The place to post all things related to the GR86 clutch pedal , questions, answers, modifications etc
GR86 GR86 - The clutch pedal thread
- Thread starter AndyRC
- Start date
Posting from the other thread.......some people have complained about the clutch pedal on the GR86 having an unnatural binary on/off switch feeling.
I haven't test driven one yet, but it sounds like the same issue the GT86 had. There's a spring on the clutch pedal, which serves two purposes - as you push the pedal down, it provides some assistance to make the clutch feel lighter.
It's on a pivot, so that as you release the pedal, after a certain point it switches from pushing the pedal down, to pushing it up - thus, it keeps the pedal fully in the up position when your foot is off it.
However, the spring is quite heavy (it has to be to provide any meaningful assistance when depressing the clutch). So as you are bringing your foot up, when you get to the point where the spring switches it's fulcrum, it suddenly puts upward pressure on the pedal, which feels unnatural and gives that sudden 'snatchy', binary feeling.
Solution is quite simple - replace the spring for a weaker one. It makes the clutch feel heavier and more 'sports car like', and reduces that odd, binary-feeling on pedal release. MTEC made one specifically for the GT86; I assume it will fit the GR too.
There's already some discssion about this on gr86.org in this thread:
www.gr86.org
...and in there, someone has posted this excellent video where someone takes out the pedal assembly and mounts it on a bench so you can see exactly what I'm talking about above.
You can also just remove the spring entirely - however this is generally not advisable, because that spring also keeps the pedal in it's full upright position. Without anything doing that, the pedal may end up with a deadzone at the very top where it feels loose.
I haven't test driven one yet, but it sounds like the same issue the GT86 had. There's a spring on the clutch pedal, which serves two purposes - as you push the pedal down, it provides some assistance to make the clutch feel lighter.
It's on a pivot, so that as you release the pedal, after a certain point it switches from pushing the pedal down, to pushing it up - thus, it keeps the pedal fully in the up position when your foot is off it.
However, the spring is quite heavy (it has to be to provide any meaningful assistance when depressing the clutch). So as you are bringing your foot up, when you get to the point where the spring switches it's fulcrum, it suddenly puts upward pressure on the pedal, which feels unnatural and gives that sudden 'snatchy', binary feeling.
Solution is quite simple - replace the spring for a weaker one. It makes the clutch feel heavier and more 'sports car like', and reduces that odd, binary-feeling on pedal release. MTEC made one specifically for the GT86; I assume it will fit the GR too.
There's already some discssion about this on gr86.org in this thread:
MTEC clutch spring - Is it needed?
www.gr86.org
...and in there, someone has posted this excellent video where someone takes out the pedal assembly and mounts it on a bench so you can see exactly what I'm talking about above.
You can also just remove the spring entirely - however this is generally not advisable, because that spring also keeps the pedal in it's full upright position. Without anything doing that, the pedal may end up with a deadzone at the very top where it feels loose.
Genuinely believe this is a design flaw. There is no reason for it to be this way, what is wrong with using a torsion spring like most cars probably do, its a simpler design and there is no pivot point, they work on rotational force not linear.
It's a shame. I get the impression that some of the improvements on the GR86 were a direct consequence of some criticisms raised about the GT86, and this was quite a common one. You'd think that as they took the trouble to improve the gearbox with better synchros, that's they'd also just switch out the clutch spring for a slightly lighter one. I'm going to guess it's a marketing thing where they want to make the manual more accessible by decreasing the pedal force.
Still. At least it's easily rectifiable. For RHD vehicles, you need to take out the clutch pedal and do it on a bench, but it's not particularly difficult. I did it, and I'm an idiot. Good how-to below:
Still. At least it's easily rectifiable. For RHD vehicles, you need to take out the clutch pedal and do it on a bench, but it's not particularly difficult. I did it, and I'm an idiot. Good how-to below:
KobayashiMaru86
Totally Hooked
I had a GT and never found it was an issue, I think you just get used to it even if it seems a bit odd to start with.
I bet though now I know I'll notice it every time and want solution
I bet though now I know I'll notice it every time and want solution
jb1750
Totally Hooked
- Apr 15, 2022
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RDMsport
Obsessed member
Didn't notice anything on my test drive, felt quiet natural from the first pull away. Having previously had a Impreza STI with the worlds heaviest clutch, everything since then has been easy 
86GR
Obsessed member
- Feb 11, 2022
- 319
- 405
- 63
Felt quite digital on the test drive and nearly stalled a few times initially, but by the end I was getting more used to it, suspect after a few months you’d be fully used to it.
WpR
Dedicated member
- Sep 10, 2022
- 138
- 250
- 43
I'm quite used to it by now (2 weeks with MTEC spring). Getting moving from standstill quickly is still "difficult" though. Too much revs usually pr not smooth enough, must be a combination of the throttle mapping and the clutch bite feeling. I suspect this feeling will stay...
Never had this issue with any other car.
Never had this issue with any other car.
I've been doing a bit of research on clutch springs recently and I have found other options than just the MTEC. These springs I have found are between £5 and £7 each as opposed to £32 that MTEC charge! They are also available in various spring rates giving you more options! The only downside is delivery is £12, I can bulk buy and distribute for cheaper but that needs some interest first.
The stock spring is rated to about 150lb/in, the MTEC is 65lb/in so about 57% weaker than stock. The options on the table rate between 85% and 58% weaker than stock. I will update this with info and supplier soon.
The stock spring is rated to about 150lb/in, the MTEC is 65lb/in so about 57% weaker than stock. The options on the table rate between 85% and 58% weaker than stock. I will update this with info and supplier soon.
A pair of decent driving footwear should help a lot , after some research on US sites I came up with these , Redwing IronRanger, massively popular in the US of A , they have a good width to span the brake/throttle, good tread so should be ok in wet/snow , nicely weighted (just under 2kg for a U.K. 8 U.S. 10) so should help smooth out the clutch action (if you have one ) plenty of ankle support and come in several colours , mine are Rough & Tough Copper , should tone nicely with bronze alloys and Ignition Red.
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KobayashiMaru86
Totally Hooked
