chenner

Greetings,

I picked up a restored '69 442 earlier this year and love everything about the car except for one thing - I get a bit of "shudder/chatter" when taking off in 1st (and reverse). I did a lot of research on "clutch chatter" and even had my tranny and motor mounts replaced on the car but my shop is telling me that they think it's simply my driving style that's the issue. They tell me that on these old cars you have to add more throttle when engaging the clutch and if I don't there will be a bit of shudder. Also the fact that it has a heavy clutch pressure plate probably plays a role.

This is the only classic car that I've ever driven and I'm using to engaging the clutch with little rpm when leaving the line.

Does this make sense for those of you who are experienced? Do you really need to give it more gas when leaving the line in first than you would with a later model vehicle?

RandyS

You may need to give it just a bit more gas, depending on the power of your motor, and your rear gears. That being said, clutch chatter is not normal on these cars. Your clutch chatter may be due to the pressure plate not engaging evenly, an unevenly worn disc, or the surface of the flywheel. Most likely the pressure plate.

oldcutlass

You may need to get used to what the car wants to get it going. While chatter can be caused by an oil leak contaminating the disc, not adjusted properly, a bad pressure plate, burnt flywheel, or as you stated your driving habits.

1of1442

Is the rear of the car stock height ? If it has been raised, pinion angle changes can induce chatter from a stop.

chenner

The car is stock height:



Okay, maybe I should take a step back from calling it "chatter" so as not to pre-diagnose this in case that's not what it actually is. It's a slight "shake" or "shudder" when engaging the clutch in first. It doesn't affect driveability but it's just annoying when expecting a smooth ride.

On late model cars when I drive off I'll bring the clutch to the point of engagement and then add enough gas to get it underway smoothly. When driving these older cars are y'all add more gas off the line than you would say a late model vette?

classicmuscle442

Try starting out with more gas and see if it improves, could need clutch adjustment.

BangScreech4-4-2

If it's been like this for awhile, a new clutch and resurfaced flywheel is probably in order.

Koda

May be able to see through dust cover hole on bottom of bellhousing. Have someone hit the clutch and look at the flywheel and clutch.

allyolds68

It's funny but I get that "chatter" or "shudder" in reverse but not in first. Makes no sense since the first and reverse gear ratios of the M20 are very close

chenner

Appreciate all the replies guys. Just got the car back and so far so good if I leave the line with more gas.

BangScreech4-4-2

Shouldn't really be necessary to rev it up too much to get it off the line smoothly. Every manual transmission V-8 car that I've owned would move from a dead stop in first at an idle. What RPM were/are you bringing it out at?

Allan R

That's a really nice looking ride! Are those 14" on the front and 15" on the back? Maybe just the camera angle but looks like different size wheels.

alain

IMO Just put a Center Force clutch assembly
Alain

chenner

I don't really look at the tach but just bring up the revs as needed until it "overrides" the shudder. Seems to work when I make an effort to do it.
I definitely can't leave the line like I did in my C7.

chenner

Thanks but it must be the picture. They are 15" all around.

chenner

That's what's in the car right now actually.

alain

How about the trow out bearing?Is it new?
Alain

Schurkey

I'd be looking at how the rear axle is mounted (i.e., rotted rubber bushings? No-Hop bars?) and ride-height. If I didn't see anything there, I'd be looking at the passenger-side engine mount.

72442conv

Do you know exactly what clutch disc is in there? People will buy all types of performance clutches, and some will have this issue. If the disc is solid with no springs, you will have chatter, also some disc materials will induce chatter. Unless there is a ton of modifications on this vehicles engine, as stock disc will be more than adequate.

chenner

This is the type of clutch that's in the car: https://www.summitracing.com/parts/ctf-df148552

My shop has looked over the entire car and thinks that it's the strong pressure plate that wants to grab when I'm engaging the clutch.

oldcutlass

When the clutch was replaced, was the pilot bearing in the crank also replaced?

Bernhard

Did the shop check the U joints?
It might sound stupid but I have had a u joint that showed no play give chatter like feed back.
It was not your typical worn U joint clatter or feed back.