‘63 Chevy II Pro-Touring Build

[bkswede]

Minor setback... as we attempted to get the driveline in, we had some issues with the Katech LS9X clutch I had planned to use. The LS9X clutch is a package developed by Katech combining the dual disc clutch that was used in the C6 ZR1 Corvette with a flywheel adapted for the 6 bolt crankshaft of most LS engines. As it turns out, the LS9 clutch is a meaningfully “thicker” clutch and won’t fit within a standard LS bellhousing. I’m using a standard Quick Time LS bellhousing.

In order to use the LS9X clutch within the Quick Time bell housing, you need a spacer between the transmission and the bellhousing that is approximately .85”, which moves the transmission back in the chassis .85”. D&D used to sell an aluminum spacer that they CNC machined to provide the appropriate clearance (Stielow used one of the D&D spacers when he put a LS9X clutch in his Mayhem build). I’ve already positioned the transmission cross member, transmission tunnel, as well as a custom QA1 carbon fiber driveshaft assuming no spacer. So the D&D spacer was not an option for me.

Based on some quick research and through discussions with the folks at Tick Performance, I ended up purchasing a Monster LT1-S clutch, and will need to sell the Katech LS9-X clutch package. The Monster clutch is similar in concept to the Katech LS9X clutch, but a newer variation. While the Katech LS9X clutch uses the C6 ZR1 factory dual disc clutch with a modified flywheel for 6 bolt crankshafts, the Monster LT1-S clutch uses the GM OEM dual disc set up from the C7 Corvette, again with a flywheel modified to work with LS engines. Importantly, the Monster clutch is physically smaller than the Katech clutch and fits within the standard QuickTime bell housing.

I’ve read a lot of great reviews about the Monster clutch; hopefully it works well in my application. Like the Katech LS9X clutch, the Monster clutch is supposed to have a factory feel, with absolutely no rattling or chatter that is common with dual disc clutches.

Back moving in the right direction, but the whole thing has pushed us back a bit. We won’t get the clutch until Friday so motor and transmission won’t go in until early next week. A little frustrating, but not unusual to have a few bumps in the road along the way...


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