Clutch Spring Issue.....again

[TxOilMoney]

I've read many a post about GT350 (and GT) owners feeling the need to reduce the clutch spring tension or remove it altogether. In fact, it seems more have replaced it than have left it alone. I always felt that the tension isn't the issue, but rather the travel. I've owned at least 8 cars with manual transmissions, and almost all of them had a much stiffer spring. My '72 Corvette was ridiculously stiff. I did install the Steeda 35lb.er, and honestly it didn't seem much different to me. Still has too much travel for lightning fast shifts, IMHO. So I tried the no spring method and it seems to be a little better. Very little. What has been somewhat surprising to me, is that of all the reviews, test drive videos, and comparisons I've seen, I can't remember one professional driver complain about the clutch. I would think a pro driver would be the first to bitch about a spring or clutch issue. Has anyone else noticed this, or have I been doing too much "medicinal" lately?

Sponsored

 

[HizliBullet]

I noticed something with mine lately; sometimes I feel the spring gradually trr trr trr as it travels up Im not explaining it properly

 

[mattlqx]

The travel is a bit long, but I don't find it interfering with quick shifts. Ford tends to err on this side of long travel, the Focus is shorter but not by much. But I prefer it to some Toyotas I've driven with basically no travel. Ick.

 

[jasonstang]

I would prefer some travel with no travel. My Mazda RX-8 R3 had no travel. Very hard to go slow with an engine that almost has no toque.

 

[kairojya]

Eric I also wondered why no reviews mentioned it and yet nearly every owner I've met or talked to has mentioned it. I actually like the clutch pedal effort/travel/feel but I think I'm in the minority here lol.

Since I couldn't find a dealer that would let me test drive a GT350 before buying one, my friend let me drive his 15' GT to get a somewhat close comparison of the weight, size, and steering feel of the car. I remember liking his clutch pedal but I did find it a bit heavy and was worried about the GT350 since I planned on daily driving it (though I drive only 5k~ miles a year). After driving his car I got back into my Scion FR-S and kicked the clutch pedal to the firewall when trying to start it! I even got out and checked that I still had fluid in the master cylinder hahaha. I couldn't believe how heavy the GT was compared to my FR-S. After driving my GT350 off the lot I was very happy with how light the pedal was - hell it's even lighter than my 1.6 L Miata LOL!

Anyhow I'm curious to see what goes on in this thread..

 

[machsmith]

As long as it at least a slight improvement over the 13/14 GT500, i'll like it.

 

[GT_Dave]

What has been somewhat surprising to me, is that of all the reviews, test drive videos, and comparisons I've seen, I can't remember one professional driver complain about the clutch. I would think a pro driver would be the first to bitch about a spring or clutch issue. Has anyone else noticed this, or have I been doing too much "medicinal" lately?

If you watch one of the original reviews by Randy Pobst, he does comment that the clutch feels a bit light as he is driving on the track at Cuckwalla Valley.

 

[Minn19]

Eric I also wondered why no reviews mentioned it and yet nearly every owner I've met or talked to has mentioned it. I actually like the clutch pedal effort/travel/feel but I think I'm in the minority here lol.

Since I couldn't find a dealer that would let me test drive a GT350 before buying one, my friend let me drive his 15' GT to get a somewhat close comparison of the weight, size, and steering feel of the car. I remember liking his clutch pedal but I did find it a bit heavy and was worried about the GT350 since I planned on daily driving it (though I drive only 5k~ miles a year). After driving his car I got back into my Scion FR-S and kicked the clutch pedal to the firewall when trying to start it! I even got out and checked that I still had fluid in the master cylinder hahaha. I couldn't believe how heavy the GT was compared to my FR-S. After driving my GT350 off the lot I was very happy with how light the pedal was - hell it's even lighter than my 1.6 L Miata LOL!

Anyhow I'm curious to see what goes on in this thread..

Same here, I like the effort as well and haven't found it to interfere with with driving the car spiritedly.

I'm not sure if it is an issue with clutch travel length or what, but I haven't found the sweet spot yet for seating position. I've recently read another member say the same thing. I'm what I think is roughly average size, 5'11" and I'm either too far from the clutch or too close to the steering wheel. Right now I have the steering wheel pushed all the way in and the seat moved up to easily engage the clutch to the floor. Does Steeda or anybody make a clutch stop to shorten the travel? I haven't seen it mentioned or noticed any on vendors sites.

 

[montreal ponies]

Not gonna say that it was a night and day difference when swapping the OEM clutch spring to the 35lbs Steeda one, but it is a nice improvement in clutch feel.

It was worth the $20 investment in my case. I also did the same thing with my GT.

 

[krt22]

The biggest change with the steeda spring is the return throw, much easier to feather it now, it was like a light switch with the stock dual rate spring.

 

[Zitrosounds]

If you watch one of the original reviews by Randy Pobst, he does comment that the clutch feels a bit light as he is driving on the track at Cuckwalla Valley.

I love the clutch no complaints form stock unit.

GT Dave, a bit light or does he just say it is light? you will have to find the reference.

 

[Spa2k]

I've probably driven more than 100 manual-transmission cars, and the GT 350's clutch has a much different feel than any of them. However, I have had no problems adjusting to it. I sometimes wonder if people put too much stock in one or two Internet postings and start making changes before giving themselves the chance to learn the car. :shrug:

 

[Zitrosounds]

I've probably driven more than 100 manual-transmission cars, and the GT 350's clutch has a much different feel than any of them. However, I have had no problems adjusting to it. I sometimes wonder if people put too much stock in one or two Internet postings and start making changes before giving themselves the chance to learn the car. :shrug:

word of mouth marketing is amazing!

 

[TxOilMoney]

If you watch one of the original reviews by Randy Pobst, he does comment that the clutch feels a bit light as he is driving on the track at Cuckwalla Valley.

I always watch Randy's reviews so I must have missed it. I'm going to re-view his review later and look for it. Interesting though, he said it felt light yet the big number of swapped springs are for a lighter spring. Anyway, I'm used to it now. If you've ever driven an old Shelby or 'Vette without too much difficulty, you can pretty much adapt to any clutch. I was just interested in other opinions. Thanks all.

Sponsored