Home / Ariel Atom / Improvements / Trans/Clutch Upgrades 28
Installation of a clutch upgrade with the engine out.My original clutch just wasn't what it used to be so I installed a GM Performance Parts clutch, #19212712 (purchased from Crate Engine Depot).
- transmission
The Atom uses a Getrag F35 transmission. - view of trans in car
Looks like there's no replacing this clutch the easy way - by just separating the trans from the motor in place. - starting disasssembly
The motor has to be pulled. I started by removing the air intake & filter, trim panels, coolant resorvoir, coolant lines, lower exhaust, rear coilovers, and axles. - view above trans
Here's a view above the trans showing the supercharger inlet, oil cooler and lines, and shifter linkage. Lots to remove. - supercharger removed
The fuel rail & injectors came out, and then the supercharger could be removed. - view from above
Disassembly is coming along, but there's still more to go. - almost ready to remove
The header and shield were removed, and the motor mounts were all that remained. - frame protectors
I made pieces from several sizes of PVC pipe which will protect the powdercoated frame. - fitting one of the frame protectors
This was a great idea suggested by another Atom owner (thanks Bolus). - trans/engine larger than opening
The trans extends into the frame area and under one of the main tubes and the engine/trans will have to be tilted to get it to clear. - hoist and leveler
A load leveler was needed on the hoist to tilt the motor/trans so the trans would clear the driver's side frame tube. - and it's out
It took only 5 minutes to lift the engine out. It was disassembly of everything else that took way too much time. - view after removed
Here's a view of the fuel tank, ECU, and coolant lines for the supercharger's cooling system (which is a separate system from the motor's cooling system). - a needed photo
For everyone who goes through the work of pulling their motor, this is a required photo. - new clutch info sheet
Info sheet for replacement clutch from GM Performance Parts, #19212712 (purchased from Crate Engine Depot). - friction surface - new on left
Upon disassembly, the old clutch disc didn't appear worn - it must just have been badly glazed. - outer housing - new on left
My prior Atom clutch was likely whatever came stock in a Chevy Cobalt SS or Saturn Ion Red Line. Over time, I felt more and more slip from the stock unit. - pressure plate - new on left
Heat discoloration was easily visible on the old pressure plate and flywheel surfaces. - installing flywheel
I had the flywheel resurfaced by a local machine shop and it was then reinstalled. - flywheel bolts
New flywheel bolts were used and the proper torque yield was applied. - clutch installed
The clutch installation onto the motor was completed, and the throwout bearing in the trans housing was also replaced. - motor back in
Getting the motor back in the car was fast, but getting everything reinstalled and the bugs worked out took a lot of time. Here's a shot of my one-man clutch bleeder tool (push the pipe to press the pedal). - gear lever roll pins
As preventative maintenance, the trans lever roll pins were replaced with hardened stainless pins (addresses this problem). - safety wired pins
The new roll pins were also safety-wired to the levers so that they can't back out. - venting the trans
To fix trans fluid under pressure being forced out of it in an unexpected location, I'll be venting the trans to the existing oil catch can (more info here).