2003 - clutch stiff or just me?

[mary b]

yeah - got my new (for me) baby - '03 G35 sedan 6mt - what fun!

Wondering how others experienced the clutch stiffness compared to other sporty mts? Have driven mt for 20 years and done some autocross, but this one seems unusually stiff - should I have it checked? 2003, 43K. All else seems great. thanks all - M

[GZire]

Really depends on what you call stiff. Compared to a truck clutch from the 80s/90s.......no it's not stiff. Compared to my 95 Prelude, yup definitely stiff.

It's all rather subjective.............sorry......

[dholly]

Hi Mary, I'm guessing it's just fine. IIRC, there was an engineering change in '05 that significantly lightened the clutch pedal pressure on G35's and 350z's. I drove a '05 350z and, compared to either my '03.5 or '04 6mt sedan, I thought it could have just as easily been a Toyota Tercel it felt so light. I didn't care much for it personally either. I do agree, something between the two extremes would have been nicer. You'll get used to it pretty quick.

[MikeG356MT]

Compared to my '06 Mustang, the clutch on my 6mt is much lighter and I like having a clutch where you can feel the "grab" when it takes up. Light clutches are for Hondas and the like. It did take me awhile to learn smooth takeups as well as the clutch is so stiff.

[mary b]

Thanks all for the observations and insights - think I'll give it a few weeks. Took it for some playtime at a local track - I'm impressed; now I'm wondering what a few modifications and better tires might do; hmmm. My daughter thinks I've lost my mind, of course. Again, thanks - Mary

[THX723]

Hey Mary,
Yeah ... it's stiff alright (relatively speaking). I'm a track instructor and it took me a good few months before I really warmed up to this clutch. Now that I've lived with this thing for a couple of years ... all other clutches feel too light!

So, which track did you hit? Good 4 u @ letting your G play properly.

[kfreefall]

Yes Mary, It does require a bit of a heavy foot. It took me a few weeks to get acclimated as I was coming in from a '93 G-20. It is easier to put up with if you press the gas a little harder...then it seems worth the extra effort.

Ken