Clutch pedal position

[Larry]

This is just curiosity on my part. Maybe someone has input on this. I have a manual tranny 24 heritage. The clutch pedal is not horizontally aligned with the brake pedal. I've had at least a dozen 3 pedal cars in my lifetime. Some have alignment, some not. I've always thought it was just sloppy design or mfg accounting for misalignment since some are aligned. But I suspect there might be a reason other than sloppiness to account for this. Particularly the Z is not a low budget car so they probably did this for a reason. Any idea why the clutch is farther from the floor than the brake?

 

[Tranzor Z]

I just looked at mine and they are pretty close to the same. The clutch is a tad higher. Can you post a picture?

 

[Larry]

Mine is the same - clutch a bit higher.

 

[bpeckham]

I've wondered this for years with multiple MT vehicles. Hoping to see the definitive answer on this thread.

 

[trackratZ]

The clutch take up on our Zs is higher than most cars I've driven, maybe the longer throws require more pedal travel, i.e. higher clutch pedal, just my observation. Maybe it's an Exedy thing, but my prev G35S' has the similar, high take-up. Not the best positioning for quick take-offs, harder to modulate.

 

[thesilverbullet]

The release point (height of the petal) is adjustable.

 

[bpeckham]

The release point (height of the petal) is adjustable.

Not doubting that the clutch can be adjusted, but do you think they're set close to the same adjustment when they leave the factory, or is there some randomness? I'd think it would be pretty consistent, like Nissan designed it this way.

Here's mine (sorry car's a little dirty)

If I lower the clutch pedal it could be closer to the brake pedal, and I guess it might also engage sooner. After 2.5 years, the muscle memory is there. I don't think I'd change it because I'm used to it now.

I remember some early reviews mentioned the late clutch engagement.

 

[thesilverbullet]

I think the factory setting is conservative. I have not adjusted mine, but it is a high release like others have noted. In the past, i would normally lower the release for aggressive shifting, but i just have not been that aggressive with shifting. I would love a short shifter with tighter bushings but I don’t want to destroy the shift knob - Just yet anyways.

 

[Larry]

My question is not about the release point, but why are the brake and clutch arm length not the same? I've heard all this stuff about heel toe shifting. Maybe something to do with that? I have no idea what heel toe shifting is. I'm 66 and have had many cars, only 2 autos in all my years. I've never heard of heel toe until recently. Is that where you are on an uphill incline stop and have to get started? I've always used the emergency brake for that.

 

[trackratZ]

Hmm most heel-toe, and what I use at the track, is ball of foot on the brake then slightly shift heel on the go pedal. It's for smoother downshifts matching revs of the tranny (lower gear) while blipping the throttle to match engine speed, i.e. higher rpm. Easier loading of the trans and synchros. Really not a benefit for street driving.

I'm only referring to the brake and accelerator pedals, not about the clutch, it's a totally independent pedal nothing to do with heel-and-toe positioning.

 

[thesilverbullet]

My question is not about the release point, but why are the brake and clutch arm length not the same? I've heard all this stuff about heel toe shifting. Maybe something to do with that? I have no idea what heel toe shifting is. I'm 66 and have had many cars, only 2 autos in all my years. I've never heard of heel toe until recently. Is that where you are on an uphill incline stop and have to get started? I've always used the emergency brake for that.

The cutch pedal height is normally slightly higher than the brake pedal. The idea is to set at max height that you are comfortable with. The higher the better for clutch release. Lower is better for faster shifts. For street, you should focus on what’s best for the clutch release.

It would be perfectly find to adjust it down a little closer to the brake pedal’s height. just make sure there is still free play with connecting rod after your adjustments.

 

[Larry]

My question is not about the release height or height relative to the seat which is probably adjustable. My question is about the height from the floor, which is based on design of clutch pedal and wouldn't be adjustable.

 

[trackratZ]

My question is not about the release height or height relative to the seat which is probably adjustable. My question is about the height from the floor, which is based on design of clutch pedal and wouldn't be adjustable.

Not understanding what you’re after, is it the static height of the clutch pedal, not the pedal stroke movement, you’re asking? Any discussion about release points and take-ups are about the stroke, motion of the pedal.

 

[FSUZ33]

Not sure if the Z has it, and don’t know if my Z33 did, but most MTs have an adjustable shaft you can move in and out. This changes the bite point, but not sure if it changes the resting height of the pedal itself.

 

[FSUZ33]

If the RZ34’s clutch pedal assy is the same or similar as the Z34 then you can adjust the resting position by moving the sensor in and out. To lower the pedal you’d move it out (or in, idk…the direction in the pic below). Catch is you don’t want to move it far enough that it puts pressure on the master cylinder. If so, you‘d need to adjust the tie rod between the pedal and master cylinder…if there is one.