[Sephx1]

To follow up from another thread I started about my clutch going out and its replacement, I was able to complete the new clutch installation today which included a Katech lightweight aluminum flywheel and bleed cable. I also replaced the clutch, pressure plate, slave cylinder, pilot bearing and all plate and flywheel bolts with OEM parts. This was a huge job that I could not have done alone and I had the assistance of a local transmission specialist from ZR51 Performance here in Phoenix. They are well known for their ZF transmission rebuilds and have also done a number of Corvettes of various generations but never a Gen 6 Camaro. The job was done in my shop. It turned out great and I learned a lot about the details and steps needed to make sure there are no issues when it goes back together.

Before I go into my impressions from the test drive, I will say the most difficult part of the job is getting the clearance needed to get the transmission in and out. The engine needed to be lowered in the rear and raised in the front to the point where I was pretty nervous about it. I can’t see how it would have come out any other way. The struts were unbolted from the towers and the radiator brackets taken off, along with disconnecting some vacuum lines and other accessories.

Also, as I mentioned in my other post the new superseded slave cylinder from GM does not have the bleed fitting. They are still out there if you search for them but if you think you might need one in the future you might want to find one and sock it away in your garage.

Once we got it back together and the clutch bled (which was simple with the bleed cable) we took it for a test drive. Surprisingly, removing 25 lbs of rotating mass did not have much affect on getting the car moving. I backed my car out of the shop and forgot to even think about it. Once I took it out on the road for a while I would say it makes it maybe 10% overall more difficult to get the car rolling than before. Not a big deal for the type of driving I do and very streetable.

Now for the benefits. To my surprise, the car idled smoother than before. I had also changed the spark plugs and wires at the same time, so not sure if this helped. My car has an aggressive cam, so I was concerned about this. The revs are quicker for sure. I probably need to talk to my tuner about the rev match though because the car lunges forward a little now on downshifts with rev match on. Overall very happy with this setup and would do it again.

[CW3SF]

Nice work. I hope I never have to do this R&R LOL. Sounds like a real pain.

[radz28]

Transmission jobs are no joke. They're even worse on the floor.

Just curious - was there a specific reason you went this route, rather than a Monster Triple or a McCloud, or another?

[65ffr]

I have an aluminum flywheel in my cobra, love it. Engine revs so much quicker!

[Judy1le]

Originally Posted by Sephx1

To follow up from another thread I started about my clutch going out and its replacement, I was able to complete the new clutch installation today which included a Katech lightweight aluminum flywheel and bleed cable. I also replaced the clutch, pressure plate, slave cylinder, pilot bearing and all plate and flywheel bolts with OEM parts. This was a huge job that I could not have done alone and I had the assistance of a local transmission specialist from ZR51 Performance here in Phoenix. They are well known for their ZF transmission rebuilds and have also done a number of Corvettes of various generations but never a Gen 6 Camaro. The job was done in my shop. It turned out great and I learned a lot about the details and steps needed to make sure there are no issues when it goes back together.

Before I go into my impressions from the test drive, I will say the most difficult part of the job is getting the clearance needed to get the transmission in and out. The engine needed to be lowered in the rear and raised in the front to the point where I was pretty nervous about it. I can’t see how it would have come out any other way. The struts were unbolted from the towers and the radiator brackets taken off, along with disconnecting some vacuum lines and other accessories.

Also, as I mentioned in my other post the new superseded slave cylinder from GM does not have the bleed fitting. They are still out there if you search for them but if you think you might need one in the future you might want to find one and sock it away in your garage.

Once we got it back together and the clutch bled (which was simple with the bleed cable) we took it for a test drive. Surprisingly, removing 25 lbs of rotating mass did not have much affect on getting the car moving. I backed my car out of the shop and forgot to even think about it. Once I took it out on the road for a while I would say it makes it maybe 10% overall more difficult to get the car rolling than before. Not a big deal for the type of driving I do and very streetable.

Now for the benefits. To my surprise, the car idled smoother than before. I had also changed the spark plugs and wires at the same time, so not sure if this helped. My car has an aggressive cam, so I was concerned about this. The revs are quicker for sure. I probably need to talk to my tuner about the rev match though because the car lunges forward a little now on downshifts with rev match on. Overall very happy with this setup and would do it again.

Seen a number of guys go with the OEM clutch and Katech Aluminum flywheel set up, and have a lot of positive feedback. Ill be going with this set up as well with the LT5 clutch specced out by Katech themselves for my 427 build. Very much looking forward to it.

[2023_ZL1-AUTO]

Sweet! Great job!!!

[AZ_1LE]

Nice! I've had lightweight aluminum flywheels in all of my cars going waaaay back and I do plan on doing this same thing in my Z. It's good to see the car all back together! Sweet wheels

[WhyUMad1LE]

Nice! Take a video going through the gears with a few downshifts! There is not much info on lightweight flywheels for the Camaro 6.

[khcoaching]

I really appreciate the review!

Ken

[Sephx1]

Just to follow up on this - my tuner is unable or very reluctant to attempt to tune for the rev match. After discussing with both Cordes Performance and Katech it looks like the only way it would get resolved is to take the car from Arizona to Katech in Michigan and have them tune it. I think I would rather brush up on my heel/toe skills before doing that. Long story but it seems both have their valid points. Just wanted to let you know if you’re considering this. I assumed it could be easily taken care of.

[Schlok]

Originally Posted by Sephx1

Just to follow up on this - my tuner is unable or very reluctant to attempt to tune for the rev match. After discussing with both Cordes Performance and Katech it looks like the only way it would get resolved is to take the car from Arizona to Katech in Michigan and have them tune it. I think I would rather brush up on my heel/toe skills before doing that. Long story but it seems both have their valid points. Just wanted to let you know if you’re considering this. I assumed it could be easily taken care of.

Very good to know, thanks for heads up on this...

[dsm_mikey]

That is a bummer and something I would not have taken into account!

My intentions are to keep the car mostly stock, but I know how things have gone in past cars...

I would think the lightweight flywheel has many benefits in this car...its unfortunate the factory blip functionality goes away.

Let us know how living with the new parts goes...looks like a great mod!

Originally Posted by Sephx1

Just to follow up on this - my tuner is unable or very reluctant to attempt to tune for the rev match. After discussing with both Cordes Performance and Katech it looks like the only way it would get resolved is to take the car from Arizona to Katech in Michigan and have them tune it. I think I would rather brush up on my heel/toe skills before doing that. Long story but it seems both have their valid points. Just wanted to let you know if you’re considering this. I assumed it could be easily taken care of.