Clutch installation
Remove
the pressure plate attachment nuts from the flywheel stand bolts (3/8”
12-point nuts). Notice the
proper orientation as noted above. Be
sure the unit is installed this way.
Lift the cover from the flywheel.
The top disc is a sprung hub configuration.
After removing the sprung hub disc you will see the floater plate.
The
floater plate drives off of the six pressure plate stands and is tethered
to the flywheel with three straps which are bolted in position.
Notice how the floater plate moves freely up and down around the
drive stands. This is how the
floater should fit when installing the unit in the car.
If the floater plate is bound to or hung up on the drive stands
during installation the clutch will not release properly.
Note: the drive stands
each have two shims on top of them. Be sure they are in place when the unit is installed.
Remove
the three 5/16-18 capscrews and lift the floater plate out of the
assembly. The solid hub
bottom disc can now be removed.
Install
the flywheel using a high quality fastener with loctite or similar
threadlocker. Torque the
flywheel to 75-85 ft/lbs.
Slip
the top clutch disc (sprung hub disc) onto the clutch alignment shaft
followed by the floater plate and bottom clutch disc (solid hub).
Be sure the floater plate side that has the machined outer lip
is facing the transmission (i.e. the completely flat side towards the
flywheel).
Slide
the clutch alignment tool into the pilot bushing while positioning the
floater plate over the drive lugs. The
three retaining straps should line up with the three 5/16-18 holes on the
flywheel surface.
Install
the three 5/16-18 capscrews through the strap and into the flywheel (note:
the straps should line up without any repositioning).
Use a threadlocker on the capscrews.
At
this point make sure the floater plate moves freely about the drive stands
(up and down with some side clearance).
Place
the pressure plate over the stand bolts and torque the cover nuts to 30
ft/lbs tightening them in a star pattern so that the diaphragm is pulled
down evenly. Be sure the
cover drive straps are offset from the floater straps and that each stand
has two shims between the cover and the stand.
The
bellhousing and transmission can now be reinstalled. Be very careful not the let the transmission hang on the
clutch disc spline during reassembly as this may bend the clutch disc
carrier, which will cause release problems.
Adjustment
Mechanical
& Cable linkages
Adjust
your pivot ball to achieve a forward attitude (drivers side pivot) or
rearward (pass. Side pivot) on the clutch fork when the bearing is just
touching the fingers. Set the
release low to the floor, maximum freeplay.
If this is not comfortable then use a pedal stop.
LS1
hydraulic applications
RAM
recommends using an adjustable master cylinder with this clutch assembly
so you can limit the clutch travel and avoid shifting problems.
Set the clutch pedal for minimum release, that is keep the pedal as
low to the floor as possible.
RAM
adjustable master for F-body 98-02
510
RAM
adjustable master for Corvette 97-04
515
RAM
slave cylinder for F-body 98-02
520
RAM
slave cylinder for Corvette 97-04
525
Other
modifications
If
using a safety bellhousing (and we strongly recommend you do), be sure to
follow the manufacturers instructions for proper bellhousing alignment.
LS1
F-body cars need to have the ‘drill mod’ performed. The factory restriction can slow engagement of the
clutch and even cause a low end slip in extreme situations. An excellent step by step guide is located at www.installuniversity.com/
in the ‘install documents’ section.
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