Clutching at straws

[Tonner Matt]

Change the clutch fluid first and see if shifting and selecting gears improves & the clutch pedal returns from the floor.
I wouldn't bother replacing the gearbox oil just yet, because changing the gearbox oil isn't going to help with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor after giving it some stick........This is a pretty well known clutch slave cylinder problem.

From what you describe your clutch is likely just about worn out and is due to be replaced
I would replace the clutch assembly with a heavy duty kit like an Extreme Clutch from Australian Clutch Services, they are a good quality replacement and are capable of handling 400 kilowatts from memory.
Another good upgrade to do while replacing the clutch is to fit braided fluid supply & bleed lines.

After you have replaced the clutch, then go ahead and replace the gearbox oil
I also use the Penrite Pro Gear 70w-75 oil in my gearbox and it's great stuff, but a little expensive if you have to buy it when it's not on sale.

In my experience the Tremec boxes are a pretty agricultural bit of gear and are well known for being a bit notchy in operation.
I've never driven a manual commodore yet that has been super smooth to shift and engage gears

 

[Taz_SSV]

Change the clutch fluid first and see if shifting and selecting gears improves & the clutch pedal returns from the floor.
I wouldn't bother replacing the gearbox oil just yet, because changing the gearbox oil isn't going to help with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor after giving it some stick........This is a pretty well known clutch slave cylinder problem.

From what you describe your clutch is likely just about worn out and is due to be replaced
I would replace the clutch assembly with a heavy duty kit like an Extreme Clutch from Australian Clutch Services, they are a good quality replacement and are capable of handling 400 kilowatts from memory.
Another good upgrade to do while replacing the clutch is to fit braided fluid supply & bleed lines.

After you have replaced the clutch, you may as well replace the gearbox oil
I also use the Penrite Pro Gear 70w-75 oil in my gearbox and it's great stuff, but a little expensive if you have to buy it when it's not on sale.

In my experience the Tremec boxes are a pretty agricultural bit of gear and are well known for being a bit notchy in operation.
I've never driven a manual commodore yet that has been super smooth to shift and engage gears

Cheers for advice, now I guess it’s just a matter of finding someone in Melbourne to do the clutch that 1) I can trust and 2) won’t rip me.

 

[Lensman]

Cheers for advice, now I guess it’s just a matter of finding someone in Melbourne to do the clutch that 1) I can trust and 2) won’t rip me.

I'd still be inclined to change the gearbox oil first, see if that helps with the shift. The gearboxes do take a bit of getting used to, As Tonner Matt says the are a bit "agricultural". I missed gears and found it bit tricky at first, but after a few thousand clicks it's not an issue, nice smooth gear changes. I also have the issue with the clutch pedal not coming back up after giving it a good squirt, but I don't give it stick that often so I can live with it until I actually need to replace my clutch.

 

[MYVESSV8]

Change the clutch fluid first and see if shifting and selecting gears improves & the clutch pedal returns from the floor.
I wouldn't bother replacing the gearbox oil just yet, because changing the gearbox oil isn't going to help with the clutch pedal sticking to the floor after giving it some stick........This is a pretty well known clutch slave cylinder problem.

From what you describe your clutch is likely just about worn out and is due to be replaced
I would replace the clutch assembly with a heavy duty kit like an Extreme Clutch from Australian Clutch Services, they are a good quality replacement and are capable of handling 400 kilowatts from memory.
Another good upgrade to do while replacing the clutch is to fit braided fluid supply & bleed lines.

After you have replaced the clutch, you may as well replace the gearbox oil
I also use the Penrite Pro Gear 70w-75 oil in my gearbox and it's great stuff, but a little expensive if you have to buy it when it's not on sale.

In my experience the Tremec boxes are a pretty agricultural bit of gear and are well known for being a bit notchy in operation.
I've never driven a manual commodore yet that has been super smooth to shift and engage gears

exactly as above, did this too mine no problems, clutch kit about $1k (normal price mine was $700) plus install $500,
the clutch pedal is a bit firmer though,
other option is to fit the LS7 clutch kit from holdens ($600 includes new flywheel boltsetc) and source the slave separately from Mal Wood (tremec specialist) but oils fluid etc first, and there is also a selector bush you can do to make the shift a bit smoother, whiteline/pedders/superpro have it