Quote:
Originally Posted by MidBubSC
The C5/C6 clutch pedal spring is a similar design, but too different to work in the 5th gen Camaro.
I own a Chevy SSR which uses the C5 clutch spring (Part# 1255505), and hated the inability to feel clutch engagement with the OEM spring. When the spring broke, I could fully feel clutch engagement and disengagement like the "old school" clutches I was accustomed to, and I did not want to go back to the OEM spring - so my search for a better spring solution began.
I found a spring manufacturer that produces small batches and had them make a reduced tension spring. This provides great pedal feel, but has enough tension to hold the pedal up firmly which allows the Clutch Master Cylinder ports to line up for pressure equalization and self-bleeding, and it also keeps the Cruise Control Switch engaged so it doesn't drop out.
I have been running this spring in my truck for over a year now and am AMAZED with the pedal feel! Particularly when letting the clutch out after stopping on an incline. You know when the clutch is starting to engage - no more accidental stalling the engine or barking the tires! This spring provides a very linear feel - no more fighting the spring. I have been selling these on the SSRfanatic and CorvetteForum forums.
How does all this help Camaro owners - be patient, I am getting there.
I have co-worker who is a fellow gearhead and owner of multiple generations of Camaros that has patiently listened to my clutch pedal spring complaints, trials and errors, and eventual success over the past several years. He currently owns a 2002 Camaro SS, and a 2013 Camaro SS, both manual transmissions. He has always said he prefers driving his 2002 vs the 2013, even though the 2013 has more horsepower, etc.
A month ago he commented that he has finally figured out that he does not like the clutch engagement feel on his 2013 and that is why he prefers the 2002. This begged the question - "What kind of clutch pedal spring does the 5th gen Camaro use"? It is the same basic design as the C5, but has different overall dimensions and angles.
He took one of my C5 Reduced Tension springs and heavily modified it to get it to work in his 2013 Camaro. After several iterations he was grinning from ear-to-ear and said he now loves the clutch engagement feel on the 2013 and will not be going back to the OEM spring!
So, based on his encouragement, the first batch of custom "5th Gen Camaro Reduced Tension Clutch Pedal Springs" has been ordered and should arrive before the end of June.
When they arrive I will make a new post on Camaro5 forum.
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Interesting… So, the spring was modified to just fit, but essentially still works more or less just like the factory Camaro clutch pedal assist spring then..? Or was there some way to modify the C5 clutch pedal assist spring, to not only fit the 5th gen Camaro V8’s, but to also not hold the pedal down at the nearing end of the pedal travel? I didn’t think that was possible?
Also, I really hate having to run a clutch return spring, because you’re essentially stiffening up the clutch pedal, and it feels like a mega heavy clutch even though it’s not. There’s nothing inherently wrong with that, but I’d prefer a clutch pedal to have whatever pressure it is, directly being fed from the clutch hydraulics, as well as the clutch plate(s) itself. If you happen to remove the factory clutch pedal assist spring, the clutch pedal is super light. It almost surprised me to have such a light clutch in a V8 muscle car.
I’ve been paranoid about the pedal returning all the way up to the very top, since that’s what the clutch pedal spring was made for. Apparently, the clutch master cylinder can fail or have other issues, if it doesn’t continually return to the top and correlate with the self-adjusting “mechanism” for the level of the clutch plate wear. In my other manual cars, a lot of them actually don’t have clutch pedal springs at all (ex: Honda, Acura), and they’ve worked perfectly fine.
Also, with the high(er) clutch bite/engagement point, it’s kinda tricky to modulate the clutch pedal, especially when you have a return/assist spring that introduces false harder pedal pressure, at least in my opinion anyways.. Driving this car on a tiring day is a PITA, and I’ve had a handful of days where I’ve simply un-hooked my DIY return spring, to drive the car with a clutch pedal that has no clutch pedal assist spring whatsoever.