Clutch Adjustment

[m4a1mustang]

I finally got to test drive a 6MT today and have some questions about the clutch pedal. On my old Mustang GT I could adjust the clutch action by pulling up on the pedal, then pushing it down as short or as far as I wanted it to go. The pedal would then operate the clutch within that range. Can I do this with the Z?

I noticed on my test drive that the car didn't begin to move forward from a stop until I had the clutch pedal released at least 75% away from the floor. I don't like that feeling at all. I prefer to have to press the pedal all the way to the floor. When I drove this I really only had to press the pedal just slightly to shift or to get off the line.

I hope I made sense with this post... I'll check the online manual in the meantime. Thanks.

[ssqpolo]

to my knowledge, you cannot adjust the pedals; but you can slide the seat back and forth (obviously) and the whole steering wheel and column move up and down so it wont hit ur knees. as for the clutch feel, its just like that...it will engage like 50-75% out, that way u dont have to push the clutch to the floor when shifting. U'll get used to it. =D

[m4a1mustang]

Originally Posted by ssqpolo

to my knowledge, you cannot adjust the pedals; but you can slide the seat back and forth (obviously) and the whole steering wheel and column move up and down so it wont hit ur knees. as for the clutch feel, its just like that...it will engage like 50-75% out, that way u dont have to push the clutch to the floor when shifting. U'll get used to it. =D

I guess I'll have to. It was VERY weird because I was trying to work it then I'd hit a bump on a shift and slam the pedal all the way down again. Mind you I haven't driven a manual transmission since I sold my Mustang back in '06, so that probably has something to do with it.

I'll definitely get used to it, though. I love this damn car!!!

[ssqpolo]

we all do man. that's why we're here! lol. enjoy the car

[inTgr8r]

I haven't seen the pedal setup yet, but if it's anything like my 08 G35....
Yes, it is possible to adjust.
I have a DIY posted on a G35 forum that worked GREAT...
FWIW, I'll post it here for you to look at.
BUT, there may be a few differences.

It would be great if you'd check it out & let us know!!!!

[inTgr8r]

...

Originally Posted by InTgr8r

OK guys.....
After playing with spacers & double sided tape to minimize clutch pedal travel. (as per the other fix thread)
I came up with a more mechanically sound fix, that gives you adjustment capabilities.

NOTE: This is specific to the 2nd Gen 6MT, our pedal setup is a little different than 1st Gen.

First off after driving with & loving the R&D spacers for a week;
I took them out for the more permanent fix.
With them out, I went for a short drive...... OMG it was AWFUL!!!!!
I couldn't wait to get the fix done.

Most of the explanation is right on the pics....
But basically I replaced the spacers with threaded stem guides from Home depot.
They're made for furniture/table legs for leveling them.

In addition to being much more mechanically sound,
the BIG benefit to these is adjustment capabilities.
You can get the pedal position EXACTLY where you want it.

Initially I was going to tap a thread into the back plate, but decided it was much easier to just stack a couple of 1/4" fender washers as spacers.
Fender washers are available in various gauges (thickness) but are nominally about .05"

On my car I tried two, but then took one out to get a tad more travel.
With this set up I now LOVE the clutch in my G.
This setup gave me that added adjustment that spacers & D.sided tape couldn't provide.
The clutch is now consistent, time after time after time.

...probably the most tricky part of this mod is drilling the hole in the back plate.
It's hard to get the drill @ 90° to surface, so it is want to walk away.
It is imperative to get a GOOD center punch mark and then start with a small bit.
(the smaller the drill the better as well)

Good luck & enjoy....
This is easily the best mod I've done to the car!!!!

(sorry for the quality of some of these pics, I only had my cell cam at the time)

The parts....


OEM Before.....


Mark the drill hole.....


New stops installed, showing travel....


Bottom of travel showing stops mated to pedal....

[m4a1mustang]

Thanks. Looks interesting.

Can anyone check to see if the pedal setup is similar on the Z?

[370er]

Originally Posted by ssqpolo

as for the clutch feel, its just like that...it will engage like 50-75% out, that way u dont have to push the clutch to the floor when shifting. U'll get used to it. =D

I am just learning manual for the first time after driving auto for 7 years. My left foot actually has to do something now. You say you don't have to push the clutch to the floor to change gears but in the manual it says something like 'depress the clutch fully when changing gears'. At the moment i'm having trouble getting it moving smoothly in 1st gear. After that I can do things reasonable smoothly. Just that the clutch has a lot of travel on it so when I push it to the floor and start letting it out I have trouble doing it smoothly. Any tips for a newbie?

[Modshack]

Originally Posted by 370er

Any tips for a newbie?

Practice.....

[Blown32]

Originally Posted by 370er

I am just learning manual for the first time after driving auto for 7 years. My left foot actually has to do something now. You say you don't have to push the clutch to the floor to change gears but in the manual it says something like 'depress the clutch fully when changing gears'. At the moment i'm having trouble getting it moving smoothly in 1st gear. After that I can do things reasonable smoothly. Just that the clutch has a lot of travel on it so when I push it to the floor and start letting it out I have trouble doing it smoothly. Any tips for a newbie?

Well in your above statement lies your answer.'Depress the clutch fully" is not the same as "depressing the pedal fully".The pedal "only has to be pressed enough to "disengage the clutch".It is at that point that you need to depress.. "no further".So when you find that sweet spot that is as far as you have to push in everytime you shift and when you are at a stop.When you slowly release the pedal from that point the clutch starts to engage and the vehicle starts its forward motion.Once you fully release the pedal the clutch is fully engaged.Thats why it is important to get the feel of the pedal so once you begin to release you follow through smoothly releasing without hesitation because if you hold half way you are causing the clutch to slip some and that makes heat therefore after some time you will burn the clutch causing it to slip.Also DON'T start a bad habit of leaving your foot on the clutch pedal once in your final gear.A very simple process that practice makes perfect.
Good luck and hope I have explained so you can understand.

[6spd]

anyone looked into doing this on the Z? i cant imagine it being much or any different.