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2003 gt, clutch pedal stiffness.

  • Thread starter Thread starter 2003 mustang gt modded
  • Start date Start date Feb 15, 2026

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
Feb 15, 2026
#1
  • Feb 15, 2026
  • #1
Hi, instruction don’t specify if car needs to be running or not while adjusting adjustable clutch cable. I have three sinerios, cold is stiffer, while running it softens up lil bit and while operating temperature it’s even softer. So should I do at operating temperature and put a scale on the pedal?

03 new edge, ram power grip clutch.
 

squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
2,276
367
164
Joplin, Missouri
Feb 16, 2026
#2
  • Feb 16, 2026
  • #2
How old is the cable. If it's old and heating up/stretching it's time for a new. There should be minimal difference between cold and operating temp feel. (yes it'll heat naturally but not enough tot take it out of adjustment)
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,255
17,939
224
Massachusetts
Feb 27, 2026
#3
  • Feb 27, 2026
  • #3
Cable would be where I would start.

Could have grease that thickens up when cold and becomes more fluid when engine warms.
 
C

ctandc

5 Year Member
Oct 28, 2017
71
57
28
Feb 27, 2026
#4
  • Feb 27, 2026
  • #4
It's a cable clutch - it's never going to be anything like a hydraulic - but I'm sure you know that.
OEM cables are unobtanium. I ended up with the "Ford Performance" version. It's been okay.
You can try lubing the cable with powdered graphite. I've used it with success on several cable clutch cars. My cable was actually failing.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
Apr 16, 2026
#5
  • Apr 16, 2026
  • #5
I’m not sure how I would get the graphite to lubricate the whole cable, maybe there is a technic for that. Could I oil it?

I using new BBK cable now and I have the clutch pedal pretty stiff. I turn the aluminum adjuster until it’s hard to turn by hand. And several times it was getting loose and I had to add a turn.

Right now it’s hard to go into 1st and reverse when car isn’t warmed up, when warmed up she shifts well.

I have scales and going to measure how many lbs it takes to move the pedal 3/4”.
 

Mustang5L5

That is…until I whipped out my Bissell
Mod Dude
Feb 18, 2001
43,255
17,939
224
Massachusetts
Apr 16, 2026
#6
  • Apr 16, 2026
  • #6
There are cable lube sprays. A can with little red straw like WD40 can would have. If you are flexibile enough, you can sometimes apply it from under the dash. Essentially spray into the cable area and work the pedal.

It's a tight squeeze to get in the ideal position, sometimes taking the seat out helps Otherwise you need to remove the cable and lubricate it off the car.

This is what i used. Got it off amazon

Cable Lube - PJ1 Powersports

PJ1 CABLE LUBE is specially formulated with extreme pressure lubricants to extend the life of all clutch, brake and throttle cables providing smoother and more precise operation. APPLICATION AND …
pj1.com
 

squeak93

15 Year Member
Jun 2, 2005
2,276
367
164
Joplin, Missouri
Apr 16, 2026
#7
  • Apr 16, 2026
  • #7
How old is the cable? BBK isn't known as the best cable out there (I've broke two), many reasons everyone sought out a ford cable with mm quadrant and adjuster.

I've personally never had luck with a lube attempt (lol) on them. Once they get stiff (lol again) I just replace.
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
Apr 17, 2026
#8
  • Apr 17, 2026
  • #8
It’s new cable. I was able to use scales. It’s was more lbs then recommended 8 lbs.

So I loosened it. I heard someone said if you can depress the clutch pedal 3/4” with your pinky it should be alright.

One thing I’m puzzled is why my car has so much timing at low rpm. I got 41 deg at 1500 rpm, 40 deg at 2000 rpm , 40 deg at 2500.

Why the tuner did that?
 

2003 mustang gt modded

Active Member
Sep 11, 2023
121
13
28
Florida
Apr 17, 2026
#9
  • Apr 17, 2026
  • #9
My engine has lower compression then NA GT.
 
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