The Camaro clutch is the worst I've owned yet....seriously

[Vaugner]

Strange as it sounds, after reading and knowing about the spring in the clutch, I can actually feel it. I thought I had loose clutch pedal or some other problem, but after repeated use over and over, it's a consistent "softer pressure" then I've experianced in other clutches.

So yes, you do feel a difference - rest of it comes down to preference, but no reason to panic.

[K32 Camaro]

I work at jeep, now THOSE are some terrible clutches.. and don't even get me started on the shifter..

[JamesNoBrakes]

Lets see, Ferarri, Fierro, 4-runner(early 90s), Tacoma (early 90s), T-100, Neon, Forester, 2.5 Ton green truck, WRX, and out of those only the forester had a hydraulic clutch and funky spring like the camaro, hated it too. I know I drove plenty of other sticks for shorter periods of time, but can't recall them right now. I'm definitely not claiming to have driven thousands of cars like some people, but pretty much all the cars I've driven have been manuals. Out of those, the 4-runner had the smoothest, consistant and most forgiving clutch.

I'm beginning to think this isn't as much of an issue for the short-legged people out there, as they put their seat so far forward that when they release to the end of the travel it's close to their total leg travel and they simply can't "pull away" more, whereas I'm more comfortable with the seat further back, and I can push my foot full forward easily, but due to increased range of motion I can also pull back further, thereby running into the funky springy clutch more.

[Fuel74]

Yeah - jeep is the worst.... been getting used to this Camaro clutch. It is sensitive, but once you get to know it, not too bad. Ripped a major burnout yesterday with no clutch burning smell . It's still on my list of upgrades though.

[kcobean]

Originally Posted by JamesNoBrakes

Lets see, Ferarri, Fierro, 4-runner(early 90s), Tacoma (early 90s), T-100, Neon, Forester, 2.5 Ton green truck, WRX, and out of those only the forester had a hydraulic clutch and funky spring like the camaro, hated it too. I know I drove plenty of other sticks for shorter periods of time, but can't recall them right now. I'm definitely not claiming to have driven thousands of cars like some people, but pretty much all the cars I've driven have been manuals. Out of those, the 4-runner had the smoothest, consistant and most forgiving clutch.

I'm beginning to think this isn't as much of an issue for the short-legged people out there, as they put their seat so far forward that when they release to the end of the travel it's close to their total leg travel and they simply can't "pull away" more, whereas I'm more comfortable with the seat further back, and I can push my foot full forward easily, but due to increased range of motion I can also pull back further, thereby running into the funky springy clutch more.

I think you're right James, I suspect this issue is worse for taller people who, even when the seat is as far back as will still allow comfortable reach to the steering wheel, must bend their knee to a much greater extent during operation of the clutch, thus giving up some mechanical advantage of a near-fully extended leg.

[Earl]

It's all about the shoes folks, all about the shoes.

[Dan_G]

I don't mind the clutch at all. I have had several cars of various types with manual trans.

For example, I had a 4-spd 70 Camaro for 18 years. I tried a few different street/strip clutches over the years (diaphragm, 3-finger). The mechanical linkage was less than ideal. The pedal was hard to press and not particularly smooth (particularly with the 3-finger clutch). I fussed with the springs and all ... I never really got the linkage to where I liked it. Those heavy clutches would invariably glaze and start to chatter. It took a fair amount of finesse to get the car to leave smooth. The linkage also needed periodic maintenance. I bent up a few clutch forks over the years.

My last car was an 08 Civic Si. The clutch was fine, very easy to press, very smooth. Considering the Camaro has 426HP, the clutch is surprisingly smooth and the pedal is easy to press. Surprisingly, not all that different from the Civic. These new style clutches with hydraulic linkages are a huge improvement over the street/strip clutches with mechanical linkage from back in the day.

My advice, stop thinking about the clutch ... it's fine.

Dan

[OrangeVert]

Stock clutch imho is typical Detroit muscle car - you get what you get. Mod accordingly at your own risk to get your desired feel.

[Good2go]

I'm 6'1 but don't sit ALL the way back. The Camaro clutch doesn't feel much different than my Z's or my past 3 GM v8's. I can modulate the engagement smoothly, without any "cam" sensation.

[John Deere Boy]

Originally Posted by pcrdude

:headscratch:

Wet clutch? Are you sure?

Or, were your referring to hydraulic vs. cable/linkage clutch actuation?

I thinking like you dude...we have a dry clutch with hyrdaulic actuation. Tractors have wet clutches that run in an oil bath. If we had a wet clutch, you wouldn't smell it burning during an aggressive or poor launch.

[/pot stirring]