Replacement Clutch VY V6 Manual

[VY5Speed]

Howdy guys, It is getting close to that time in a manual commodore owners life to get a new clutch.

My car has done just over 100,000KMS and im the second owner. I will admit that i do give the car a bit from time to time and am looking at getting it supercharged in the near future.

So what should i replace the stock clutch with. I want something better and more heavy duty, but not to stupid as the car is my daily driver.

Any ideas and oppinions would be appreciated.

Cheers,

[OZ38]

As a complete kit I reckon the Exedy Heavy duty kit would be fine.
You get flywheel, pressure plate, clutch plate & thrust bearing.
For about $1200 - $1500.

Cheers

Deek

[Fekason]

From what I have heard, I would agree with the Exedy kit.

I have a VS S2 and a VY S2, both manual V6's. The VY S2 is still original.

The VS S2 had a pressure plate problem at 160,000 km. I looked into going to a solid flywheel, but decided to stay with the dual mass flywheel as I was told soild replacements were prone to rattling. However, lately those who appear to know than me say that is no longer a problem.

If you want to up the torque through the clutch, I expect you will have to go heavy duty and solid flywheel.

[Raptorsc]

Raptor customers report the Exedy is the G O takes a major caning and provides stock feel on the pedal.

The solid flywheel H/D Exedy assembly is the only way to go.

[OZ38]

I was told soild replacements were prone to rattling. However, lately those who appear to know more than me say that is no longer a problem.

There are three options from Exedy for the ecotec V6.

The Exedy site will give you suppliers addresses, the part number for OUR ecotec V6's with the M35 transmission ( Getrag ) is as follows:
GMK-7353 ( standard replacement ) not dual mass.
GMK-7353HD ( Heavy Duty ) higher clamping pressure.
GMK-7353HDB ( Ceramic Button clutch plate ) drag racing etc.

The Heavy duty one goes for around $1250-$1300 supplied.
Make sure the dowel pins are used ( your manual crank to flywheel has these in at present ) or else you void your warranty with Exedy.
They say the ceramic clutch plate is not good for city traffic and may shudder in first and reverse, but not always as others have said they haven't got that problem.

The noisey clutches all seem to be associated with the the kits using the ceramic friction material on the clutch plate itself as far as I know.

Cheers

Deek

[VY5Speed]

Hey guys thanks for the input. I was hoping to spend about $1000 all up, but that doesnt look the case if i want something that can handle the pain.

Don't spoze any one would know what gearbox mine would have.. Series 1 V6?

Also, there seem to be some cheap ones on eBay, really cheap, would it be safe to buy one from there, or better to get one from a repertiable dealer?

Obviously Exedy seems the way to go from what people are saying, are there any other brands around that might be better then the stock one that could be worht considering?

Cheers,
Daniel

[Jesterarts]

I got mine from "brakeclutch" on ebay...
They, as u might have guessed, just to brakes and clutches...
They didn't have the HD clutch kit listed for my car (same kit as ur car needs) but i got in touch and they listed it for my...
Now the kit comprising of a HD pressure Plate, Clutch Plate, Rigid Flywheel, Thrust bearings and mounting bolts and nuts is laying in my bedroom waiting to go in.

All up it cost me 1085 INCLUDING shipping from Melbourne.
PM me if u want to know more.

Another brand that is fairly popular is "Extreme" and from what i remember PBR do a kit too but not 100% on that.

Good Luck

[OZ38]

Don't spoze any one would know what gearbox mine would have.. Series 1 V6?
Cheers,
Daniel

Yours is the same as mine, M35 5 speeder Getrag Gearbox.
All VT - VY V6 manuals are Getrag M35. Also later series VS V6 manuals are Getrag as well.

There are other makers out there of complete clutch / Flywheel kits for the ecotec V6. Make sure you know what your getting, ask if it is a billet steel flywheel or a nodular iron flywheel in the kit. With the clutch plate itself, I would stay away from any that have the rubber cushions instead of springs. Due the the rubber losing its memory over time and a rattle starting from there.

Nodular iron is good for HiPo street use as the iron disipates heat better, less chance of hot spots on the flywheel that cause shudder. These have a upper RPM limited to around 6400 rpm.

If your going drag racing or plan on alot higher rpms than 6400, then opt for a billet steel wheel. The down side is slipping the clutch alot will eventually see hot spots form on the flywheel, which may cause it to shudder on take off.

Cheers

Deek

[Jesterarts]

^^^ i hope he's not planning on reving to 6400rpm considering the ecotec redlines @ 5500rpm and hits limiter @ 6000rpm...

[OZ38]

^^^ i hope he's not planning on reving to 6400rpm considering the ecotec redlines @ 5500rpm and hits limiter @ 6000rpm...

Ha ha yeah I know. But I thought I should mention the limits of the two flywheel choices. As some people do have their rev limits lifted in their custom tunes after modding the engines.

Plus I believe some drag racing rules require a billet flywheel to be fitted ?

Cheers

Deek

[Jesterarts]

Yeah... other flywheel have a tendancy to explode under that loading and that rpm...
YT do a good flywheel now that i remember!

[VY5Speed]

Hey guys thanks for the info, its a great help. I doub't im going to be doing much drag racing if any. I just want something better than the stock gear to handle the power from the supercharger.

I will look around, see repco, autobarn and other places to see what they have and can get than report back and see what you guys think.

Cheers for the help again,
Daniel

[Jesterarts]

Hmmm.... bursons is a good place to look... don't go to repco unless u know someone...

REPCO... Rip Ever Poor C*nt Off


If your planning charging the 5 spd then your weakest point will be the gearbox once you have replaced the clutch...

The ol' getrag will only handle a limited time of abuse before is has an anurism...

Good Luck with it all mate

[fmlycar]

Exedy hd is the way to go. Still feels factory and hooks up so much better. I'd steer clear of repco too as someone has already mentioned. The prices there go up faster than interest rates.

[br14nh]

I think GSL Rallysport who are one of the sponsors here stock the Exidy clutches....? I recently bought some engine mounts through them, they are very good to deal with.