I am looking at getting an 01 duramax in the near future, and i have heard lots of good things about the allison, but would like to know more about the 6-speed manual that is also an option. Is it prone to any problems? Is the fuel economy improved? Is it cheaper to buy one with a manual then with an automatic? Any other comments about your experiences would be great thanks.

The transmission is great, its the clutch/flywheel setup(mainly just the flywheel) that has been know to give quite a bit of trouble, and yes manuals usually are a bit cheaper

The ZF-6 is definately less than the allison trucks. Another bonus is the alli upgrades can run upwards of $4K vs ZF-6 upgrades run no more than $2K so the great thing about the ZF-6 is you can put the grand or two you save in alli tranny upgrades into more go fast toys! Fuel economy is a little better but is minimal only due to the final gear ratio and less HP/TRQ loss. Bottomline, drive'em both and you decide if you like shakin hands or kick'in back with the auto! Me...I'll shake hands over kick'in back anyday!

Is there an aftermarket flywheel/clutch combo that solves this problem?

coming soon

Now by solving the problem do you mean that a person can put just as much performance into his/her truck as the same with an automatic? And of course not having anymore issues?

Now by solving the problem do you mean that a person can put just as much performance into his/her truck as the same with an automatic? And of course not having anymore issues?

Absolutely!! You just won't go as fast in the 1/4 mile, but on the dyno's and truck pulls they are second to none when a good dual disk clutch and single mass flywheel are used.

sweet I am a fan of the manual trannys and now to find out that I can add lots of power and still have a clutch. I am hooked! where do I sign?

Well if you interested in a clutch kit then I'll have a double disk kit available hopefully in the next couple of weeks if everything goes according to plan. I'll put you on my update list if you'd like, that way when your ready to get a SBC clutch kit I can get one right out to ya.

If you have questions about pricing or clutch info just shoot me a PM, I'll be more than happy to help.

Cheers,
Wade

Is there an aftermarket flywheel/clutch combo that solves this problem?

Talk to OSUDuramax at crankitupdiesel.com he just installed mine and I couldn't be more thrilled with its' performance!:ro)

I currently have the allison w/ a few mods, but I do plan to go buy a Duramax with a 6 speed now. Ballpark, what kind of money would you say I am going to shell out?

How easy is it to change the clutch in one of these trucks? I have changed lots of clutches in my life time.

Thanks, IBDMAX'IN

I currently have the allison w/ a few mods, but I do plan to go buy a Duramax with a 6 speed now. Ballpark, what kind of money would you say I am going to shell out?

How easy is it to change the clutch in one of these trucks? I have changed lots of clutches in my life time.

Thanks, IBDMAX'IN

For the double disk clutch kit with two 6 puck clutch disks, High Performance Pressure plate and solid billet steel flywheel your looking at $1795 for the whole shebang. Or if you want something a little more conservative you could buy a single disk clutch kit with a Cast SMF that will hold some pretty impressive power for around a $1000. The single disk kits have not been made yet but will be in the works in a short period of time.

As for the install, if you've done clutch install's before then this should be a walk in the park, the only thing is it's a little time consuming the first couple of times you do it, after that you can fly through a install pretty quick. Myself and a few others will be writing up a complete install article and I'll be taking it a step further with something else that will help everyone greatly. Of course if you need any help with the install you can always give me a call on the cell and I can walk you through any problems. 303-931-0674.

Hope this helps!!

Cheers,
Wade

****, I paid $5000 to get my allison up so speed. For $1800 I can get a manual to hold up the same, dealership here I come. When would I be able to get a hold of one of these clutch kits?
Thanks IBDMAX'IN you have been nothing but help.