Reducing Clutch and Brake pedal throw

[prime]

I was wondering if the dealership can change the depth of the clutch pedal. Also the stiffness or feedback of the brake pedals.
Did anyone have this done? I've tried searching the forums to no avail. If not the dealership, even any auto shop.
I'm interested in getting this done and wanted to know if anyone had it done from here and hear their feedback before inquiring elsewhere. Upsides and downsides; feel free to share.

Thanks!

[Donutz]

I looked into the clutch question after driving a DC5. I found from researching that you can't adjust the clutch pedal; I'll try to dig up the info on why when I have some time. If you find out otherwise please share because I'd like to adjust mine!

I haz nothing to say about the brakes.

[TheMAN]

you can't adjust the pedals... why do you even want to adjust the clutch pedal anyway? that takes away your control!
if you want to stiffen up the brake pedal, then you need basic upgrades, like better pads, better fluid, and better brake lines

[prime]

That's what I figured for the brakes. Thanks!

As for the clutch height adjustment, it's mostly for personal preference I suppose. I've driven other MT cars and I find that my MZ3 has the longest throw compared to all of them. I found that it was able to shift easier(faster) with lower clutch height. I know I can improve my shifting speed with a short-throw shifter as well but I think a combination of both would be a better improvement.

The other cars I've tried out were the sportier version of their model so perhaps that's the reason. I've never had the opportunity to test drive a MS3 to compare with my MZ3. I would just like to reduce the amount of freeplay without the risk of increased clutch wear.

[bubba1983]

your clutch engages not that far after the end of your freeplay travel...you do not need to go all the way to the ground to change gears

practice clutchless shifting instead of using your clutch pedal

in the truck world, its not recommended to adjust the length of your linkage to shorten up freeplay...i can only assume the same carries over to the automobile world....

[Rob23]

if you want a more reactive clutch like the MS3 you'll have to replace you clutch plate itll be like 1600 with install hah. then your clutch will be more "on-off"

[Donutz]

For me I wanted to adjust my clutch similar to the feel of a DC5. The clutch in that car barely has any travel; from the floor while letting the clutch up it begins to engage almost immediately; when pushing the clutch in there isn't much travel. I have no problems driving my 3 and as noted above, I don't find myself pushing the clutch to the floor because it isn't necessary.

BTW anyone who pays $1600 for a clutch and install on this car is getting scammed! :)

[stevenma188]

Along those lines, I have a question. Is there anyway to make the clutch "lighter" (ie. less effort to push in the pedal)?

[Rob23]

For me I wanted to adjust my clutch similar to the feel of a DC5. The clutch in that car barely has any travel; from the floor while letting the clutch up it begins to engage almost immediately; when pushing the clutch in there isn't much travel. I have no problems driving my 3 and as noted above, I don't find myself pushing the clutch to the floor because it isn't necessary.

BTW anyone who pays $1600 for a clutch and install on this car is getting scammed! :)

i meant with an upgraded clutch plate, not just replacing your origonal clutch plate.

[Donutz]

Me too! You can get a lightweight flywheel, stage 1 clutch, fluid and install for well under $1600.

[Kappa]

i was wondering this same thing! my reason is i dont move my leg when i push the clutch in or well i dont like to move it much.. i just let the petal slide from the tip of my toe to the middle of my foot and have my heel placed in one spot on the floor i found it was a more steady way to release the clutch but i dont like the end play on it and when i drove a 2010 3 there was none of this... kinda bummed out that you cant change anything..

[Rob23]

i got a new clutch and install for $600
but my engine was out.

[r4BBiT]

I'm not sure about clutch, but considering its hydraulic and other peoples opinions, doesn't look like you can do it.

For the brakes upgrading to bigger brake booster and master cylinder would definately improve. Long time ago I saw really cool kit that combined booster with cylinder into one unit and yet it was still better than stock.

[prime]

I guess the only solution to both the brakes and clutch adjustment is a full hardware upgrade. No simple modification. Thanks for the replies guys.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

One easy way to improve the stiffness and feedback of the brake pedals is to get rid of the OEM rubber brake lines and run a good set of braided brake lines and also replace the OEM brake fluid with a good racing/synthetic brake fluid. You should notice a huge difference even on the stock brakes, but obviously, upgrading the pads and rotors will help also.

[Donutz]

I have Technafit ss brake lines, motul 650 racing fluid, hawk hps and racingbrake rotors. My observation is that the brakes engage more firmly so I feel sharper deceleration (G force) comparing same brake pressure being applied, before and after the upgrade. Actually it took me a few minutes to get used to it when I took off from Jim's. That said, I didn't see much, if any, change in the pedal characteristics, except that some of the spongeiness was eliminated at the end of the pedal stroke. I also observed that the brake fluid bottle flexes more with the ss lines.

Can someon else with upgraded brakes chime in? I was hoping for a firmer pedal and shorter pedal stroke when I upgraded my lines and fluid.

[Zoom Zoom Boy]

Jason,

What you describe is essentially what I meant. The engagement point is quicker and sharper and the feel is more linear and with less pedal/brake fade.

I don't think there is much of anything you can do to shorten the pedal stroke as such, but if someone knows, I'd love to hear it too.