Custom clutch cables

post from the CLF:

All you buggy guys. Hate the way you have to shorten the clutch
cable? Had problems with HD pressure plates and those same clutch
cables? Well time to jump up and down! Lo' Cash Racing is offering
cut to length clutch cables. You supply end to end measurements
and we take care of the rest. Guaranted to NEVER break at our
connection point. Stock looking, one piece cable. If it breaks where
we put it together you get a replacement FREE for life. I have been
running one for 5 years in Minor Threat, just thought others might like one. Go to www.locashracing.org and click on the products page for full info. Later-Lester

Has anyone had problems with cable stretching? I seem to spend more time than I think I should adjusting the clutch cable. I only have to put a turn or two on the nut but it has to be done every 700 miles or so.
ed

George, I have adjusted it about 6 times in 7500 miles. I have two nuts, one as a locknut or jam nut and they aren't loose when I go to adjust them. There is no adjustment at the pedal, so I can only assume cable stretch. The threaded end is not slipping off of the cable itself. The sheath that goes from the end of the tunnel to the adjuster (almost) is in place and working. I am all the way down to the end of the threads and will have to rig a sleave/washer soon to beable to have the nuts have something to grip. I could get a newone from the guys you mentioned but its not alot of fun to replace one.
ed

I had my clutch cable "instantly" stretch about half an inch at a stop light last weekend. Upon examiniation I found:

Nothing wrong up front. All welds good. Center tunnel cable tube secure. Good lubrication. Front fitting not slipped (watched it operate with a mirror and light through the access panel on passenger side).

Outback the Bowden tube is snug at both ends, but about half an inch shy of being flush against the rear bulkhead. The center tunnel cable tube extends past the bulkhead into the Bowden, and seems to hold it securely. Is this half inch normal? Should the Bowden be flush against the bulkhead?

I readjusted the cable length and it drives normal. The only thing missing is my confidence. Vehicle has about 4500 miles and has never needed an adjustment until now.

Thanks for any insight
CRZNTUB

Ed, how many times have you adjusted it? My IM has required no adjustment and odometer is just shy of 5,000 miles.

My IM is running a Kennedy 1,700 lb. "stage 1" clutch with very light clutch pedal pressure, but its 901 transaxle clutch release arm has a better mechanical advantage (longer - the 911 clutches of that era were probably also around 1,700 or 1,800 lbs.).

(Message Edited 12/19/2002 4:18:48 PM)

Don't know if the tube should stick out from the bulkhead or not. As a precaution I've been shifting w/o the clutch most of the time and not engaging the clutch at traffic lites until its time to go. Paranoid.
ed

If you are running stock a VW throw-out configuration (shaft and yolk that holds the throw-out bearing) with an aftermarket higher spring rate clutch pressure plate the stock yolk may bend. There are aftermarket reinforced shaft/yolk assemblies (and cables) for use with stronger clutch pressure plates. Or you can weld "sisters" onto the stock yolk configuration to strengthen them.

The forks on the stock clutch pedal in the cockpit may also need to be reinforced.

These are issues that should be discussed with your builder when ordering a new car; I think IM uses parts upgraded in strength as a matter of course whenever a customer's build calls for them.

(Message Edited 12/19/2002 4:25:52 PM)

I don't know what kind of clutch I have but it doesn't seem to take much pressure to engage it, it feels stock and I sure don't need a comp clutch with a 1776. The guy I bought it from had a stock length VW cable wrapped thru the clutch arm and backto itself and u-bolted in 3 places. Do you have any idea how hard that is to mess with lying on your back??!!

ed,
Check that the clutch tube that is welded into the pan hasn't broken loose. If that isn't anchored correctly, then the boden tube and your clutch adjustment just pushs the whole thing back into the pan or frame. Now you clutch adj. is whacked again.

Greg B

I'll do that, probably next year Ha! We are leaving for the left coast sunday and our youngest daughter (San Diego). Everyone have a good holiday and keep the shiny side up.
ed