3b FW conversion - Problem solved

[Cody Forbes]

I can't believe I didn't realise this myself, but the reason the clutch felt as if it wasn't fully disengaging was that the pressure plate wasn't being pushed far enough, even though the pedal was perfect. The TO bearing for the 3B is roughly half of an inch thicker, giving that setup half an inch more travel vs. the MC TO bearing I have. The fix for this without removing the tranny is making the slave cylinder rod half an inch longer. I've actually had to do this before, the V8 944s that I built required it, and 914 race cars require changing the lenth of the brake master pushrod when adapting a 23mm Mercades master (stock 914 is 17mm).

Jim Green brought this to my attention, as he ran into the same problem, but thought it was because of the aftermarket pressure plate he used. Instead of doing a static length adjustment and hoping I got it just right (too far and the TO bearing will fall off of the guide sleeve, too short and I'm in the same non-disengaging boat), I decided to make an adjustable length slave rod.

Pictures:
http://jcforbes.com/jcfpics/clutchrodmod

It doesn't look pretty, but it doesn't have to. I actually can't say the problem is truely solved since I didn't install the new rod yet, but I am 100% certain it is the fix, BTDT. It travels from about 3mm shorter then stock up to about an inch longer, just for good measure. Embarasingly enough I forgot to use a long enough bolt to leave room for a locking nut, so I'll have to put some Loktite on it when it's adjusted correctly, though I doubt it would move anyways.

Jim, you were aprehensive before, but now would you like me to make you one? I'll make your's with a locking nut heh. On the house, btw, I owe you.

-Cody Forbes
http://www.5000tq.com
'86 5ktq
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