C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Using the method that GM suggests takes less the 1 minute to remove or install this spring. I can't understand why people have such a hard time or have to build "special" tools when all you need is a 12" cresent wrench. Read the manual.

I agree, have done this many times and the adjustable wrench works just fine.

Dennis

[Clem Z.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Phil, If the spring, and most importantly, the clutch is adjusted correctly you shouldn't have any problem. I've raced many cars with diaphragm clutches shifting at over 6500RPM and never had one stick to the floor. A buddy was complaining of that problem but after a clutch adjustment, the problem was gone.

to set clutch pedal properly jack up the back of the corvette. put the trans in gear and have someone try and turn the rear wheels and while this going on you slowly push in the clutch. have the person turning the tire yell when the tires start to turn and you notice where the clutch petal is at the time. diaphragm clutches do not like to be over centered and this causes the sticking to the floor and that is what happens if the clutch pedal travels too far. i always install a pedal stop to prevent this from happening. we lost a clutch on the first pit stop at daytona because the pit crew did not do this after i told them.

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Jim, I had never heard that before I wondered why there was a problem. What is your recommended procedure to properly adjust a diaphragm clutch.
Thanks Phil

[John H.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

I had never heard that before I wondered why there was a problem. What is your recommended procedure to properly adjust a diaphragm clutch.
Thanks Phil

Phil -

The clutch adjustment procedure is in Section 6R in the ST-12; the objective is to end up with 1" of pedal free travel between the full-up position against the rubber bumper and the point where resistance is felt (throwout bearing contacting the clutch fingers) when the pedal is depressed - clutch type doesn't matter for this adjustment.

GM abandoned the old-tech three-finger coil-spring Borg & Beck-type clutch after 1962, and went to diaphragm clutches from then on. Passenger cars used a "flat-finger" diaphragm clutch with a long (1-3/4") throwout bearing, and they were prone to over-centering at high rpm at full pedal travel; Corvettes use a "bent-finger" diaphragm clutch with a short (1-1/4") throwout bearing, and over-centering isn't an issue with that design.

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

John, Thanks for the explanation I never knew what the reason for the pedal staying on the floor was. Then the idea of not using a "gorilla" spring is just to keep from wearing out your leg. I know mine was not hard to drive in traffic with the clutch spring that was installed, it is weaker than the original type. I will probably stay with that, as I do not need to give my leg a work out. I am replacing the clutch with LuK set that was recommended,
Phil

[Bill M.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

John, Thanks for the explanation I never knew what the reason for the pedal staying on the floor was. Then the idea of not using a "gorilla" spring is just to keep from wearing out your leg. I know mine was not hard to drive in traffic with the clutch spring that was installed, it is weaker than the original type. I will probably stay with that, as I do not need to give my leg a work out. I am replacing the clutch with LuK set that was recommended,
Phil

The OE gorilla spring is there to reduce the maximum force it takes to push the pedal to the floor. It takes more force to initially push the pedal, but when it goes over-center, it helps you push the pedal in.

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Who thought of putting a weaker spring on then, the spirng on my car was changed at least 15 years ago as I know the history since I have owned it. I have the engine out and will put it back in the next few months and will put the gorilla spring in if it is worth it, as we drive the car as much as possible and I am way on the other side of 20
Phil

[Bill M.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Who thought of putting a weaker spring on then, the spirng on my car was changed at least 15 years ago as I know the history since I have owned it. I have the engine out and will put it back in the next few months and will put the gorilla spring in if it is worth it, as we drive the car as much as possible and I am way on the other side of 20
Phil

I would (and will someday) re-install the OE spring. It was probably a big cost save when GM went to the diaphragm design pressure plate because the pressure plate was cheaper and they could eliminate the gorilla spring. Since you've got the gorilla spring, may as well use it...

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

My toughts on the "gorilla" spring are that if someone replaced the clutch with a flat finger type diaphragm clutch they may have a the problem of the pedal staying on the floor. If you have the correct style bent finger used in later corvettes and it is properly adjusted then the spring will not be an issue. Pedal pressure is more a function of the type of clutch disk that the spirng type installed. I think that I will go back to the "gorilla" type spring when I put the car back together. Thanks for all the inputs I think I have learned something here. Off to plow snow and maybe work on the car.
Phil

[Wayne S.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Hi Phil,
I am facing the same problem with this spring.
At the risk of asking a dumb question, what manual is Section 6R, ST-12 located in?
Thanks
Wayne

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Wayne, No matter what some may say there is no dumb questions. The ST-12 is the manual Corvette Servicing Guide. the 6R deals with the clutch. It spells out how to replace/adjust the clutch. This book is a must to have,as it covers early pre-63 Corvettes.
Phil

[Wayne S.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Thank you Sir.
I will get it.
Wayne

[Philip P.]

Re: C1 Clutch Spring (Gorilla)

Well I just installed the "gorilla spring", As Jim said it takes less than a munute. well a little longer as I had to make a brace to hold the spring while I put the clutch rod on. I cannot see why this became an issue, it was easy even for a 60+ guy under the car. Attached is my tool kit for the spring.

Phil

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