light clutch feel ?

[alexandervdr]

I am going to replace the clutch/pressure plate. It's for a 1986 100% original 3.2 targa. It's not a racer, I use her for cruising and holiday trips. So a light clutch feel has my preference. is there anything like that?

[Walt Fricke]

Alexander

Why are you replacing things? An '86 probably has a lot of miles on the clutch disk, but is the pressure plate also worn enough as to suggest replacement? Has your clutch gotten heavier/harder to depress than it used to be?

The clutch pedal pressure is pre-set. There is no adjustment. If parts of the system are worn, pedal pressure tends to get heavier. Also, some pressure plates have heavier springs (actually, a single spring element called a diaphragm spring), but those are sold for racing use. If you purchase a new stock pressure plate as a replacement, it should have the right pressure.

Now might be a good time to pull the pedal cluster to inspect and perhaps replace the bushings, and to replace the clutch cable, and service the harp spring which is part of the external release lever. With the transmission out, you can also remove the vertical splined shaft, clean and grease it, and inspect the bushings it turns in. These can get sticky with grease and dirt particles. You can test that with the engine removed by seeing how easy it is to turn - should have no resistance.

[alexandervdr]

Hi Walt,
Some context with my question.
First when I say clichy I mean the whole assembly. My engine is out of the car because I am overhauling the gearbox. While it's out , I will take the opportunity to check the valves and see if the clutch is still ok. I will inspect the state of the clutch within the next days. Even in case I observe it is only half worn out, I may decide to replace it. (taking the engine out is not a minor exercise and I am not getting younger !). I know the debate about clutches from the times when I was working on my Corvette Stingray 64 where one can have them in a zillion of flavours. I am perfectly fine with the clutch as it feels now, but want to avoid that a new one feels heavier. Hence my question: I want the one with the lights feel.