Hydraulic Clutch Set-Up
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
Hydraulic Clutch Set-Up
Just wondering if any of you are using a hydraulic clutch set up? If so, what do you like or dislike about it? I am considering the kit from Keisler, but was curious about how the clutch master cylinder mounts to the firewall and how the hydraulic lines are routed. Any photos that anyone can provide of their set-up would be appreciated and help me make a decision on whether or not to purchase. Thanks!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
I have had one in my car for a few years now. I have also installed a few units from Keisler in forum members cars. Their system is pretty straight forward on the install and I like the feel of the hyd setup over the mechanical linkage. There is no downside to this and all the ones that I have installed the people have been very satisfied with them. I made up my own setup using a Tilton MC. It has a little larger bore so the stroke is a little shorter but makes for very quick shifts. Takes a little getting used to due to the shorter throw but I like it that way.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 5,943
Likes: 61
From: Southern NH
I have one from American Powertrain. It works great but I hate the bracket they use to mount the cylinder to the firewall. If I was to do it again I would go with the Keisler setup. their mounting bracket is way better
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 1,691
Likes: 202
From: Loveland, CO
If going hydraulic, another thing to consider is if you want a slave cylinder that pushes on the stock fork system, or the type that replaces the throwout bearing.
I have the slave cylinder type attached to stock fork system on my FFR Cobra replica, and it's easy to replace and adjust. Had to experiment with master cylinder and slave cylinder size to get proper throw, but now I'm loving it.
With the throwout bearing type, I'm not sure what adjustment you have, and changing it can be a bear.
Just my comments. Ralph
I have the slave cylinder type attached to stock fork system on my FFR Cobra replica, and it's easy to replace and adjust. Had to experiment with master cylinder and slave cylinder size to get proper throw, but now I'm loving it.
With the throwout bearing type, I'm not sure what adjustment you have, and changing it can be a bear.
Just my comments. Ralph
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
I have had one in my car for a few years now. I have also installed a few units from Keisler in forum members cars. Their system is pretty straight forward on the install and I like the feel of the hyd setup over the mechanical linkage. There is no downside to this and all the ones that I have installed the people have been very satisfied with them. I made up my own setup using a Tilton MC. It has a little larger bore so the stroke is a little shorter but makes for very quick shifts. Takes a little getting used to due to the shorter throw but I like it that way.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 19,610
Likes: 778
From: Forked River NJ
Yes the throw is adjusted by pedal travel. There is a swivel on the rod from the MC to the pedal. My clutch pedal looks closer to the floor than most but that is all the travel that I needed. As for the cost I used a Tilton MC and got the bracket from Keisler. I was able to purchase this seperatly. I know now they will not do this. I am using an LS style throwout bearing so yes it should be able to be used with the other type of throwout bearing ones also. I made up my own lines for the system.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 10,956
Likes: 409
From: California
Yes the throw is adjusted by pedal travel. There is a swivel on the rod from the MC to the pedal. My clutch pedal looks closer to the floor than most but that is all the travel that I needed. As for the cost I used a Tilton MC and got the bracket from Keisler. I was able to purchase this seperatly. I know now they will not do this. I am using an LS style throwout bearing so yes it should be able to be used with the other type of throwout bearing ones also. I made up my own lines for the system.
and it should fit a TKO600? what $$ do you have in it? Thank you
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 912
Likes: 47
From: Kansas City MO
Thanks for the replies guys. Do any of you have any photos you can share of your set-up, like how the clutch master cylinder is mounted and how/where the reservoir is mounted or any other photos you can share? I am thinking I want to go the route which basically eliminates the entire mechanical linkage, clutch fork, bearing, z-bar, etc. For what I am looking to do, it seems that the Keisler kit is the way to go. Again, any photos would be helpful. Thanks
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
I used a clutch master designed for a '85 1 ton chevy pick-up. The angle is perfect for a 'Vette. I did however fab an adjustable rod from the pedal to the master. The price was right and is fool proof.
I also went with a slave mounted to a '85 1 ton 350 bell housing. I wanted to be able to adjust the travel of the fork as necessary. The bell housing sits between my stout 350 and a Ford WC T-5 5 speed but thats a whole other story...
I also went with a slave mounted to a '85 1 ton 350 bell housing. I wanted to be able to adjust the travel of the fork as necessary. The bell housing sits between my stout 350 and a Ford WC T-5 5 speed but thats a whole other story...