Rear Main Seal Replacement - Need Advice!

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">Just found out that I'll need a rear main seal replacement on my 7,500 mile 1996 GTS.

Question:

Is it worth replacing anything while the car is apart, considering the car has lead an easy life... no burnouts, no hill holding, etc. Is it worth replacing the clutch and throwout bearing so soon? I know many recommend an Aluminum flywheel install at this time, but is there anyone that has done it and felt it was not worth the expense? Is better deacceleration worth +$400?

Since the money well is not limitless, I'd rather do only what is fiscally prudent, but also don't want to miss an opportunity to upgrade if it makes sense.

Appreciate your cards and letters........ </FONT f>

 

[Newport Viper]

fly wheel is great! engine revs up quicker...

 

[David Jenkins]

Ron, the leak is probably not coming from the rear main seal itself, but from the gasket between the seal retainer and the engine block. The gasket splits at the lower left side usually. Not uncommon for a '96.(seal could also be defective) Make sure a new retainer gasket is used. Put the flywheel in now, you won't regret it, also install new flywheel bolts. dj

 

[Bill 96 GTS]

Is there any way to tell if a 96 has the bad oil pan. I need to have mine checked for rear seal or bad pan. I have a small oil weep. Any chance they will use the late style pan? Thanks.

 

[Ron]

<FONT face="Comic Sans MS">As I remember, if you clean the pan completely, then let the car sit for a while, a porous pan will develop an oil coating emanating from the lower sides and bottom, with no oil tracks from the top flange.

I would imagine they'd allow the use of a Y2K pan if you paid any difference plus paid for the required new windage tray. Jon B or Viper Wizard (Chuck Tator) could give you better advise on that than I.......</FONT f>