How heavy is the Chim clutch ?

[ewan221]

have almost bought a Chimaera a couple of times but wasnt to be :-(

Now have a 350z

While I really love the zed probs with my knee means I'm struggling a bit with the heavy clutch when in town or stuck in traffic :-( so thinking about looking for something else. So far thinking XKR (obviously wont have to worry about gear changes) but maybe a bit to refined for me ???

So basically looking for something preferably 6 + cylinders, at least similar performance and either auto or not too heavy a clutch (The clutch on my old Boxster was no prob)

Does a Chimaera fit the bill ?

[walt762]

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news but the clutch is in my experience very heavy although I am sure it can be improved, but it took a few months for my left leg to get used to it, perhaps a TVR speed six engined car would be a better solution but I have no experience of these.

[Alexdaredevilz]

My clutch is light, like a modern car, no problems at all

[haircutmike]

Those with the earlier slave cylinder are lighter.

Those with the later, smaller bore cylinder, (only one available ) are a bit heavier.

No doubt the 5.0 clutches are heavier then the 4.0.

[Dr Mike Oxgreen]

I have a '99 450, and I wouldn't describe the clutch as "heavy", but it certainly isn't as light as any normal run-of-the-mill car. I can imagine it might exacerbate a knee problem over time, especially if you'll be driving it regularly.

[thegman]

I have a 97. Clutch is probably not the freshest, but is fine.

It is heavy but not unbearable by any means. I dont tend to notice except in heavy traffic, or until I haven't been driving it for a while

[.Mark]

thegman said:

I have a 97. Clutch is probably not the freshest, but is fine.

It is heavy but not unbearable by any means. I dont tend to notice except in heavy traffic, or until I haven't been driving it for a while

Mine's a 1996 and the same as this. Probably worse for me as my daily hack is an auto.

[ewan221]

Sounds like same as my Zed then :-(

Its only a prob when I have to change gear a lot

Well there goes my excuse to sell the zed and buy a chimaera, XKR was my other option I was thinking about

[.Mark]

ewan221 said:

XKR was my other option I was thinking about

Do you have a beard and a tweed jacket then?

If you do I suppose a Griff might fit the bill.

[haircutmike]

.Mark said:

Do you have a beard and a tweed jacket then?

If you do I suppose a Griff might fit the bill.

.

[ewan221]

no beard but could always grow one :-)

Would I have to go on the Griff forum to find where to buy the tweed jacket ???

Not that keen on looks of the Griff so thats not an option - Suppose I could could does up on the pain killers before a run lol

[thegman]

ewan221 said:

Sounds like same as my Zed then :-(

Its only a prob when I have to change gear a lot

Well there goes my excuse to sell the zed and buy a chimaera, XKR was my other option I was thinking about

Having test driven a z350 I would say Chim is a bit heavier

[dogbucket]

Mine became noticeably lighter after a new clutch, so I imagine it is going to vary car to car.

[dog man]

Controversially I think the Chim would be awesome as an auto!

[TJC46]

ewan221 said:

Not that keen on looks of the Griff so thats not an option

At last a man of excellent taste!
As for the clutch, mine isnt heavy at all. I would suggest you find your nearest meet of the local tvr carclub. and go and try one out.........you wont regret it. A totally more raw experience to the 350 Z

[Chilliman]

OP, there are ways of changing the amount pedal pressure required to operate the clutch.. Here's a link to a possible solution for you...

www.gif-ac.com/download/entwicklungen/CCF_eng.pdf

[Podie]

They vary massively from car to car.

I've had knee problems for a number of years (no ACLs for a start) and some of the cars I drove I could only cope with for a short period of time in traffic. The one I bought I was fine with.

[Chilliman]

It's also possible to fit a servo to the clutch hydraulics, and not I believe uncommon among some of the Cobra brigade... Might sound a bit drastic but I don't believe it's overly expensive, and, if it allows you to drive the car you want without exacerbating what must already be a painful experience, it's gotta be worth consideration... Try googling 'clutch servo'....

Edited by Chilliman on Friday 4th March 13:13

[ewan221]

Thanks for help everyone :-)