I'm have some clutch issues on my 1982 trans am.
I may have a bent clutch Z bar but I can't fine a pic of what one looks like.
The leg of the Z bar that the clutch adjustment rod attaches to has a twist
and I'm not sure if that is what it is suppose to do.
I may need a new one but I'm having trouble finding one.
Can someone help me.
Thanks

 

That Z-bar is NOTORIOUS for failing in any of a VAST number of strange modes.

Overall best plan is,

Throw all that Stone Age crap in the trash, and put a 84-92 hydraulic system in to replace it.

That was about the 2nd mod I did to my 83 car. Found a 84 in the boneyard in about 86 or so; snarfed all the stuff for the hyd setup out of it. (pedals, BH, hydraulics themselves, fork) AMAZING how much better it works than all that Neanderthal crap I'd been fighting in all my 4-speed cars for decades previously. I had suspected the linkage as the problem, but until the hyd system appeared in 84, I had NO IDEA how crappy it really was. My eyes were opened: I was gobsmacked, stupefied, and bumfuzzled the 1st time I drove a 84 hyd car. I knew RIGHT THEN AND THERE that the old garbage on my 83 HAD TO go away.

Your problem unfortunately is compounded by the fact you have a 4-spd. Hopefully it's not a Saginaw? If it is, that needs to go in the trash as well. Gotta be the absolute worst possible transmission to put in a "high performance" car. (although a 82 LG4 can hardly be considered "hi perf" by modern, or even 1985, standards... but ya gotta do what ya gotta do with what ya got ta do it with)

Might even want to consider a 94-97 T-56 swap. Step up to the REALLY COOL modern stuff. Only 20 yrs old!!

 

Thanks for the comment.
I have concidered changing over to a 5 speed hydraulic system, but I was trying to keep
the car original, but that is an option if I can find the parts. I have broken the Z bar before about 10 years ago, but they were able to find a replacement part.
By the way I have a Borge Warrner T-10 4 speed
Thanks again.

 

do you need a new z bar , i think i have one along with the other clutch stuff from an 82 mse i had to part out .

 

BlwnSS: Don't know if I do need it yet but may be intrested just to have
a spare. Can you send me a pic ? What do you want for the Z bar and maybe
the clutch linkage. What number was the car you parted out ?
What other parts for the car do you have ?
Thanks

 

They have some less than awesome bends.

The lower arm may be bent to have cleared headers or better clear the oil filter.

Ultimately, weld it up, replace worn ballstuds and bushings, and you're good for a little while.

Or, figure out your future plans for the car and plan accordingly.

I have had the 84-92 T5 set up. I have had the 83 bellhousing and fork w/ T5, I have converted the 95 T56 to mechanical, and I was perfectly happy with how the 84-92 stuff worked.

 

My Z bar does have some bends in it also to clear the oil filter.
I'm not running headers stock exhaust manifolds.
I would like to keep the car original because of what it. (Being a rare MSE Numbered car that they only modifed 200 or so cars) Mind is #70.
I had the car painted and interior redone last year.
Do you remember what the number of the MSE car you parted out was ?