I've been in the process of changing out my clutch ... 1986 GT 3800SC w/Getrag. The clutch had started chattering I thought that it might be due to oil on the disc. Dropped/tilted the cradle and finally got it all apart yesterday. My theory was wrong ... 3 of the 8 clutch pucks that engage the flywheel were missing. I found the remnants of one wedged up behind the clutch fork shaft. Pics below.

Here's a shot of the disc side that's missing the segments. Apparently the remaining segments were still contacting the flywheel, but the exposed metal where the discs previously resided are not scored so the flywheel didn't suffer a metal to metal issue.


I didn't install this clutch when the build was completed and don't know anything about it's origin. Can anyone ID the brand/type of clutch from the pressure plate? I didn't find any manufacturing stamps or part numbers to reference. This was an older build so who knows what this might be.


Pressure plate trans side. A bit scuffed, but not grooved.


Flywheel has more scuffing, but doesn't appear to have blue hot spots. I'll be taking it to the machine shop Monday to see if they'll resurface or recommend a new flywheel.


This is the one segment that had become detached that was still in the assembly. Not sure what happened to the other two. Maybe they just got tossed around and chewed up into dust.


I ordered a Spec 3+ clutch assembly last night. Assuming that it will be a little bit better than what I'm removing.

Working on the clutch fork shaft. The bushings don't seem to have any excess play, but I'm going to try and lube it with some red crown grease while it's out. Also, any suggestions regarding the type of grease to use on the throw out bearing? The factory service manual references a GM grease part number 105344, but don't know what the equivalent might be. A web search indicated that this might be wheel bearing grease https://www.motor-talk.de/f...?attachmentId=694639

Centerforce clutch. The colors and the CF stamps all over are unmistakable. I have one in my trans am. Not too happy with it.

Thanks viperine. I'll update this post after I get it all back together. Ordered several parts so I probably won't be finished until late next week. Glad this isn't a DD.

Yep, it looks like a Centerforce. They were a big deal back in the 1990s... until people started to realize how crappy they are.

I haven't had very good luck with Spec clutches, either. But other people swear by them. In any case, the Spec 3+ should be better than the Centerforce.

My current "go to" brand for clutches is ClutchNet. But I don't know if they make anything for Fiero 3800 swaps.

[This message has been edited by Blacktree (edited 08-18-2017).]

quote Originally posted by viperine: Centerforce clutch. The colors and the CF stamps all over are unmistakable.

I had to look... and look... and look. Finally, I saw the CF on the rivets!

Topic update. I finally got the time to put the car back together. New Spec 3+ clutch assembly and had the flywheel turned. After an adventure experimenting with the incorrect factory flywheel bolt torque ... and purchasing a few sets of bolts in the process ... I finished it up this afternoon. I was very anxious to determine if everything went back together. Got the car down off the jack stands, started it up, depressed the clutch pedal and the engagement was very smooth. Great to finally drive the car again with a decent clutch. My one recommendation to anyone doing a clutch is to thoroughly lube the clutch fork shaft. Mine was binding somewhat so I flushed the bushings with solvent and then lubed with moly/graphite. Very smooth now. Also, the Spec 3+ is a great clutch IMO.