Longer Lever Lighter Clutch

[voxwagen88]

The clutch in my Blue Fox is heavy.
Even though the pressure plate is stock it has always taken a large effort to release the clutch.
Way more effort than on the Red car.
Even with a fresh cable and throw out bearing guide sleeve.
Different transmissions.
Different clutches.
Doesn't seem to matter.
The car has a heavy clutch.

In alaincopter's excellent Transmission and Clutch Swap DIY he mentions he is using a 1200 pound pressure plate and with that a longer clutch release arm.

He says "20.5cm is the most you can go without any problems clearing the subframe and maintaining good release travel. This is the same length as used for the same arm on brazilian Quantums, and on 91-93 Fox 4-speed transmissions."



Taking his cue, I had one made to 20.5cm.

Not too surprisingly the effort to push in the clutch is a lot less.
Still not as light as the Red car, but a lot less than it was.

Almost looking forward to the next time I'm stuck in 45 minutes of stop and go traffic.
(no. not really.)

Thanks to alaincopter for the inspiration.

[alaincopter]

Awesome, glad to inspire! Clean job too

One of the best mods to do to any Fox, I'd say. If it wasn't for this, my Fox would be near un-daily-driveable with that clutch.

When you installed your longer arm, did you feel like this length really was the maximum you could go or it could have been a bit longer? I felt that another half cm could work, but would risk needing to shave a bit off the tip which could make it weaker.

[QuantumSyncro]

It's also the same length as the Audi 4k 4 cyl transmission clutches. I tried to install it on the Fox to begin with when I put in the 5 speed / diesel, but what I found was that I couldn't get the clutch to disengage as much as I needed it to, so I went with what the Fox had originally.

I will admit that it's a very stiff clutch setup.

steve

[voxwagen88]

I would worry about getting the proper release if the lever was any longer.
It feels so different at 20.5cm.

[alaincopter]

Yeah I hear ya. My clutch is much less gradual than the stock, it's pretty much either on or off, so full disengagement comes sooner on the pedal feel.

[alice1212]

I felt that another half cm could work, but would risk needing to shave a bit off the tip which could make it weaker.