Since I put in this trans, I have noticed the condition of my clutch slowly deteriorating.

At first it worked great no noise no nothing. I mean it's a new clutch (albeit the Kragens / Zoom MU56 I believe).

Then after a bit, when it was cold, it would make a sort of "groan" only when the clutch was released.

Now it is making noises like my motor is pinging (but it's not the motor - it runs grt) but the noise goes away / wont happen / if I rev it with my foot in the clutch.

Basically I think this is stemming from the fact that I did not get a chance to change the pilot bushing out, or get the flywheel resurfaced.

I think the noise on clutch release was due to the pilot bushing being wore out (it is brass) and it just deteriorated from there.

So I parked the 'ROC and ordered up a new "roller" type pilot bushing, plus I got a new Energy Suspension Trans Mount and Torque Arm mount to hopefully cure some of the vibration it was giving off at High RPM's as well.

Any thoughts / ideas / input? Any TGO member have a similar problem?

I'm going to open this thing up and post some pics ASAP.

 

Whenever the clutch is changed you are supposed to resurface the flywheel and if you don't it voids the warranty.
I have also used those needle bearing pilot bearings and have had nothing but problems and when I put replaced it with a bushing all the problems went away. Think about it..... where will the needle bearing get the needed lubrication later after some miles have been put on it.

 

I've heard mixed reviews on the roller pilot bushings.

I asked for the "heavy duty" replacement and got this one so...

I only have about 10K miles on this clutch too (fawk)