2000 SS launch trouble

[pandalove182]

The other day I was racing a mustang gt it looked like an 02. At about 5500 rpm I would get out of first and when I tried to put it into second. My clutch would stick. I dont know if the skip shift had something to do with that. But, after 2 lights I stopped trying to change gear at that high rpm. Needless to say I couldnt find the sweet spot and the mustang took me. I guess my question is, why couldnt I get into second? Also, if you have any suggestions or opinions to give me a better launch and help me find my torque band sweet spot, I am all open for suggestions.

2000 camaro SS
21,000 miles
6-speed
Borla exhaust
No other upgrades

thanks

[steddy2112]

Sounds like a throw out bearing issue to me.

You are saying at high load the clutch pedal would go to the floor and stay there?

[pandalove182]

it was more of an issue of moving the stick into second, it felt like the car wouldnt let me change gears into second, just like when the skip shift activates

[BackinBlackSS/RS]

It's not the skip shift causing this. There is something for sure wrong with the clutch or the transmission.

[Blownhotrodder]

Whens the last time you flushed your clutch fluid?

[Chocolate Apocalypse]

Is it just on the 1-2 shift?
At the very least I'd check the fluid in the clutch master cylinder and replace it if it's too dark. Also, make sure there is enough fluid. The stock hydraulics are terrible when it comes to quick, WOT shifting.
If that doesnt do it I'd suggest new hydraulics w/the drill mod. I did this on my last '99 Z and was still having issues on the 3-4 shift at WOT. The pedal would get very light and sometimes didnt want to shift. At the extreme is the Tick Performance master cylinder, everyone raves about it and if my current car was a stick, I'd have it. It's a little pricey but apparently is worth it.

[pandalove182]

Ive never had the clutch fluids changed, I figure the car is almost brand new. The bottom of it is spotless I wouldnt think it would need one. I heard from a friend that since I was changing gear into second from such a high rpm of 5500-6000, some cars have like a fall back safety block that wont allow you to rev any higher to keep the engine from getting destroyed. I want to say maybe I hit that point right before I shifted so that my it wouldnt go into gear. Im not sure, I also had that skip shift installed yesterday. Ive had the replacement part just havent gotten to it til now.

[Blownhotrodder]

I have the same year car and mileage and my clutch fluid was dirtier than I would have expected. Its brake fluid and absorbs moisture, I changed mine and would recommend doing yours too. Its easy to do and only take a couple minutes.

[TAG UR IT]

I will tell you FOR SURE that it is not a skip shift problem.

I don't know about changing your fluid or why it would be dirty in the first place.

Sometimes we let the clutch out too early in our shifts and it won't go into gear. Are you saying that your clutch was stuck in?...like, even though you released the pedal, the clutch would not let out?

[Blownhotrodder]

Okay, the vette and camaro clutch systems are similar and can suffer from the same issues. Read this to familiarize yourself with why I say to keep your clutch fluid changed.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c6-t...al-issues.html

[pandalove182]

The clutch was okay, im thinking maybe it was because it was 3am and I was tired that maybe that happened. But, then their would be my other question. If I get off the line in first gear without having my rpm high enough, could that mustang gt still take me? I notice that I dont even get into third gear yet when driving 50mph, when should I throw it into third? I guess my overall question now is...

With a stock 2000 camaro SS 6 speed when do I want to shift gears to hit that sweet spot without losing any speed? Also, maybe a brief explanation as to how you would do it?

[Blownhotrodder]

Shift around 6K rpm.

[7CAMARO7]

again not skip shift.

part of the problem is the stock clutch which does not take much abuse. If your issues are only at high rpms then it is the clutch and not hydraulics or t/o bearing. The hydraulics are fine being stock. Your's may need replacing due to age, but I doubt it unless your reservoir is lower than it is supposed to be. If it is, then you have a leak.

If you want to race and get on it a lot get that stock clutch out of there and check into a southbend stage 3 which is what I have. I still have stock hydraulics just like the 630hp dick harrell camaros and have no issues there. I suggest you skip adjustable master cylinders because they were a waste of time for me.

upgrade the clutch, buy some dot 4 brake fluid for your clutch and change the fluid in the reservoir when it starts to darken or at every gas fill up. If it ever turns black then it may be too late for you. When swapping fluid, use a rag to wipe out the cup too.

I've gone through 3 clutches. First stock one, 2nd was a clutchmasters with modded hydraulics, and three was another stock clutch with a adjustable master cylinder. Now I'm back on stock hyd. with a stage 3 southbend and with my fluid changes and couldn't be happier.

I don't think this has anything to do with your throwout bearing either.

You may want to check into the drill mod. I think it will help.

btw, that mustang better have been highly modded or I'm very ashamed of you...

[Mayhem Matt]

Originally Posted by pandalove182

The other day I was racing a mustang gt it looked like an 02. At about 5500 rpm I would get out of first and when I tried to put it into second. My clutch would stick. I dont know if the skip shift had something to do with that. But, after 2 lights I stopped trying to change gear at that high rpm. Needless to say I couldnt find the sweet spot and the mustang took me.

OH Hell no get back out there and redo that race!!! Handle business and get back and tell us that the mustang fell off a cliff or blew up or I don't know anything but letting the Blue oval win a BOWTIE!!!

On a serious note: I think it might be your throwout bearing, had a Nova that did that but all the time not just at higher RPMS and I had to replace it. Replaced the whole clutch set up as well since it was somewhat cheap...