Transmissions and Drivetrain Need help with your trans? Problems with your axle?

1982 clutch pedal

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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 10:40 AM
  #1  
fteufert's Avatar
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From: Near Scranton, PA
Car: 1982 T/A
Engine: 1973 400 Chevy
Transmission: 4 Speed Borg Warner
Axle/Gears: 3:23
1982 clutch pedal

Was there a difference between the Saginaw and T-10 clutch pedals and/or Z-bar?

My car originally came with the Saginaw 4 speed and I installed a T-10 a few years later. My clutch pedal always felt a bit off after that.

Someone on here in one of the threads mentioned the T-10 pedals are the same as the 83 T-5 pedal (https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/tran...-t10-swap.html post # 15)

I am trying to convert to a hydraulic clutch for my T-10, my knees need a easier pedal to push. All the kits are for T-5 or T-56 transmissions. The remote type setup would be preferred so I can keep my original bell-housing
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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 11:48 AM
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Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

The clutch pedal/z bar and linkage is the same for the Saginaw and t10 as well as a mechanically actuated t5. The t5 obviously has a different bellhousing than the 4 speeds. There are two different leverage settings on the z bar linkage. I think the v8s all used the further out position. I would check that part. It's where the adjuster rod attaches to the z bar.

a hydraulic swap is easy but time consuming(ish). I used the American powertrain 82-92 kit. It worked awesome w my T56 swap. They make one that will work w a 4 speed and a t5 also.

the 82-83 cars need reinforcement at the firewall when switching to a hydraulic setup. You'll also need a 84-92 clutch/brake pedal setup.

if you have any questions let me know. I've done the swap twice and have been really pleased w the outcome.
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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 01:16 PM
  #3  
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From: Midwest
Car: '82 Recaro T/A, '71 Trans Am
Engine: 305CFI/455HO
Transmission: TH700R4/M22
Axle/Gears: 3.23/3.42
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

If you want to keep the T-10 4-speed transmission it may be easier to use the stock '84-'92 hydraulic clutch setup and aftermarket bellhousing.
The Lakewood steel hydraulic clutch bellhousing for 3rd-gens has bolt holes for both the Saginaw/BW T-10 and tilted BW T5.
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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 02:01 PM
  #4  
Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

I didn't even think about that dual drilled bell. The only issues w those bell housings is the ground clearance. The one for my t56 is a little too low but my car is lowered a little. This may be a good choice.
I know the kits from American powertrain will work for the 4 speeds and you can use the stock bell. I know the OP wants an easier clutch, I don't know how much easier the stock hydros are vs the mechanical. The American powertrain kit u used I'm using w a dual disk. It has slightly less pedal effort than the mechanical but not a ton less. I haven't driven a stock hydro setup in years so I can't compare.
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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 03:10 PM
  #5  
fteufert's Avatar
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Posts: 81
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From: Near Scranton, PA
Car: 1982 T/A
Engine: 1973 400 Chevy
Transmission: 4 Speed Borg Warner
Axle/Gears: 3:23
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

I was looking at this one, which should be fine with my existing bell housing since it is a remote type. Sure it will be a challenge to install, but will be worth it. I will make an aluminum plate to stiffen up the firewall.

https://americanpowertrain.com/shop/...c-tko-5-speed/



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Old Dec 28, 2023 | 03:25 PM
  #6  
Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

That's the one. It's pretty easy. Just measure and take your time measuring and you'll be cool. I used a ram clutch pedal height adjuster and put the bleeder after it. It's all mounted up in the fire wall. This way I didn't have to get under the car to bleed the clutch. I also used a speed bleeder so I could do it alone.


Last edited by Firechicken82; Dec 28, 2023 at 03:29 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2023 | 03:49 PM
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Car: `86 SS / `87 SS
Engine: L69 w/ TPI on top / 305 4bbl
Transmission: `95 T56 \ `88 200-4R
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

Locate used 84-86? third gen pedals. They should bolt up perfect. The clutch pedal is more than likely drilled for the mechanical pushrod, and they should accept your existing switches. You could bolt them up, and work towards the rest of the swap.

Last edited by jmd; Dec 29, 2023 at 11:06 PM.
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Old Dec 29, 2023 | 05:18 PM
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Firechicken82's Avatar
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From: CT
Car: 82 TA
Engine: Zz430 clone w a torquestorm blower
Transmission: Magnum f
Axle/Gears: Ford 9 w 4.11
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

The mechanical clutch won't work w hydraulic pedals. The mount for the hydraulics interferes w the linkage. I don't think the hole is there either. It's kind of an all in situation.
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Old Dec 29, 2023 | 08:01 PM
  #9  
Aaron R.'s Avatar
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From: Missouri
Car: 1985 Z28
Engine: 305 LG4
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 3.42
Re: 1982 clutch pedal

Sell it and buy a thirdgen with an automatic. Problem solved.
I realize nobody will like that option though....
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