HELP! Need immediate bellhousing/fork installation instruction!

[kevin-design]

I have a long story about how my vette's been @ the mechanic for over 2 weeks now, but I'm going to skip it in the hopes that a concise description will offer consise and complete response(s):

My stock setup was replaced with a Spec Clutch kit that included clutch disc, flywheel, and pressure plate just over a year ago. Well, it failed again- and I thought I'd go back to the stock setup. I replaced the whole enchalada myself including an original dual mass flywheel (all parts were from a 1990 with 30k miles). Well, this was my first attempt at a clutch/trans replacement, and after about 3 days, the fork apparently somehow twisted off the throwout bearing, and now I'm back where I started. Onto plan C: Since I'm not made of money, I had Spec clutch replace their single mass steel flywheel and components under warranty, and currently the new Spec components are installed on the car. The final holdup is that the mechanic is now telling me that he's never done this type of swap and he wants to do it right- he can't figure how to get the bellhousing installed (the bellhousing has the fork that engages the throwout bearing attached to it).

I can't really describe what the problem is beyond that because I don't totally understand it myself. This is why I took it in to a mechanic in the first place. But if someone familiar would please describe exactly how to complete this installation, I would just LOVE to be able to drive myself places again! Eternal thanks for any help, tips, or suggestions!!
-kevin
*Also please respond if you have had reliable performance after replacing your GM clutch setup with a single mass flywheel (especially using a Spec)

[Ken]

Seeing as how I'm unfamiliar with the workings of the dual mass flywheel, I can't offer any help in that area, but I can suggest that a hydraulic internal release bearing will eliminate any concerns you have with the bellhousing. I use a Tilton Racing unit in mine.

[-=Iron Mike=-]

Have you tried www.zfdoc.com they are the masters.

Hi Kevin,

I, too, have a 92 6 speed and just replaced my clutch and flywheel, but with the OEM stuff. I hope you still have the original flywheel as it had weights in it to balance the engine. When you replace the dual mass with a single mass, you have to "match balance" the new flywheel with the old one or you'll wind up with a vibration starting around 3000 rpms. One more thing when going to a single mass the new disc you are using should have springs in the hub as the dampening from the dual mass has been eliminated. My suggestion is unless you pumping over 400 hp at the wheels, stay with the OEM clutch and flywheel.

Where in Charlotte are you?

[JonM]

I'm throwing this site in...I don't know what it will do for you...but

http://www.rbartick.com/vetwork/clutch.html

To install the fork to the bell housing, you have to install the fork before you install the bell housing. Remember the release bearing pulls the clutch fingers instead of pushing. So, before you mount the pressure plate, make sure you put the release bearing in and it is held in place with a spring clip. This is different from older style clutches which push on the clutch fingers. The hardest part of installing the bell housing is making sure the fork is inserted in the release bearing properly. How to install the fork to the bell housing--find the clutch fork ball stud and place the fork over it (through the key hole on the fork), slide it until the spring clip snaps in place. The spring clip should be setting on the ball stud. Gee, this is like trying to explain to a blind man how to open a pack of cigarrets over the phone. Hope this helps.