# T56/LT1 F-Body Clutch Install - What's Wrong?

**URL:** https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870
**Category:** PittSpeed Automotive
**Created:** [September 10, 2006, 5:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870 "2006-09-10T05:39:17Z")
**Posts on this page:** 20
**Page:** 1

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 5:39am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/1 "2006-09-10T05:39:17Z")

</div>

I finished up a clutch install on my 1995 Firebird yesterday, Stock T56, stock spec clutch.

Everything is buttoned up and the car is on jackstands. The car behaves like there is no clutch in there.

The car will start with the clutch in but not when the clutch is out (like it should). However, if I go from neutral to 1st with the clutch in, the rear wheels begin to spin as if the clutch isn’t there.

I took off the slave cylinder and checked the clutch fork - it appears that (feels like) it is on the throwout bearing (hard to see but it feels like it). I also ensured that that ball on the end of the slave cylinder rod is in the depression in the clutch fork and it is in there. I also checked the fluid level… What else should I be checking? The resistance on the clutch pedal is about what it should be…

That car needs to put on a trailer to head here on Wednesday:

> **[Home](https://nasachampionships.com/)**
>
> 2018 NASA Championships Presented by Toyo Tires 
> 
> September 13 -16, 2018 at Circuit of the Americas Registration Event Information      
> 
> Sign Up for Latest Championships News/Updates   
> 
> Social Media LIKE US ON FACEBOOK Follow Us on...

Any input would be appreciated.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![flyinglow57](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/flyinglow57/32/5978_2.png) [@flyinglow57](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/flyinglow57)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 5:52am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/2 "2006-09-10T05:52:50Z")

</div>

that should be normal. there is always gonna be some pressure between the clutch and pressure plate. if you have it on the ground it wont move.

even if you have someone out of the car grab the tire it will be enough to stop the tires.

the clutch doenst totally move away from the flywheel when you put in the clutch. it still rubs very very slightly. put it on the ground and drive it for its break in period then go thrash on it. good luck racing it next week.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Pewter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pewter/32/5936_2.png) [@Pewter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pewter)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 6:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/3 "2006-09-10T06:14:07Z")

</div>

> [@WTB GSR Fuel Pressure Regulator](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/wtb-gsr-fuel-pressure-regulator/24183/5):
>
> that should be normal. there is always gonna be some pressure between the clutch and pressure plate. if you have it on the ground it wont move.
> 
> even if you have someone out of the car grab the tire it will be enough to stop the tires.
> 
> the clutch doenst totally move away from the flywheel when you put in the clutch. it still rubs very very slightly. put it on the ground and drive it for its break in period then go thrash on it. good luck racing it next week.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 6:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/4 "2006-09-10T06:48:22Z")

</div>

I am heading back out to the garage to pull the car off the jackstands. I’ll report back.

Thanks.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 8:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/5 "2006-09-10T08:16:39Z")

</div>

I am definitely not actuating the clutch with the pedal. This can only mean clutch fork (I wish I could see in there) or hydraulics. I have near-zero patience left. I am about to take a crowbar to the car.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 8:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/6 "2006-09-10T08:23:19Z")

</div>

Hmmm, maybe I am missing something here on the clutch fork.

When I removed it from the old TO bearing I just tugged on it and it came off. I assumed that I simply needed to shove it back on there with the new clutch. Is this wrong?

Currently, when it is not connected (I think I am getting it connected) to the TO bearing, it seems to be able to “see saw” around a bolt in the center of the fork. Should be this loose? Is this my fatal flaw?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 10:50am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/7 "2006-09-10T10:50:17Z")

</div>

I am out of patience and out of time. It would be foolish to touch the car when I am in this mindset.

:banghead:

First thing in the morning, I’m going to visit a local garage and see if they will look at it.

Thanks for the feedback. I report anything that I learn.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Dominator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a4c791/32.png) [@Dominator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Dominator)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 3:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/8 "2006-09-10T15:04:22Z")

</div>

Hey Keith, call NTB and ask to talk to Dan. I know their right by you. That or call me. I might be able to come out.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Rammer](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/d07c76/32.png) [@Rammer](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Rammer)
#### Post date: [September 10, 2006, 6:39pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/9 "2006-09-10T18:39:51Z")

</div>

Disc installed facing the correct way? If the hub is towards the flywheel, it will be pressed against the flywheel bolts.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![SixSpeed454SS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e19adc/32.png) [@SixSpeed454SS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/SixSpeed454SS)
#### Post date: [September 11, 2006, 8:35pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/10 "2006-09-11T20:35:23Z")

</div>

> [@Taxes On Used Car](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/taxes-on-used-car/24163/38):
>
> Disc installed facing the correct way? If the hub is towards the flywheel, it will be pressed against the flywheel bolts.

Ditto…LT1 has the disc installed backwards b/c pull type clutch. Also important to tighten pressure plate bolts to spec (I beleive 85 ft lbs). Take the two bolts off holding the slave cylinder. Have someone push on the clutch pedal while you are pushing the slave cylinder pushrod into the slave. It should have no trouble forcing itself out of the slave. If so, your hydraulics are good.

Did you say SPEC clutch or stock specification clutch?

SPEC is poop. I’m on my 2nd one & not happy. That being said, it should still engage/disengage.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 12, 2006, 3:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/11 "2006-09-12T03:25:42Z")

</div>

I had the car towed to a local garage…

Remember, Jay I moved in June…

I’ll report back when I know something.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Dominator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a4c791/32.png) [@Dominator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Dominator)
#### Post date: [September 12, 2006, 8:03pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/12 "2006-09-12T20:03:29Z")

</div>

oh ya. opps.

good luck

Got some American Iron in to shop right now. hehe

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 13, 2006, 4:03am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/13 "2006-09-13T04:03:28Z")

</div>

Minor update:

It appears that I screwed myself. The garage confirmed that I did everything right mechanically and the hydraulics were all properly bled and working. However, in trying to gain every advantage available to me in the rulebook, I instructed the machine shop to cut the maximum off the flywheel that would maintain it’s usability. They did (as I told them to do) and instead of taking the customary 10 thousandths, they took 23 thousandths. Apparently this was enough to render the flywheel useless.

Kudos to pewterss to also thinking this were a possibility when I talked to him on the phone on Sunday.

It appears that I will make the National Championships but will have to forgo my practice sessions.

Thanks to all for the input and assistance. It’s time to shut up and race!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Pewter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pewter/32/5936_2.png) [@Pewter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pewter)
#### Post date: [September 13, 2006, 4:04am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/14 "2006-09-13T04:04:50Z")

</div>

glad i could help! & good luck

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![jeremysyty](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/87869e/32.png) [@jeremysyty](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jeremysyty)
#### Post date: [September 17, 2006, 7:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/15 "2006-09-17T19:29:54Z")

</div>

Keith, How did the races go? I hope well, especially after the week you had!

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2006, 6:41am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/16 "2006-09-18T06:41:53Z")

</div>

I came in 13th out of 24. I ran my personal-best lap in the race. I lost alot of positions missing other people’s wrecks. At one point, I came to a complete stop.

I have the whole race on in-car.

Those boys were FAST.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Dominator](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/a4c791/32.png) [@Dominator](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Dominator)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2006, 8:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/17 "2006-09-18T08:55:27Z")

</div>

damn, that was a big field

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![Pewter](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/pewter/32/5936_2.png) [@Pewter](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Pewter)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2006, 8:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/18 "2006-09-18T08:57:01Z")

</div>

what fixed ur problem with the clutch?

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![KeithO](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/4bbf92/32.png) [@KeithO](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/KeithO)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2006, 12:29pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/19 "2006-09-18T12:29:27Z")

</div>

Putting in a new flywheel fixed the clutch problem.

Our run group had 58 cars in it - that is too many cars. There was a meelee at the beginning of the race… Once things settle down and I can watch the in-car from the race as well as the archive of the live announcing, I’ll probably do a little writeup.

Jay - Domination Chassis showed up on all timing and scoring sheets generated at the event since I listed you as my sponsor.

Also, my dad and I ended up in a photoshoot with Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. They are going to do an article on our father/son racing and they took all of the pictures for the article. Most pictures were take of our cars - just a couple of us people - we’re ugly bastards.

---

<div class="post-metadata">

### Author: ![bics56](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/47e85d/32.png) [@bics56](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/bics56)
#### Post date: [September 18, 2006, 1:53pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/t56-lt1-f-body-clutch-install-whats-wrong/184870/20 "2006-09-18T13:53:20Z")

</div>

> [@Ok Neon guys again...](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/ok-neon-guys-again/24348/8):
>
> Putting in a new flywheel fixed the clutch problem.
> 
> Our run group had 58 cars in it - that is too many cars. There was a meelee at the beginning of the race… Once things settle down and I can watch the in-car from the race as well as the archive of the live announcing, I’ll probably do a little writeup.
> 
> Jay - Domination Chassis showed up on all timing and scoring sheets generated at the event since I listed you as my sponsor.
> 
> Also, my dad and I ended up in a photoshoot with Grassroots Motorsports Magazine. They are going to do an article on our father/son racing and they took all of the pictures for the article. Most pictures were take of our cars - just a couple of us people - we’re ugly bastards.

Wow that sounds sweet…and yes keith you are an ugly bastard…haha /k…congrats man
