So I was driving the car on Sunday and everything was normal. I went to shift from 2nd to 3rd at about 4000 rpm. I released the clutch and the car made some loud banging and shook violently like it didn't engage the gear all the way. I immediately pushed the clutch back in and went to fourth. Everything seemed ok, no noises, gears changed just fine. Then I realized when at cruising speed the car wasn't transferring power to the ground. It would rev but not do anything and then finally "kick" and go. It did this consistently in any gear that I left it in. The best way I can describe it is like when on an automatic car you have torque converter failure and it is constantly locking and unlocking. Any Ideas?

 

Sounds like your clutch is slipping. You need a new clutch kit. Be sure to have the flywheel cut or you'll be doing it again.

 

yep blew it to pieces from the sounds of it.

 

Same sound came from my celica, when I pulled the trans off the friction surface was in about 12 pieces.

 

Yep, clutch friction plate has grenaded. New clutch kit. As Fbodyjunkie says, take the flywheel to be machined before installing the new kit.

Good luck, and be sure to post pics of the exploded friction plate.

 

See that was my initial thought, especially with the mileage on the car it was due for replacement anyway. The only thing that turned me off to that idea was the fact that it changed gear just fine. Any brand or type in particular you guys recommend? This was a planned upgrade when I did my motor swap so I probably wasn't going to go stock. Anything else That I could have hurt in the process? (I say I but I didn't actually do anything lol)

 

Flywheel would be the only thing I think you could injure, but it should be ok just get it resurfaced or a new one all together. Monster clutches are highly recommended on ls1tech for a good budget, ~$500 clutch that can hold 420 hp+. Monster also gives you a new flywheel in your choice of steel or aluminum, with aluminum adding a bit to the cost.

 

I like RAM clutches, have worked good for me and others I know.

 

I got all excited about the monster clutch until I realized they don't make a setup for the LT1. After doing some research I found out that all the clutch companies use all the same pressure plates so heres my thought. I will order a clutch kit from Advanced since I get cost pricing and they have a lifetime warranty. I have a flywheel resurfacing machine so I can do that. Then I will buy a friction plate from somewhere else. Whats a good friction plate that will last and not chatter? I was thinking RAM, greenarrow, as that's what my performance handbook references. Do they sell the friction plate separate? If so what one should I get? I will probably upgrade to an aluminum flywheel when I do my motor swap. Sound like a good idea or am I asking for trouble?

 

Unless you use your car for autocross, I would stick with a steel flywheel.