How hard should it be?
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 35
Likes: 0
From: Galveston Texas
How hard should it be?
How hard is it suppose to be to push the clutch pedal? I recently got an 87 vette and i find it somewhat silly difficult to push the clutch pedal in compared to my old car (97 saturn). When i take the saturn for a drive i almost rip a hole in the earth after being so use to pushing the vette pedal. If its normal , i guess i will just end up with a huge left leg.
Also, i find i am having a harder time to shift into gears. When i got the car a few days ago the gears shifted flawless. I am beginning to think that the two are linked and I will be checking the fluids in a bit because i have a feeling something is leaking after finding some fluid on the driveway...
The car was a gift to me, so I cant argue hehe!
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My apologize for the double posting. If someone can remove my original post in the general section i would be thankful.
Also, i find i am having a harder time to shift into gears. When i got the car a few days ago the gears shifted flawless. I am beginning to think that the two are linked and I will be checking the fluids in a bit because i have a feeling something is leaking after finding some fluid on the driveway...
The car was a gift to me, so I cant argue hehe!
--
My apologize for the double posting. If someone can remove my original post in the general section i would be thankful.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,174
Likes: 125
From: Dunstable MA
St. Jude Donor '05
Welcome to the fold. The vette clutch is going to require more force, but it should not be overly difficult to push the pedal down. The shifter can be uncooperative at times.
Check the reservoir on your clutch master cylinder to make sure the fluid is up to the proper level. Then pull the hush panel from under the dash on the driver's side to see if the plastic bushing at the pedal pivot point is in place. If both of these check out okay, go to the gym and start doing leg presses.
It is also possible, however, that it is time for new clutch. Hope that is not your issue.
The best way to get the shifter to cooperate is to make sure you press the clutch all the way down. Seat adjustment plays into this.
You will gradually become able to make the adjustment between the two cars; your body has to learn to do it. I once borrowed a friend's truck for a few days to move some furniture, and when I returned it and hopped into the little four cylinder I had at the time, I was almost unable to drive it for a while because of what you are talking about.
Check the reservoir on your clutch master cylinder to make sure the fluid is up to the proper level. Then pull the hush panel from under the dash on the driver's side to see if the plastic bushing at the pedal pivot point is in place. If both of these check out okay, go to the gym and start doing leg presses.
It is also possible, however, that it is time for new clutch. Hope that is not your issue.The best way to get the shifter to cooperate is to make sure you press the clutch all the way down. Seat adjustment plays into this.
You will gradually become able to make the adjustment between the two cars; your body has to learn to do it. I once borrowed a friend's truck for a few days to move some furniture, and when I returned it and hopped into the little four cylinder I had at the time, I was almost unable to drive it for a while because of what you are talking about.
Pro
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 663
Likes: 1
I have no trouble with my 88 vette (original) clutch. I've only got 29000 miles on it but it works well, as does the shifter.
You didn't say how many miles are on the car or on the clutch - but mine grabs about 1/2 way down. If your's does't have more play, maybe you need a new one.
-Barbara
You didn't say how many miles are on the car or on the clutch - but mine grabs about 1/2 way down. If your's does't have more play, maybe you need a new one.
-Barbara
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 16,024
Likes: 0
From: Stratford Ontario
My vettes pedal is definitely more firm than the clutch pedal in my wifes old Saturn. If everything is working I wouldn't sweat things too much.
The hard shifting could be a sign that it is time to change the trani fluid. It cleared up the problem in my car anyway.
The hard shifting could be a sign that it is time to change the trani fluid. It cleared up the problem in my car anyway.
Last edited by -=Iron Mike=-; Jul 4, 2006 at 07:08 PM.
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 202
Likes: 16
Originally Posted by noreason
How hard is it suppose to be to push the clutch pedal? I recently got an 87 vette and i find it somewhat silly difficult to push the clutch pedal in compared to my old car (97 saturn). When i take the saturn for a drive i almost rip a hole in the earth after being so use to pushing the vette pedal. If its normal , i guess i will just end up with a huge left leg..
It should be stiffer than a saturn. The pressure plate must be stronger to hold up against the higher HP. You could install the saturn clutch kit (requires drilling & machining) & the pedal would press in easier, but it would only last a few miles.LOL (J/K)
Originally Posted by noreason
Also, i find i am having a harder time to shift into gears. When i got the car a few days ago the gears shifted flawless. I am beginning to think that the two are linked and I will be checking the fluids in a bit because i have a feeling something is leaking after finding some fluid on the driveway...
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