Do T-45s shift rougher than TR-3650s?

[brtnstrns]

I've got a 99 GT and after driving it for almost 2 years I still haven't completely figured out the magic of working the clutch. I've driven a ton of manual cars (worked as a valet) and would say I'm pretty good at shifting in all of them. But I swear my clutch feels like its different every time I drive it. Its not rare that I get some jutting while starting in 1st. Now of course this seems like driver error but I also drove my buddy's 02 GT and that thing shifts so much smoother than my car. It feels like my clutch grabs throughout the entire possible throw of the pedal, whereas my friend's car grabs smoothly in just a small distance of the clutch throw. I bought an adjustable cable clutch after reading the reviews saying people "could make the clutch grab at any point of the throw of the pedal." The only amount of adjustability it gave me was making it grab either at the very top of the throw (not comfortable for my knee) or feel like it has since I got it and slowly grab throughout the entire throw.

Is this just how the T-45 transmissions/stock clutches are? I'm fairly confident that after driving this car for this long I could have figured out the shifting by now and not be having jumpy starts from a stand still. Is there anything else I could look into? I wouldn't mind replacing the clutch, but from all the clutch reviews I've read people seem to make them out like no matter what you do you're drag racing at every stand-still start (or I'm just misinterpreting their words).

 

[Lugnuts]

From the title of the thread I thought this was going to be about the transmission itself. Clutch feel is subjective but apparently you either cannot get used to yours or there is something amiss. Replacing the clutch will give you fresh perspective but as it is apparently not a drive-ability requirement. By saying that you bought an adjustable cable, do you mean you purchased a firewall adjuster, a quadrant, a new cable itself or some combination of these? With your desired point apparently moving some or spanning some additional travel, I would first check to see that the ends are tight and there is no excessive give in the cable. This can be caused by the cable not being anchored well and moving while actuation, a stretched cable, a cheap aftermarket cable with a big rubber bushing at the firewall or even damaged fingers on the pressure plate. If you still have the factory quadrant, would be worth checking it's operation as well.

 

[Sharad]

I personally feel like the T45 is smoother than the 3650. However, Lugnuts is right, if you don't already have an adjustable quadrant, this could easily be the issue. (the factory plastic quandrants don't like to hold their adjustment) Swing by the Vendors forums and we can hook you up.

 

[brtnstrns]

Sorry, I guess I should have included that information. Double hook billet quadrant, firewall adjuster, and steeda adjustable clutch cable.

I guess if someone can give me a better explanation of setting this up efficiently that would be helpful.

I currently have the cable in the stock position on the new clutch quadrant. I understand the nut on the adjustable cable is supposed to adjust the position of the grab, but from what I can tell, when I tighten the nut, it simply shortens the throw and puts the grab at the top of the pedal throw.

 

[Stumbaugh]

FIREWALL CLUTCH ADJUSTMENT 101 - YouTube

 

[Kornnut]

T-45 trannys shift smother to me. 3650 seem to be notchy as hell no matter what. If/when mine goes I am going T-56 in my car.

 

[fiveoho]

2000 GT with stock T45, stock clutch, stock cable and stock shifter. my car shifts like butter.

 

[BurningRubber]

Mine shifts smooth as well, especially considering it has almost 155k on it and has seen multiple trips to the track, the last few on the bottle.

 

[twogts4us]

This is a very subjective issue - everyone has their own opinion and none of them are wrong - it's just that person's experience and their perspective. So here's mine, haven driven both a T45 and a TR-3650.

The T45 is like a proverbial baseball bat in a rain barrel, yet the shifts are quite positive. I never had an issue finding a gear. I have had issues with it popping out of gear however.

The TR-3650 IS notchy, yet it is also very positive. It is more Ferrari like - thinking about the well defined gates Ferrari displays on their shifter 'bezel'. I also never had an issue finding gears with the TR-3650. The TR-3650 feels well engineered - the T45 always felt like it was well worn, even right after it was rebuilt.

If I had to choose one - it would be the TR-3650 hands down. As stated, the FEEL is very precise, race-car-like. The T45 feels more like the transmission in the car I learned to drive in - a Datsun B210.

NOW the feel of the clutch is a whole different matter. Generally, if your clutch is releasing right off of the floor, your clutch is worn, with minimal material left. A new clutch will release right near the top of the clutch pedal travel. It should be a positive engagement with minimal slip. Clutches, for street use, are fairly inexpensive, it's the labor that is expensive. If you have the skills to handle this work yourself, I'd go ahead and swap it out because it sounds like you have a worn out clutch. Best of Luck!

Chris

 

[rconaway]

If you invest in a shift kit, you will find the shifting more notchy but you won't miss a shift and you won't bend shift forks. After 10 years, I can't imagine driving without one compared to the stock mush shifter setup.