Clutch pedal effort

[jimincalif]

I looked at an 84 spider yesterday, did not have time to drive it. Looks good all around, no rust, etc. However the clutch effort seemed high. Keep in mind this is the first time I'd been in a spider in over 25 years so I'm not sure what to expect. My basis for comparison is a 2003 Pontiac Vibe GT (aka Toyota Matrix) with the six speed. Can anyone tell me how a spider clutch should feel compared to something like the Vibe/Matrix.

[fiasco]

I don't know by comparison, but on the Spider the clutch should feel smooth and easy. Mine was stiff, and tended to stick at the bottom until I replaced the clutch cable, which was a pretty inexpensive and manageable job. With the new cable the clutch movement was very smooth and took only light pressure on the pedal with no resistance anywhere in the travel of the pedal.

Hope this helps!
-- se

[ga.spyder]

The Pontiac has a hydraulic clutch,the Fiat does not.The Fiat clutch should feel free and smooth but will take more effort than any car with a hydraulic clutch.The hyd. clutches were designed to encourage the fairer sex to operate manual trannys

[rlux4]

Too much stress will cause damage to the clutch pedal linkage and/or the firewall where it's mounted. You should take a look under there while pushing the clutch in to see if anything is showing signs of this. Does the clutch pedal feel smooth as it's going in, or does it feel like it's "catching"?
Ron

[racydave]

You will get used to the feel, it freaked me out the first ride.

[jimincalif]

Thanks for the info everyone, I'll check the mount area. The clutch did feel smooth, no binding or sticking.

Jim