89BlwnRs

I just had my old clutch replaced earlier this week with a Ram OE clutch kit. The clutch is now very smooth, and I cannot get it to slip even under WOT. But I have two concerns:

First the new clutch pedal is extremely light. Whereas the old one took some effort to push the clutch in, the new one is extremely light. This does not bother me that much, I'm just getting used to it. But I was wondering what factors determine the resistance a clutch pedal gives?

Second and most importantly, the new clutch does not engage until the pedal is half way out. I made sure by sitting uphill, with the e-brake up, and putting the car in 5th and slowly letting the clutch out until I can see the tach needle move just a little. It doesn't move until it is about halfway out. Is this normal? I was under the impression that a new clutch would engage right after you took it off the floor. Again, I cannot get it to slip, but I was just wondering if this is the way it's supposed to be.

BTW, I have an 89 RS, any help is appreciated

Jason

Vader

89,

The relationship between the clutch release force and travel distance should tip you off. You have a greater mechanical advantage over the pressure plate springs with your new clutch assembly. While this makes the pedal feel lighter, it also necessarly increases the pedal travel for full release, and therefore, engagement.

There is nothing wrong with your new pressure plate. You may also have centrifugal weights to assist clutch holding at high RPMs, allowing an even lighter diaphragm spring set and easier pedal actuation. This presence or abscence of the weights depends on which RAM clutch you have.

Later,
Vader

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"Some Body...Someone"

GMTech

Ditto.

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"I used to have a handle on life, but then I used it as a plunger and broke it" -The Wave

ASE Master Tech + L1
Savannah, GA
'87 Trans Am-K&N,Cold air induction, SSM SFC, Flowmaster, 16" GTA rims.
'97 Bonneville SSE
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