Topic: Clutch is a killer...
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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Not having driven any other manual transmission Vette's, I'm not sure if the clutch action on mine is normal or not. It certainly is a lot different than any other non-Vette manual transmission car I've driven!
The difference is that it takes a LOT of pressure to push the clutch in all the way. I'm talking to the point where it can be physically exhausting if I'm stuck in traffic and have to do a lot of shifting.
The clutch that is in there is the one that was in there when I bought the car in 1983. It works great - no slippage, no problem getting into gears, etc. It's just a beast to use!
I'm assuming that the original owner had it replaced at some point - but I'm not 100% sure.
Any thoughts on why it's so hard to push?
The difference is that it takes a LOT of pressure to push the clutch in all the way. I'm talking to the point where it can be physically exhausting if I'm stuck in traffic and have to do a lot of shifting.

The clutch that is in there is the one that was in there when I bought the car in 1983. It works great - no slippage, no problem getting into gears, etc. It's just a beast to use!
I'm assuming that the original owner had it replaced at some point - but I'm not 100% sure.
Any thoughts on why it's so hard to push?

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Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
sounds like you have a HD pressure plate..
this is generally a good thing..
i like them.. but they can be tiring in stop and go
the clutch pushes on the back of the pressure plate to disengage the clutch from the flywheel.. the pressure plate provides the resitance.. an HD pressure plate keeps the clutch from slipping if you have a torque monster.
this is generally a good thing..
i like them.. but they can be tiring in stop and go
the clutch pushes on the back of the pressure plate to disengage the clutch from the flywheel.. the pressure plate provides the resitance.. an HD pressure plate keeps the clutch from slipping if you have a torque monster.
Not sure what other cars/trucks you are comparing it to. Clutches in newer cars are hydrolic making them easier to push. My Dodge cummins has a 13 inch clutch with a hydrolic peddle and it is easier than my vette. Not sure what options are out there if you wanted to convert it.
--Eric
--Eric

L82M21 said: Not sure what other cars/trucks you are comparing it to. |
That's my problem - I don't have anything else to compare it to. I've driven other manual cars, vans, etc. but not another Vette with manual. The others were so much easier to push the clutch in.
I'm curious to see what other Corvette clutches on C3's are like. I'll have to hit a show or club meeting


Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
mine is stiff and takes alot of pressure..
i do have an HD pressure plate..
i do have an HD pressure plate..
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COLUMBUS, MS - USA
Joined: 1/11/2004
Posts: 331
Vette(s): 1972 Coupe; 350 4-speed with GM sidepipes;
Classic White/Saddle
Eric76 said:
That's my problem - I don't have anything else to compare it to. I've driven other manual cars, vans, etc. but not another Vette with manual. The others were so much easier to push the clutch in. I'm curious to see what other Corvette clutches on C3's are like. I'll have to hit a show or club meeting ![]() |
This is pretty much the nature of the beast. I've got the HD unit in mine, father-in-law has the HD unit in his '63 split-window. Both are a workout in traffic.
Two trucks I used to own (a '71 Ford F-100 and a 1980 Chevy half-ton) felt pretty much the same as my Vette. Ergonomically, the Vette may be a little worse beacuase of the angle of my leg and hip. Never felt these same pressures in trucks (very different hip/leg angle).
Hydraulic clutches are a whole 'nother world. Not the same ballpark . . . not even the same sport.
Don't sweat it. The required Herculean effort is normal. Why do you think all the auto manufacturers went away from it?
John

Hot Springs, AR - USA
Joined: 4/24/2004
Posts: 3236
Vette(s): 69 Conv #'s match 427, TKO-600/.64, 3.36HD-Posi, HT, T/T, PS, PB, PW, SP, Leather, Comp XE264HR & Roller Rockers & Lifters, Air-Gap RPM intake, Holley St Av 770 VS, MSD 6AL+Dist+Blaster SS, K&N, Jet-Hot Hooker Side-Pipes, Steeroids, Al Rad, Spal Fans
lumberjack said: Don't sweat it. The required Herculean effort is normal. Why do you think all the auto manufacturers went away from it? John |
I think lumberjack is right about the angle.. my truck has and HD PP and it doesnt feel as bad.. even my wife can drive it... she has to labor on the vette's clutch.
he is right... it is the nature of the beast.
I really dont like the softness of a hyd clutch.... I think it is the other extreme..
the only long term problem I can see is that you may look funny in shorts when your left leg looks like one of governor "ahnold"'s
Cool - thanks for all the feedback. There's comfort in knowing I'm not the only one struggling in traffic. Glad I don't have to do that daily anymore!
I'll just have to do a few extra reps at the gym with the right leg so it matches the left!
Even with the workout, I'm still glad to have a manual tranny!
I'll just have to do a few extra reps at the gym with the right leg so it matches the left!
Even with the workout, I'm still glad to have a manual tranny!

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Newark, CA - USA
Joined: 4/29/2004
Posts: 350
Vette(s): 1969 Corvette 4-speed ZZ-4 crate
Monza Red
You must have a H.D because my 69 is nice and soft...
in Forum: C3 Driveline Components
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