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Re: 5-speed conversions and clutch masters.

To: Phil Vanner <pvanner@pclink.com>
Subject: Re: 5-speed conversions and clutch masters.
From: Ulix Goettsch <ulix@u.washington.edu>
Date: Tue, 20 Jan 1998 14:27:45 -0800 (PST)
Cc: "Spridget List (E-mail)" <Spridgets@Autox.Team.Net>
In-reply-to: <01BD25B4.CECCA120@pm2-19.pclink.com>
Reply-to: Ulix Goettsch <ulix@u.washington.edu>
Sender: owner-spridgets@Autox.Team.Net
Phil Vanner asks:

> I am considering the Rivergate 5-speed conversion. And I have 
> a question for those who have done it. What clutch master are 
> you using (bore size) with what slave and how do you like it?  
> What is pedal travel/stiffness like? There are a few different 
> clutch master cylinders in Spridgets and  I wonder if the 
> Rivergate-supplied clutch slave is better suited to any 
> particular type. I know I have read somewhere of someone who 
> used a clutch slave from a ribcase, was this for cost or 
> performance? Just trying to figure out what I might be getting 
> myself in for.

I am using the later stand-alone clutch master as comes stock on my car
and the supplied slave.  I don't like it.  The pedal action is too
short/quick and a little stiffer than stock.  Care is required to take off
smoothly, but I got used to it.  I asked Bill Perry about it and he
responded:

> Try adjusting the clutch pedal so that there is a very small 
> amount of free play at the top of the pedal movement.  Not no 
> free play, just a very minimal amount.  This usually takes 
> care of the quick or heavy clutch complaints.  Just be sure to 
> monitor the free play to be sure it doesn't all disapear as 
> the initial clutch break-in proceeds.  I feel confident this 
> will make it OK.                   If it doesn't, Pegasus has 
> a 7/8 inch slave cylinder that can be used with a little 
> filling of the mounting holes.  I really don't think the 7.7% 
> reduction in pedal effort as compared to what you will have if 
> you adjust the pedal to engage near the top of the pedal 
> travel is worth the time and expence.

I readjusted, but my clutch was already adjusted as tight as I felt
comfortable with.  I told Bill that I had heared of someone adapting the
stock slave and he responded:

> Yes, we have tried using the original slave cylinder.. It can 
> be fitted by slotting out the mounting holes to fit the 
> transmission--not a huge job at all.  The problem is in 
> bleeding the hydraulics using this cylinder. Mounting it on 
> the left causes the bleeder to be on the bottom.. Therefore it 
> has to be unbolted and flipped over to bleed it, then 
> reinstalled.  So many people have a huge problem with cluch 
> hydraulic bleeding on the simple system so I hated to suggest 
> this as an alternative.  Try adjusting the pedal to near the 
> top first--If this doessn't get it done for you consider 
> another cylinder.  The real problems I have been able to 
> examine first hand with cluch pressures were on cars fitted 
> with a heavy duty pressure plate- unneeded in this 
> application.

I think a lot of people would be thankful if someone would do the research
to find a bigger slave cyclinder that fits.  I would be one of them.

    Ulix                                                    __/__,__        
.......................................................... (_o____o_)....
                                                           '67 Sprite


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