After reinstalling rebuilt SBC and new clutch, PP and having flywheel ground when taking off in 1st and any shift to higher gear the whole car shakes and shudders till clutch is completely engaged. Made sure I didn't have any grease or oil on disc or flywheel. Checked adjustment and OK. The old stock clutch had no problems at all. Any ideas? Thanks

Be totally sure your engine and rear trans mounts are in good shape and tight. If this is all in good shape, try slipping it hard a couple of times in 3rd. or 4th. to get any glazing off the surfaces. Have you called the vendor to see if all the components are right for thr application? Nothing spoils you like a smooth - hard biting clutch.

Just out of curiosity did you check to see that the pilot bushing/bearing was in the end of the crankshaft and if it was was it in good shape?


The pilot bushing receives the snout of the transmission input shaft and also properly aligns the clutch disc which rides on that shaft. If the input shaft and clutch disc are out of alignment due to a missing or worn pilot bushing the shudder you complain of is guaranteed.

One more thing from experience, make sure you don't have a bent trans. shaft or bad trans
shaft bearing. This could have happened easily if you've ever removed or installed the trans
and briefly let it "rest" unsupported before continuing to pull or push it from the bell
housing.

I used to have a 69 camaro that shuttered when letting out the clutch even though I
replaced everything else (disc, resurfaced pressure plate, pilot bearing, throw out bearing
etc.).

Charles

left motor mount is the usual suspect here. Did you block the back of the engine up while you were pulling the tranny?