagonal pattern. Centerforce recommends tightening the bolts to 35 ft-lbs.

Here's the new clutch assembly installed. Now it's time to put everything else back together, starting with the transmission.

Using the jackstand, the gearbox is carefully raised so it can be bolted back in the car. Again, patience and steady hands are required for this.