My clutch dilema... FML...

[V]

The V is in serious need of a new clutch slave cylinder. I have only a few options as of right now and I'm really not sure what to do.

My only real option for the install is a local Chevy dealer. there are no "performance" shops up in this area that I know of that specialize in LSx vehicles. If anyone can locate one, let me know(syracuse area and north).

So today i went to a dealer and had them give me an estimate for a complete clutch install...

477.00 LS6 clutch disc/pressure plate
426.00 LS6 hydraulic slave cylinder
19.00 LS6pilot bearing
740.00 Labor
---------------
$1,662 + 133.00 tax (8%) = $1,795.00

I may be able to get away with keeping my current clutch disc and PP but wont know until its opened up, and even then, its pointless to not do it while its all apart(does have 60k miles).

The other problem is that IF the dual-mass flywheel is bad... which is very likely due to a vibration, that'll add another $850 to that total. (making it $2,645)

Now... im thinking maybe its time to do an upgraded clutch now anyway...
I was debating between Monster(good rep with CTS-Vs) or the Genuine GM LS7 clutch setup. Both replace the flywheel and slave cylinders. the monster is about 900 + shipping BUT the LS7 kit is about 636 + 40 shipping and can easily hold 500+rwhp. since it has a basic flywheel that covers my ass just in case my dual mass is bad and also allows for faster revs over the stock 55 lb CTS-V flywheel. LS7 kit comes with flywheel, PP/disc, and LS7 slave.

So now i think its obvious that the LS7 kit is the way to go, and if the dealer will agree to install it, i'll bite the bullet and pay the $740.00 for labor.(yes the LS7 kit is a direct bolt in for the V) Im just hoping the dealer will work with me on the issue. That being i would be having a dealer in VA send them the GM parts to install ( due to pricing). What do you all think my chances are of having the dealer agree to that? I have two local chevy dealers I will ask at and see what they say.

If i go the LS7 route, it''l cost the following
676.00 LS7 kit (thats including shipping - give or take a few bucks)
19.00 LS6 pilot bearing
740.00 Labor
--------------
1,435 + 115.00 tax = $1,550

and for that 1,500 the clutch should hold up to the supercharger install in the fall.....

What you guys think? Am I going in the right direction?

BTW, the car is here in upstate NY, and i doubt i'd trust it enough to try to bring it back to NJ in its current condition in order to prevent any serious damage. And keep in mind I am injured and cant do any over heard work plus i go for surgery on my elbow in 2 weeks, so me doing the work is out of the question.

[MyFirstZ]

If you are willing to pay labor i don't see them not doing the install. Only thing they might through is liability of parts at you. Between the two of them im sure one will or maybe even a tech as side work not through the dealership. Working with a few ex GM techs they tell me about projects that they use to work on where it came to mismatching parts for a build.

[V]

Just heard back from a shop 2 hours from me that deal a lot with LSx vehicles.
They gave me a quote of 450 labor to install the clutch setup.

so... (approximately)..
676 clutch including shipping
450 labor
60 (remote bleeder line and pilot bearing)
95 tax
------------
$1,281 total... not too bad imo...

I think this will be a go, I think ill be ordering the parts friday...


Im just waiting to hear from one other shop

[Ls1dreamin02]

All i know of up this way is New Era in Rochester and I believe a few shops around the Buffalo area exist as well. You might consider asking on wnyfbody.com too.

[V]

Yea, its New Era that I contacted. They gave me the 450 quote.

[MyFirstZ]

i would jump all over that. . .

[Ls1dreamin02]

I figured that was one you contacted. I have never read anything bad about New Era. Seem to be a fairly reputable shop.

[V]

SSP(a sponsor here) gave me a better quote.

now it all comes down to figuring out how to get my car 2 OR 4 hours away and drop it off... then pick it up. SSP is on the way home to NJ, new era is 2 hours away only. I just dont know when id be going home next, or getting to nj, from SSP. with new era, i may be able to find a friend here to drive with me one weekend to rochester ny and back.. i shall figure something out.

[V]

I got a local quote for 500. So due to the problems getting the car to Rochester or Goshen NY, this is actually cheaper in the end.

New era never did this car/clutch combo and told me i need a slave spacer.
After talking to the caddy dealer that specializes in V's and others who have done this clutch, they say the spacer is for the ls6 slave ONLY, the LS7 slave works without it due to it being deeper in size. New Era said no, it still needs a spacer, therfore that shop was out of the question.

SSP would be my choice even before new era but they are just too far away and renting a truck/trailer to get the car there, would cost too much.

[Ls1dreamin02]

Glad you got it figured out. Hope all goes well with it.

[V]

Yesterday I ordered the LS7 Clutch and LAPD remote bleeder, should all be here mid- next week, and then it all gets dropped off to get installed.

yay! lol

The ls7 isnt going to holdup once the blower is on it but good luck with it

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Originally Posted by JerzLT1

The ls7 isnt going to holdup once the blower is on it but good luck with it

O rly? Then how come Lingenfelter 660 hp Z06 kit runs a stock LS7 clutch? It won't be the best for hot lapping at the drag strip, but for Paul's purpose it'll be fine.

[V]

lets see even if the blower EVER gets installed....

Originally Posted by Anti_Rice_Guy

O rly? Then how come Lingenfelter 660 hp Z06 kit runs a stock LS7 clutch? It won't be the best for hot lapping at the drag strip, but for Paul's purpose it'll be fine.

It won't hold up for drag racing at all and isn't very good for someone who drives their car hard either. Just because a big name company used it doesn't mean it will last.

[Anti_Rice_Guy]

Originally Posted by JerzLT1

It won't hold up for drag racing at all and isn't very good for someone who drives their car hard either. Just because a big name company used it doesn't mean it will last.

My friend has 38k or 40k miles trouble free on his 660 Z06 stock clutch. He drag races 2-3 nights a year, the rest is just cruising and messing around. That's the only reason I mentioned it - I've seen how it holds up in real life.

[V]

Now I'm just waiting for the remote bleeder line to arrive, and then off to the shop it goes.