Does the clutch fake you out?

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by hmong337

A lot of my issues have to do with the drive by wire too.

I think this is true for me too. I'm used to the clutch, but the throttle pedal has a dead spot in the first 5% of movement.

[Wepeel]

The clutch is weird. I'm not so sure if it's a travel issue more than it is a feel issue - it has kind of an ambiguous engagement. I put in a thicker clutch stopper that doesn't let the pedal travel much once it completely disengages. This makes it quite a bit better. Still not a lot of feel but at least I know it starts engaging almost immediately once I lift off the pedal.

[hmong337]

Originally Posted by DarkSunrise

I think this is true for me too. I'm used to the clutch, but the throttle pedal has a dead spot in the first 5% of movement.

Yes! I just can't seem to get the pedal modulation right for a smooth gas/clutch release. I'm still inconsistent with driving smoothly. This is my first DBW car and I absolutely hate it. All the older style cars like my mr2, I'm super smooth. Drive-by-cable ftw!

[DarkSunrise]

Originally Posted by hmong337

Yes! I just can't seem to get the pedal modulation right for a smooth gas/clutch release. I'm still inconsistent with driving smoothly. This is my first DBW car and I absolutely hate it. All the older style cars like my mr2, I'm super smooth. Drive-by-cable ftw!

Agree I loved having throttle cables on my old cars. Made smooth take-offs and shifts much more intuitive, especially heel-toe in normal street driving.

I feel like with the 5% dead-zone on the FR-S, I'll "heel" the throttle slightly and get nothing. Then push the throttle slightly more and get too much response for the downshift.

[flippy]

i dont know if this is what you guys are talking about but have any of you guys tried this?

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8040

it adjusts the clutch pedal so there is less travel and you dont need to push in as far as before. I tried it and it works well.

[JPFr-s]

Originally Posted by wparsons

Everyone having issues with driving smooth, have you tried adjusting the seat slightly? Maybe it's just your seating position throwing you off.

I don't find it hard at all to drive these cars smoothly, even in sandals or big heavy hiking boots.

I'm with you. I've got 28k on the ticker and can't remember stalling it once. Pretty easy clutch to master in any type of footwear...

[Phantobe]

Subbing to this thread for sure!

This is my first manual but it feels odd to me, I did the clutch pedal adjustment so that the brake & clutch are pretty much parallel to each other. I grew up on motorcycles have been riding since I was 16 (legally on the road) so I fully understand how to drive a manual.

Still though even with less dead travel, the "feel" isn't there for me & as others have mentioned that deadzone on the gas pedal doesn't help either. I'm still kinda frightened by hills lol, I can't imagine parallel parking on a very steeply inclined street in LA.

Unsure about removing the clutch spring, I feel as if I may regret it because you can get stuck in traffic a lot down here.

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

No, it's nothing like that. When I first got the car, I rambled about adjusting it so I could roll through engagement pivoting on my heel. I get a strong read from those responding in kind that we all are used to a much narrower engagement arc (window, whatever it's called).

My gut says a lot of clutches are getting fried because of this.

My list of MT cars driven is pretty short, but I have never driven a car with a clutch that operates as you describe (pivot off the heel) and the Toyobaru is among the shortest clutch travels I've experienced. What car are you comparing this to?

I've driven cars with longer travels, cars with engagement points just off the floor and cars where the clutch pedal is just a formality that isn't always required.

All in all, every car is going to 'feel' different, I just adjusted to it and I really don't have many complaints, maybe if I drive something like you speak of I'll change my tune. My only complaint is that there isn't much feedback once you hit the engagement point, you really have to be looking for it.

If I was going to change one thing about this car it'd be drive by wire, but now that I'm thinking about it I have a hunch that you need it for D4-S...

Edit: For clarity I haven't changed anything about my car since I got it, I could foresee adjusting the pedal closer to the floor but a prior experience of the hydraulics failing and excess clutch travel giving me just enough clutch action to bump it home in rush hour traffic has me not in a rush to change it.

[continuecrushing]

easy to drive, yes.

Easy to feel? F no

I hate the clutch in this car. There's about as much feeling from the clutch in this car as poking at the pedals with a broomstick.

As far as a clutch delay valve/type thing I dont think there is one. I just think the slave is too big, or the master is too small.

@Phantobe
After removing the spring, it does get stiffer...but you get used to it very quickly. Never once after removing the spring have I got into my car and thought, "gee, the clutch pedal sure is stiff"

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

My list of MT cars driven is pretty short, but I have never driven a car with a clutch that operates as you describe (pivot off the heel) and the Toyobaru is among the shortest clutch travels I've experienced. What car are you comparing this to?

I've driven cars with longer travels, cars with engagement points just off the floor and cars where the clutch pedal is just a formality that isn't always required.

Pretty short list of hoopties I've owned but I've driven many types and sizes. Come to think of it, I've driven a couple trucks with clutches that feel like the Twin, where it will drag through a looooong arc and then grab at the very last few degrees.

Originally Posted by strat61caster

All in all, every car is going to 'feel' different, I just adjusted to it and I really don't have many complaints, maybe if I drive something like you speak of I'll change my tune. My only complaint is that there isn't much feedback once you hit the engagement point, you really have to be looking for it.

I think we're on the same page and I'm just being a ninny about it. Just so annoying because it keeps tricking me!

Originally Posted by strat61caster

Edit: For clarity I haven't changed anything about my car since I got it, I could foresee adjusting the pedal closer to the floor but a prior experience of the hydraulics failing and excess clutch travel giving me just enough clutch action to bump it home in rush hour traffic has me not in a rush to change it.

Yup. Bound to happen. I've always defeated the clutch switch so I can start the car in gear and shift old-school.

Anyhow, thanks to everyone who responded. I know there have been lots of discussions on the topic but none have really addressed the possibility of changing the "gearing" of the clutch pedal. I'll share if/when I get around to tinkering.

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by Shutter

easy to drive, yes.

Easy to feel? F no

I hate the clutch in this car. There's about as much feeling from the clutch in this car as poking at the pedals with a broomstick.

As far as a clutch delay valve/type thing I dont think there is one. I just think the slave is too big, or the master is too small.

@Phantobe
After removing the spring, it does get stiffer...but you get used to it very quickly. Never once after removing the spring have I got into my car and thought, "gee, the clutch pedal sure is stiff"

Thank you! This isn't over. Grrrrr!!!

[strat61caster]

Originally Posted by Ultramaroon

Pretty short list of hoopties I've owned but I've driven many types and sizes. Come to think of it, I've driven a couple trucks with clutches that feel like the Twin, where it will drag through a looooong arc and then grab at the very last few degrees.

So you're hunting for something you've never experienced?

[Ultramaroon]

Originally Posted by strat61caster

So you're hunting for something you've never experienced?

No. Sorry. Maybe I wasn't being clear. Just about every other car I've driven, bike I've ridden, had a much narrower arc between touch and full engagement, cable or hydraulic, doesn't matter. I've been able to adjust all my vehicles to my liking without ever messing with the pedal-to-throwout ratio. (I'm sure there's a term for that).

I want that feeling back! There's no excuse for this, of all cars, to have a mushy clutch.

Edit: Here's my list again: 75 beetle, 76 Chevette, 78 B210 hatchback, 70 240Z, 91 Eclipse

Should I also mention the Ferguson TO-30 tractor and the 61 beetle my dad gave me to drive around when I was 9? (just some background)

[vividracing]

Id have to agree these are one of the more unusual clutches I have every driven...