Clutch Precautions

I bought an Ecotec LSJ Clutch Upgrade Kit 19212712 and new flywheel From Crate Engine Depot and installed it on My 2005 Cobalt SS with 105960 miles on my stock clutch, but only to have a big Vibration.

Upon inspecting all the new components after removing them I noticed the pressure plate had about a 1/8” play on the alignment pins where it could allow you to install it out of balance, causing a big vibration.
Here is a link to a video of how much play is in the pressure plate and flywheel

http://vid1369.photobucket.com/album...psvernlzf2.mp4

So after talking to Tom and ether having to return it, or trying to use dial indicator to center the pressure plate I found an easy fix so I wanted to post it for others.
I took a simple bic pen not one that clicks just a simple straight pen and removed the outer tube and it worked for the purpose of alignment while bolting up the pressure plate.




I installed the bic pen tube over the alignment pins then the pressure plate went over the tubes and held the pressure plate perfect and true, I bolted up the pressure plate as instructions and then removed the tubes I made.
Here is a link to the video of the tubes installed with the pressure plate and flywheel.

http://vid1369.photobucket.com/album...ps7tfpbwl6.mp4

Now I have no vibration and my new clutch installed, I want to thank Tom at Crate Engine Depot for all his help.

I only wish I noticed it upon the initial installation as I had to remove the tranny twice

Also thanks to this site for people who post how to PDF and videos on tranny removal and bleeding the clutch it was a big help, as I have the service manuals but for anyone that has them they know it jumps from one book to the other making it a chore just to find the proper directions!