Are these guys trying to rip me off?

**Speed Psychosis** · 02-25-2008, 05:48 PM

Ok. Last Monday I was driving and noticed the pedal sticking sometimes (even under normal acceleration) and it didn't seem to grab like I first got it. On Tuesday before school, the clutch didn't grab at all. I couldn't move the car. After school it sort of worked but I could tell it wasn't holding nearly as much as Monday. I took it into the Jaguar dealer (where I got it).

The guys there called and said that it wasn't under warranty and it would be $2000 without having to replace either just the master or both (my dad forgot what they said exactly). We called 2 other places and they said $1500-2000 as well. They say that you can't just replace our clutch and keep the flywheel (refinishing it). And the friction has to be replaced at the same time.

First of all, since it didn't work when it was colder in the morning, could this just be a fluid problem? Also, do you HAVE to replace everything together? A couple of my friends' dads thought that was BS. If not then there goes the money I was going to use on headers and duals.

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 02-25-2008, 05:53 PM

Originally Posted by Speed Psychosis

Ok. Last Monday I was driving and noticed the pedal sticking sometimes (even under normal acceleration) and it didn't seem to grab like I first got it. On Tuesday before school, the clutch didn't grab at all. I couldn't move the car. After school it sort of worked but I could tell it wasn't holding nearly as much as Monday. I took it into the Jaguar dealer (where I got it).

The guys there called and said that it wasn't under warranty and it would be $2000 without having to replace either just the master or both (my dad forgot what they said exactly). We called 2 other places and they said $1500-2000 as well. They say that you can't just replace our clutch and keep the flywheel (refinishing it). And the friction has to be replaced at the same time.

First of all, since it didn't work when it was colder in the morning, could this just be a fluid problem? Also, do you HAVE to replace everything together? A couple of my friends' dads thought that was BS. If not then there goes the money I was going to use on headers and duals.

sounds like BS................pm 7camaro7 he had a clutch put in his 02 SS not long ago , maybe he can help
what other 2 places did you call ?

**TACE02** · 02-25-2008, 05:56 PM

$2000, holy shiat, what kinda clutch are they gonna put in for that kinda money. It does sound like a clutch issue, air in the lines could be causing your problem. Worst case scenario you need a new clutch, and with that also change the slave cylinder. but you can purchase a new clutch, new flywheel, and slave cylinder all for under a $1000. And that would be GM products. LS7 clutch, flywheel, and 01-02 slave. You can resurface the flywheel, but it all depends on how bad it is.

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 02-25-2008, 05:59 PM

there is not a bit of telling how much the Jaguar dealer charges for labor per hour/job

**TACE02** · 02-25-2008, 06:00 PM

O, and if anything, just ask around for how much for labor only. You buy all the parts elsewhere. And I wouldn't recommend a Jaguar Dealership to do the labor... unless you have an arm and a leg for the giving. Call some transmission shops, or ask around your area for other F-Body owners or even vette owners, they may either be able to help you or know someone who can.

**01ws6er** · 02-25-2008, 06:02 PM

B.S!!! If, and IF you wanna go with GM parts, then the ls7 clutch kit is only about $450ish, slave cylinder is about $250 (but you can get it for $100 bucks cheaper from mail-order), and master for around $150 (mail order). That's $725-$850 for parts, and I'd say around $500 for the install...so total comes to $1350. Plus, it's a JAG dealer!!! High end cars = high end $$$$ for labor haha. Especially dealer labor!

I would say no on that one, and theres $650 to put towards mods!
Also, the Ls7 clutch kit comes with the Ls2 flywheel and the kit will not fit the stock ls1 or 6 flywheel. So there's another b.s. statement.

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 02-25-2008, 06:04 PM

Originally Posted by TACE02

O, and if anything, just ask around for how much for labor only. You buy all the parts elsewhere. And I wouldn't recommend a Jaguar Dealership to do the labor... unless you have an arm and a leg for the giving. Call some transmission shops, or ask around your area for other F-Body owners or even vette owners, they may either be able to help you or know someone who can.

good advice...............also try to find a car forum (where u can find local gearheads) and ask who they use for car repair

**01ws6er** · 02-25-2008, 06:08 PM

I forgot to reccomend bleading the hydraulics b4 anything, and if that doesn't work, then you're gonna need a new clutch. You don't necessarily need a new master either, but make sure it's still working well.

**Speedy_Gonzales** · 02-25-2008, 06:08 PM

Originally Posted by Speed Psychosis

Ok. Last Monday I was driving and noticed the pedal sticking sometimes (even under normal acceleration) and it didn't seem to grab like I first got it. On Tuesday before school, the clutch didn't grab at all. I couldn't move the car. After school it sort of worked but I could tell it wasn't holding nearly as much as Monday. I took it into the Jaguar dealer (where I got it).

The guys there called and said that it wasn't under warranty and it would be $2000 without having to replace either just the master or both (my dad forgot what they said exactly). We called 2 other places and they said $1500-2000 as well. They say that you can't just replace our clutch and keep the flywheel (refinishing it). And the friction has to be replaced at the same time.

First of all, since it didn't work when it was colder in the morning, could this just be a fluid problem? Also, do you HAVE to replace everything together? A couple of my friends' dads thought that was BS. If not then there goes the money I was going to use on headers and duals.

pm sent to you

**Speed Psychosis** · 02-25-2008, 06:15 PM

other 2 were transmission shops. One is aarrow and the other cottman. both have very good review on better business bureau. but yeah only reason why I ever even thought of bringing it to an official dealer is because I thought it would be under warranty...

as for the question of what parts, should I go with oem? I want to be able to shift smoothly, and don't plan on any real power mods, headers at most. my dad and I pretty much can change oil and thats all we have ever done (and never even owned a manual). I don't think we'd ever do the drill mod so maybe going aftermarket would be better.

**Rhinohuey** · 02-25-2008, 06:24 PM

When I had clutch, flywheel, master cylinder, and slave cylinder done on my car I only paid $1700 for everything.....and I know even that is a little pricey. I did have a Luk Pro Gold clutch put it though...its the one that they put in some of the ZO6s. I'm glad I did though. It has a high mechanical advantage so its easy to push, but I've never felt it slip once since I had it put in over 3000 miles ago.

**01ws6er** · 02-25-2008, 06:26 PM

I dunno man, It's actually a really easy job if you get the car up on jackstands or have a lift, but if you have little or no mechanical ability...??? That's up to you. As for aftermarket vs OEM, it's kind of a toss up. I got the Ls7 kit but it's because It'll hold 500 hp and tq and I'm ot planning to go over 450hp for a long time, so I should be ok. Shop and call around to different sponsor sites and see what they say.

**Y2KPewterSS** · 02-25-2008, 06:31 PM

I wouldn't say they are trying to "rip you off" they are just operating their business, but you can find a much better deal out there if you can't do the labor yourself.

**tctech1** · 02-25-2008, 06:33 PM

if you put it in gear and let off the clutch and it didnt go anywhere it not the hydrolics. price is about right for most shops if you go to a shop ask if they will install performace parts. remember a shop will normaly sell the part to you for double the price they get it for. normal clutch job i replace cluch plate,pressure plate, throwout bearing and sometimes a slae if you have to pull the trans to change it. ive only replaced one flywheel in like the last five years. normaly they can be turned.if the petal goes to the flour try checking the fluid if its low there is a leak i.e. slave/master.

**TACE02** · 02-25-2008, 06:36 PM

Here some examples of everything you would need to buy yourself:

LS7 clutch w/ LS2 flywheel- $489.99 - direct bolt on: http://www.ls1speed.com/cont.cfm?cid=C0000685
01-02 slave cylinder- $124.17 - direct bolt on and a must upgrade from the 98-00 slaves: http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...roducts_id=838
master cylinder- $154.99- direct bolt on: http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...roducts_id=837 , but prolly don't need a new master.

This is all you would need and if you buy the master then total is $769.15 + shipping. but without master cylinder $614.16 + shipping, that leaves quite a bit left over for labor.

But like 01ws6er stated: try bleeding the system first.

**TACE02** · 02-25-2008, 07:36 PM

Just looked on another post and found this:
http://www.sdparts.com/product/SDLS7...cFlywheel.aspx

LS7 clutch and LS2 flywheel for only $399.99, and you can order the other things also from this site. May have to order pilot bearing and alignment tool seperately, but from same site.
You could just order everything on that page and be set for less than $600.

**Speed Psychosis** · 02-26-2008, 08:26 AM

well today I'm going to have 1 of the transmission specialists have a look and actually take things apart and see what exactly is damaged.

2 questions:

My dad told me they say they use Zoom clutches. anyone heard of them? is that similar to oem?

Also, they told him that there were like 12 different clutches for my car and would have to look at mine to know which one. I seriously doubt GM used so many different applications on the car. Is this true?

**Spaz** · 02-26-2008, 08:35 AM

holy fucking rip off batman!!!

dude... i spent like $1,200.00 all together to ahve a spec stage 3+ clutch and a new fly wheel...

it would have been signifigantly less if i did it my self... but i was lazy...

**TACE02** · 02-26-2008, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by Speed Psychosis

well today I'm going to have 1 of the transmission specialists have a look and actually take things apart and see what exactly is damaged.

2 questions:

My dad told me they say they use Zoom clutches. anyone heard of them? is that similar to oem?

Also, they told him that there were like 12 different clutches for my car and would have to look at mine to know which one. I seriously doubt GM used so many different applications on the car. Is this true?

wow 12 different clutches that what are not the same in basic design and bolt pattern??? It is part true, there are a LOT of different performance and OEM clutches for our cars. But they are all pretty much interchangeable. The LS7 being slightly differently based on needing the LS2 flywheel. Most all the other clutches are specific for LS1. I have heard the name Zoom before, but couldn't offer you any opinion on it. I haven't seen anyone with a Zoom installed. But I would have to say it can't be as bad as the CenterForce Dual Friction clutch. Like stated before, the cheapest way is for you to just order the components you need yourself, and then have someone install it. Thats what this board is for, we can point you in some directions to find what you need at an affordable price. Not the stealership purchase price.

**Speed Psychosis** · 02-26-2008, 04:43 PM

Originally Posted by TACE02

quick search pointed this one out: http://www.ws6project.com/user_stor/...oducts_id=1727
Zoom is suppose to be better than OEM, if its this one then it is an aftermarket performance clutch. Which isn't a bad thing, but it is definately a little more pricey. And how much were they wanting to sell it to you for?

they are the ones that said $1500 installed as long as cylinders don't need replacement. I think I will bring it to these guys (aarrow). only one complaint in last 3 years, a price/refund problem that was resolved. They seem to be a good company and better yet, they are a block away from the jaguar dealership. Thats good cuz then I can drive it there.

plus I have a $75 off coupon.