Modification to make the clutch lighter 0n a 182

[buzzer1955]

The one thing that has spoiled my Trophy for me is that the clutch is heavy. I have a bad knee and in traffic i was finding things difficult.

I decided to look at what I could do to modify it to make it a bit lighter. In the end I extending the actual clutch pedal by a small amount. I have experimented with various amounts and found that if i extend the pedal by 23 mm not only is the the action improved, its much lighter! The extra length gives more leverage.

Basically I cut the pedal in half and extended it by bolting 2 pieces of 3mm x 25mm bright drawn steel either side, leaving a 23mm gap. the pedal now sits at the same height as the brake pedal but its a little longer. I also straightend it slightly, in effect bringing the clutch pad 10mm closer to the brake pad, but this was personal preference though...

This had made the world of difference to how the clutch feels! I have done 50 miles in the car today, some of which was right across town. its definitely much lighter! I didnt say what i had done and when my wife moved the car on the drive tonight she imediatly remarked the clutch was in her words, softer!


If anyone wants pictures I guess I could take a few shots and post them up...

 

[The Boosh!]

LOL fair play but its not even that heavy, my missis can drive my car and shes got the weakest legs going.

Nice one for experimenting though!

 

[MartinR]

182 clutches i find them fine. nothing like my old mk1 valver like putting your foot on the brake pedal. nice one for experimenting.

 

[Dunn]

Or you could man up...............

 

[DrR]

Fair one, I think it's stiff, stiffest clutch i've ever used, i personally don't have any problems but could see how some would, only problem with what you've done is insurance

 

[buzzer1955]

Fair one, I think it's stiff, stiffest clutch i've ever used, i personally don't have any problems but could see how some would, only problem with what you've done is insurance

I know its a modification, but I am pretty sure its one the insurance wont be worried about... It doesn't make the car faster... it doesn't increase its risk of being stolen... it doesent increase risk at all as far as I can see... unless you can see something I cant?

 

[mat-nos]

try a new cable too...

 

[SkidMarx]

I would of just fitted a new clutch.

 

[buzzer1955]

try a new cable too...

Its had a new one on...

 

[buzzer1955]

I would of just fitted a new clutch.

I tried a 182 recently that had a new clutch... it was marginally better, but still heavy! Thing is, they were heavy from new. some of the teast reports at the time mentioned this...

 

[SkidMarx]

Wouldnt say theyre that heavy, Clio Williams/16v are heavy! I prefer a clutch thats got a bit of weight tbh.

Horses for courses.

 

[f0xy]

Mk1s are definately heavy as standard (well valver/williams anyway), I fitted the 172 bits to my clutch setup when I did the conversion to make it lighter, and its fine now once you get used to it (same as 172). If you really want a decent clutch feel just convert it to hydraulic

 

[MikeoftheQuays]

They are pretty heavy. I've gotten used to mine and don't have a problem but I can imagine that if you've got a dodgy knee or ankle they could cause you problems.

 

[SteveS Cup]

I must admit after years of having hydraulic clutchs I found the Clios extremely hard!!

I'm used to it now though but fair play for making it better!

 

[one in a million]

trust me i know what you mean mate, i have had 2 clios in the last 3 years and that clutch is heavy and stiff, but obviously you get used to it. when i had my car worked on i got a lexus ls 250 and the clutch was as light as a feather, when i got back into the clio it was bloody heavy but i got used to it. good idea tho anyway. but they are stiff on them