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2015 Gt Clutch Question

  • Thread starter Thread starter del101
  • Start date Start date Dec 28, 2014
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del101

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  • Dec 28, 2014
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I test drove a 2015 gt yesterday shortly before putting down a deposit and ordering a gt convertible with all the trimmings. While I loved the interior, I have to say that I was disappointed by the sound (or lack thereof) and the incredibly soft and shallow engagement of the clutch. My current 2011 gt has a much stiffer clutch and I have a wide range of control as the engagement is rather tall (close to the floor). While the sound I'm sure I can sort out by adding a good aftermarket catback, I'm wondering whether the clutch or master cylinder needs to be broken in in order to deliver a somewhat stiffer/wider clutch play, or whether this is just the way it is. It will definitely be easier in those long bumper to bumper Miami hours, but still....I like having full control of the transmission. This feels like the technology is getting a bit in the way. Thoughts?
 
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RDMYPNY

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Dec 23, 2014
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#2
  • Dec 28, 2014
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I agree about the soft clutch. I have 1000 miles on mine so far and it hasn't seemed to change. It's a HUGE difference from my 04 GT Where I could actually feel when it engages.
 

Noobz347

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#3
  • Dec 28, 2014
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It's a hydraulic clutch release. The feel shouldn't ever really change regardless of what shape the clutch is in.

There's no bale and quadrant like what you're probably used to.
 
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del101

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Dec 28, 2014
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  • Dec 28, 2014
  • #4
Noobz347 said:
It's a hydraulic clutch release. The feel shouldn't ever really change regardless of what shape the clutch is in.

There's no bale and quadrant like what you're probably used to.
Click to expand...
For someone that has driven stick for decades, this is a little worrying. Is it easy to get used to it? Can you control the transmission as well as you could with the non-hydraulic clutch?
 

Noobz347

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#5
  • Dec 28, 2014
  • #5
del101 said:
For someone that has driven stick for decades, this is a little worrying. Is it easy to get used to it? Can you control the transmission as well as you could with the non-hydraulic clutch?
Click to expand...


You do get used to it. Sometimes to the point where the old style will feel awkward. I'm not sure which is really better but I do feel like there's a little more control in the cable setup.
 

jcyamaharider

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Dec 24, 2014
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  • Dec 28, 2014
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I have drove hydraulic clutch cars for a long time, and while different I do prefer this setup. One benefit is when upgrading to a higher pressure clutch you will notice minimal change in the pedal.
 
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Noobz347

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jcyamaharider said:
I have drove hydraulic clutch cars for a long time, and while different I do prefer this setup. One benefit is when upgrading to a higher pressure clutch you will notice minimal change in the pedal.
Click to expand...

The down side is that OEM are often expensive and most aftermarket hydro TOBs are junk.

I think most stay with OEM replacements from the dealership.
 

Jackie Chan

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#8
  • Dec 28, 2014
  • #8
take the assist spring out from behind the pedal. Makes a huge difference in the ability to modulate the clutch
 
Reactions: n8rfastback, madspeed, EcoboostJim and 1 other person

MagMustang15

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Jan 7, 2015
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#9
  • Jan 7, 2015
  • #9
I've noticed this as well. Going from my 2012 V6 manual to the 2015 GT manual the clutch seems a lot "softer." Not sure that's the appropriate term for, but I'm sure the more you drive the car, the more you'll get used to it. I know I have and I haven't even had the car a week yet.
 
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EcoboostJim

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What Jackie Chan said^^^^
 

justinakajuice

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#11
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  • #11
First hydraulic clutch I've owned. Test drove my buddy's '14 V6 which had one. It does take some getting used to, but not much. I do like the fact that you can deal with traffic with less clutch pedal effort. However, I, like most of what I am reading, do like being able to feel the engagement point. IMO, it's probably better to have the hydraulic clutch.
 
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blackbull271

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Feb 5, 2015
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#12
  • Feb 5, 2015
  • #12
del101 said:
I test drove a 2015 gt yesterday shortly before putting down a deposit and ordering a gt convertible with all the trimmings. While I loved the interior, I have to say that I was disappointed by the sound (or lack thereof) and the incredibly soft and shallow engagement of the clutch. My current 2011 gt has a much stiffer clutch and I have a wide range of control as the engagement is rather tall (close to the floor). While the sound I'm sure I can sort out by adding a good aftermarket catback, I'm wondering whether the clutch or master cylinder needs to be broken in in order to deliver a somewhat stiffer/wider clutch play, or whether this is just the way it is. It will definitely be easier in those long bumper to bumper Miami hours, but still....I like having full control of the transmission. This feels like the technology is getting a bit in the way. Thoughts?
Click to expand...


It is funny that you have mentioned this. I currently have a 2011 5.0 vert, black with red leather fully loaded. I went just yesterday and test drove a 15 GT coupe, red, fully loaded, contemplating trading up. One thing that bothered me was the clutch! It almost feels like an automatic transmission! The way it has been designed, feels like the car shifts on its own. There is a lack of feel with the driver to the transmission.
 

madspeed

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#13
  • Feb 5, 2015
  • #13
Do a search, there's a spring underneath the clutch pedal that should be removed for more positive clutch feel
 

madspeed

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#14
  • Feb 5, 2015
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here's a linky.... http://www.bieberfever.com/forums/showthread.php?t=13497&highlight=clutch+spring


This is the spring that @Jackie Chan was referring to
 
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del101

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#15
  • Feb 24, 2015
  • #15
madspeed said:
Do a search, there's a spring underneath the clutch pedal that should be removed for more positive clutch feel
Click to expand...
Awesome. Will play with this this weekend. Car came in, by the way. Loving the look and luxury, but looking forward to making this more into a muscle car than a luxury performance car. Thanks!


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
 
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del101

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Feb 25, 2015
#16
  • Feb 25, 2015
  • #16
The spring was easily removed without pliers at all. Just press in the clutch and pull the spring out. my god what a difference. Exactly what this car needed. Now I can feel the shift points!! Thanks for the tip everyone!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
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madspeed

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Free public service announcement!
 
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Wayne K

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#18
  • Jun 10, 2015
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I also did not like the feel of the clutch in my 2015 GTso I did remove the spring and yes it does make a difference in the feel. You can actually notice the point of engagement. I however put it back in because the pedal does not fully return with the spring removed. If you put your hand on the pedal with the engine running you can feel the connection but when you move the pedal back to the position that it would be with the spring installed you do not feel the connection. That tells me that without the spring the throw out bearing is always in contact and will prematurely wear out. A lighter spring that would still return the pedal all the way but still give the desired feel would be the fix. Unless I'm wrong on how the clutch works in this car I am going to leave the spring until another solution to bring the clutch pedal all the way back is determined.
 
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madweazl

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  • Jun 21, 2015
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Wayne K said:
I also did not like the feel of the clutch in my 2015 GTso I did remove the spring and yes it does make a difference in the feel. You can actually notice the point of engagement. I however put it back in because the pedal does not fully return with the spring removed. If you put your hand on the pedal with the engine running you can feel the connection but when you move the pedal back to the position that it would be with the spring installed you do not feel the connection. That tells me that without the spring the throw out bearing is always in contact and will prematurely wear out. A lighter spring that would still return the pedal all the way but still give the desired feel would be the fix. Unless I'm wrong on how the clutch works in this car I am going to leave the spring until another solution to bring the clutch pedal all the way back is determined.
Click to expand...

Maybe I'm picturing this wrong but the spring is there to pull the pedal to the floor, requiring less pressure from the operator, correct? If this is the case, why on earth would it not return to the same location it was at prior to removal (if not further)?

And more important to me is the complete garbage engagement window of the '15s clutch. It dislike the clutch and shifter immensely.
 

NJBob

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#20
  • Jun 23, 2015
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I've been driving manual since 1977 when I was 13. I have yet; not to master each and every car and its clutch.
I here a lot of guys complaining about the shifter and clutch and respect your opinion.

My opinion and my opinion only. Everything works fine for me. I drive hard and fast. I don't do track, but I certainly use line lock and launch control and get every hp out of this car I can get. I drive in traffic almost everyday going home from work in North Jersey. I can feel the catch point all day long.

I also believe in the benefit of Hydraulic clutch. You will always get the same feel until its used up.
 
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