#1  
Old 09-22-2022, 10:27 AM
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79firebird_99TA 79firebird_99TA is offline
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Default Clutch Linkage Change

I am looking to "upgrade" my `79 Firebird's clutch system starting with the linkage. I'd like to go rod ends on everything. I'm also thinking of going hydraulic.
I haven't driven the car since I purchased my `08 Corvette mainly due to being spoiled with it's hydraulic clutch. Before I "got spoiled" I didn't think much about how hard it was to push that clutch pedal.

What is your experience with rod ends. Was it a drastic change from the factory linkage? I would imagine it would be. How about going hydraulic as well?

Thanks -
Jamie

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79 Firebird/`70 400 with `77 6x-4s shaved .065"/4 speed BW ST-10/Cliff Q-Jet/XE268/3.08
99 Trans Am/383 LS1/TSP headers and catback/custom grind cam/Vigilante 2500/Strano springs and Konis
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(SOLD) 75 Corvette/L48 350 (LSx -4L60E one day)
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  #2  
Old 09-22-2022, 07:17 PM
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I added rod ends to my linkage because I had breakage issues in the past.

Bought a spare pedal rod from Ames, welded appropriate bolts to the ends, and added the rod ends. Works smoothly now. Going to replace the lower rod when I change my clutch also.

George

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  #3  
Old 09-23-2022, 08:39 AM
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Good to hear. That's what I'm going for. Breakage is what I fear. The way that those parts wear, I'm guessing it's just a matter of time before my clutch pedal hits the floor and I'm rear ending someone in traffic because I wasn't able to yank the shifter out of gear to neutral. I'm also looking for smother operation.

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79 Firebird/`70 400 with `77 6x-4s shaved .065"/4 speed BW ST-10/Cliff Q-Jet/XE268/3.08
99 Trans Am/383 LS1/TSP headers and catback/custom grind cam/Vigilante 2500/Strano springs and Konis
08 Corvette - Base
(SOLD) 75 Corvette/L48 350 (LSx -4L60E one day)
--------------------------------------------------------------
  #4  
Old 09-23-2022, 10:05 PM
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Lots of options for Ball joint type linkage parts in the McMaster-carr catalog.. I used some of these for my Buick GS 455 4 speed linkage. Worked very well!
https://www.mcmaster.com/rod-ends/

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  #5  
Old 09-24-2022, 09:13 AM
Formulas Formulas is offline
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the stock clutch pedal linkage in my estimation has an abundant amount of travel with 1 inch free play and approx 3 inch of over travel at the bottom

ive always wondered what welding the original pedal hole shut then re'drill a new hole just above it would be like with ball end links

the new hole would decrease pedal effort and soak up a bit of travel, before the OMG crowd has a heart attack the new hole could be just a bit above the old one barely effecting anything but make a small and CHEAP change in pedal feel

way back in the early 90's i welded mine shut because it was elongated BUT i made every attempt to re'drill on center of original hole

also if your crafty you could make your own lower adjusment link with a rod end and a long 3/8 bolt cut and groomed properly

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Old 09-24-2022, 11:14 AM
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There was a company years ago i bought a set from that had rod ends-Probably listed for a Camaro. never used it on the shelf in the shop somewhere.

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Old 09-24-2022, 07:37 PM
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ecklers.com

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Old 09-24-2022, 09:45 PM
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i stink this was the company
https://www.speeddirect.com/clutch-linkage

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1978 Trans Am original owner 10.99 @ 124 pump gas 455 E heads, NO Bird ever!
1981 Black SE Trans Am stockish 6X 400ci, turbo 301 on a stand
1965 GTO 4 barrel 3 speed project
2004 GTO Pulse Red stock motor computer tune 13.43@103.4
1964 Impala SS 409/470ci 600 HP stroker project
1979 Camaro IAII Edelbrock head 500" 695 HP 10.33@132 3595lbs
  #9  
Old 09-24-2022, 10:03 PM
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The factory linkage works well - when it is new. Redrilling the pedal sounds like a good idea.

  #10  
Old 09-26-2022, 11:31 AM
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I use the SpeedDirect stuff, they have the rods pre-bent and everything, and not expensive.

I drill a new hole in the Z-bar too, to make the throw ratio higher. That way it takes less pedal travel, and can get the brake & clutch pedals very close to each other, if not completely even.

Don't skimp on the pedal's or the Z-bar pivot points, those areas wear an can cause binds that will bend an OE rod in a heartbeat.

If you can, I say stick to mechanical linkage, less to go wrong. Just keep it 'fresh' and it will serve you well.

.

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Old 09-27-2022, 11:35 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Skip Fix View Post
i stink this was the company
https://www.speeddirect.com/clutch-linkage
Is the linkage identical for a Firebird and Camaro?

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https://youtube.com/shorts/gG15nb4FWeo?feature=share
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Old 09-27-2022, 01:12 PM
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I'm using their' kit on my 71 'bird, so can say for sure it works.

.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
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The Following User Says Thank You to HWYSTR455 For This Useful Post:
  #13  
Old 09-27-2022, 01:31 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
I'm using their' kit on my 71 'bird, so can say for sure it works.

.
Thanks, I'm gonna get the kit.

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Old 09-27-2022, 02:53 PM
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I did not get these on Amazon. There was a Chevelle supplier who made them. Camaro's too.
Look into these.
https://www.amazon.com/SpeedDirect-R.../dp/B014HHQ2F8

I was very happy with mine. Adjustments over the years was great.

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Old 09-29-2022, 02:52 PM
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Thanks for all the responses! I'll go with the SpeedDirect stuff!

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79 Firebird/`70 400 with `77 6x-4s shaved .065"/4 speed BW ST-10/Cliff Q-Jet/XE268/3.08
99 Trans Am/383 LS1/TSP headers and catback/custom grind cam/Vigilante 2500/Strano springs and Konis
08 Corvette - Base
(SOLD) 75 Corvette/L48 350 (LSx -4L60E one day)
--------------------------------------------------------------
  #16  
Old 10-04-2022, 11:16 AM
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79firebird_99TA 79firebird_99TA is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
I use the SpeedDirect stuff, they have the rods pre-bent and everything, and not expensive.

I drill a new hole in the Z-bar too, to make the throw ratio higher. That way it takes less pedal travel, and can get the brake & clutch pedals very close to each other, if not completely even.

Don't skimp on the pedal's or the Z-bar pivot points, those areas wear an can cause binds that will bend an OE rod in a heartbeat.

If you can, I say stick to mechanical linkage, less to go wrong. Just keep it 'fresh' and it will serve you well.

.
I'm very interesting in getting the SpeedDirect kit. So you have that on your `71 TA? It says Camaro on their website which I'm pretty sure works on Firebird too.

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79 Firebird/`70 400 with `77 6x-4s shaved .065"/4 speed BW ST-10/Cliff Q-Jet/XE268/3.08
99 Trans Am/383 LS1/TSP headers and catback/custom grind cam/Vigilante 2500/Strano springs and Konis
08 Corvette - Base
(SOLD) 75 Corvette/L48 350 (LSx -4L60E one day)
--------------------------------------------------------------
  #17  
Old 10-04-2022, 11:25 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by 79firebird_99TA View Post
I'm very interesting in getting the SpeedDirect kit. So you have that on your `71 TA? It says Camaro on their website which I'm pretty sure works on Firebird too.
Yes.

It's in the paint shop, but I had it all assembled with a TKO600 and it worked perfectly. Smooth, even, and with the z-bar mod, fast/short throw. And I worked it at minimum 100 strokes.


.

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1970 GTO Judge Tribute Pro-Tour Project 535 IA2
http://forums.maxperformanceinc.com/...d.php?t=760624
1971 Trans Am 463, 315cfm E-head Sniper XFlow EFI, TKO600 extreme, 9", GW suspension, Baer brakes, pro tour car
https://forums.maxperformanceinc.com...ght=procharger
Theme Song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zKAS...ature=youtu.be
  #18  
Old 10-04-2022, 11:29 AM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
Yes.

It's in the paint shop, but I had it all assembled with a TKO600 and it worked perfectly. Smooth, even, and with the z-bar mod, fast/short throw. And I worked it at minimum 100 strokes.


.
That's inspiring. I am going to order it this morning.

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79 Firebird/`70 400 with `77 6x-4s shaved .065"/4 speed BW ST-10/Cliff Q-Jet/XE268/3.08
99 Trans Am/383 LS1/TSP headers and catback/custom grind cam/Vigilante 2500/Strano springs and Konis
08 Corvette - Base
(SOLD) 75 Corvette/L48 350 (LSx -4L60E one day)
--------------------------------------------------------------
  #19  
Old 10-04-2022, 10:28 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by HWYSTR455 View Post
Yes.

It's in the paint shop, but I had it all assembled with a TKO600 and it worked perfectly. Smooth, even, and with the z-bar mod, fast/short throw. And I worked it at minimum 100 strokes.


.
Curious hwy- what is the zbar mod that shortens the throw?

  #20  
Old 10-05-2022, 01:30 PM
Joe-Touring Joe-Touring is offline
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Another way to go about this is to use this clutch fork:

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Speed...ork,37080.html

That will allow you to replace the ball and socket connection on the OEM clutch fork. This means you don’t need the spring to hold the fork to the linkage, resulting in a more positive return. You will have then have 4 heims instead of 3.

When I converted my car from auto to manual, I used this fork and fabricated the linkage myself with Heims from McMaster-Carr. I’ll try to post some pics and p/ns when I get home.

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