Ok, this sucks. Figured out why she wouldn't roll(frozen caliper) but I've got a new issue. The clutch lever on the trans(4.10 4sp) flops back and forth like a limp d*ck! I can't believe I didn't notice this until now. I can feel the point at which the t/o bearing contacts the pressure plate fingers, but it's at the end of the clutch levers throw. I don't see how this could have happened since we didn't have any problems mating the engine/trans together and I followed all the torque specs. Could something have been dislodged while they were being mated together? I just don't see how... Any ideas?

I had one on a Samurai that got a bit twisted and would only travel a tiny bit back and forth with the fork. Don't really know an answer though, sorry.

Is this a drag car? Why mate a V8 to the 4:10? Seems like overkill. Must be murder at highway speed.

It IS overkill, but that's what I wanted. I haven't driven it yet so I don't know how brutal it will be. I'm probably going to end up selling the project(that's why it was in the mall) to raise some funds and because I'm losing interest.

You could go to the 3.93 Isuzu 5 speed used in Cavaliers and such. That would preserve a similar level oc overkill but replace the clutch linkage completely.

quote Originally posted by GT Bastard: Ok, this sucks. Figured out why she wouldn't roll(frozen caliper) but I've got a new issue. The clutch lever on the trans(4.10 4sp) flops back and forth like a limp d*ck! I can't believe I didn't notice this until now. I can feel the point at which the t/o bearing contacts the pressure plate fingers, but it's at the end of the clutch levers throw. I don't see how this could have happened since we didn't have any problems mating the engine/trans together and I followed all the torque specs. Could something have been dislodged while they were being mated together? I just don't see how... Any ideas?

Did you note the issue that was discovered with the SPEC clutch on my car? Check page 7 of the clutch thread. The SPEC has a very different presure plate configuration that may have something to do with this.

Dave

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I've read that, but it doesn't really sound like my issue... Even with the clutch pedal fully depressed, I'm not actuating the clutch at all.

Do you have the stamped steel clutch arm on the 4 speed??? Those are junk, and will crack and flex too much to work. You can either weld it up and strengthen it, or get a cas iron replacement. I got mine from a dealer (5 years ago). I think the Fiero Store may have them, too.

Also, the aluminum slave cylinder bracket is prone to breakage. I rebuilt mine with an old Dodge alternator bracket. It's not pretty, but it works. I think Rodney has steel replacements for that.

You will also have to check the clutch arm pivot shaft bushings. They will get thin and cause this problem, but to a lesser degree. You can get the tool and the parts from Rodney.

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"Its a Fiero thing... Heck, even I don't understand!"

Timothy E. Smith
1986 SE V6
1984 Coupe
1996 Ford Probe GT
1999 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
1975 Chevrolet ElCamino SS

I've got the factory stamped steel clutch arm, but it doesn't appear to be bent at all, and the aluminum bracket is in good shape. Also, it worked fine before the conversion. It seems like something wrong internally, but I can't imagine how it could have gone wrong. I'll take another look at the clutch arm I guess...

The clutch arm can look fine but still be unusable. It (and every other part in the Fiero clutch system) is a poor design.

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"Its a Fiero thing... Heck, even I don't understand!"

Timothy E. Smith
1986 SE V6
1984 Coupe
1996 Ford Probe GT
1999 Chevrolet Silverado Z71
1975 Chevrolet ElCamino SS