Further Evaluations
Having driven the car extensively since the line change, I can now add to my initial impressions. I had already reported that the more rigid line resulted in the clutch pedal requiring more force to depress, due to the lack of the volumetric expansion characteristic of the OEM rubber line, leading to an ability to regulate the clutch more precisely over varying driving conditions. Presumably, this characteristic is a function of the more direct connection between pedal movement and clutch operation. This phenomenon has held up over time and is perhaps the most noticeable, and useful, benefit of the line change. It also makes possible better launches coming off the line due to the improved clutch feel.
Now that I've had the opportunity to engage in stop and start slow speed driving, the ability to regulate the clutch more precisely does result in the ability to keep the car moving more smoothly, and with less effort, in these annoying situations, FWIW.
Finally, I had mentioned that sometimes I experienced resistance and an audible clunk from the synchros during fast shifting which I had attributed possibly to my failure to fully disengage the clutch during these shortened time intervals. It then occurred to me that the volumetric expansion of the OEM line may have lengthened the time required for the full hydraulic force to be applied to the clutch release lever thus preventing the clutch from being fully released before the stick was moved, even though I had depressed the clutch pedal to the limit of its travel. If this was the case then the new stainless steel line should enable faster, smoother shifts without stressing the synchros. As reported, my initial tests were inconclusive here.
Further testing demonstrated that, with the stainless steel line in place, in general faster shifts were possible without provoking complaint from the synchros, indicating that volumetric expansion of the OEM line was indeed part of the problem. However, some of the problem is inherent in the synchros themselves as it was still possible to stress them if one really pushed it - which is why I use an MP3 shifter as opposed to an aftermarket fast shifter.
These longer term results reinforce my contention that this is a worthwhile mod.
Happy Motoring!
Having driven the car extensively since the line change, I can now add to my initial impressions. I had already reported that the more rigid line resulted in the clutch pedal requiring more force to depress, due to the lack of the volumetric expansion characteristic of the OEM rubber line, leading to an ability to regulate the clutch more precisely over varying driving conditions. Presumably, this characteristic is a function of the more direct connection between pedal movement and clutch operation. This phenomenon has held up over time and is perhaps the most noticeable, and useful, benefit of the line change. It also makes possible better launches coming off the line due to the improved clutch feel.
Now that I've had the opportunity to engage in stop and start slow speed driving, the ability to regulate the clutch more precisely does result in the ability to keep the car moving more smoothly, and with less effort, in these annoying situations, FWIW.
Finally, I had mentioned that sometimes I experienced resistance and an audible clunk from the synchros during fast shifting which I had attributed possibly to my failure to fully disengage the clutch during these shortened time intervals. It then occurred to me that the volumetric expansion of the OEM line may have lengthened the time required for the full hydraulic force to be applied to the clutch release lever thus preventing the clutch from being fully released before the stick was moved, even though I had depressed the clutch pedal to the limit of its travel. If this was the case then the new stainless steel line should enable faster, smoother shifts without stressing the synchros. As reported, my initial tests were inconclusive here.
Further testing demonstrated that, with the stainless steel line in place, in general faster shifts were possible without provoking complaint from the synchros, indicating that volumetric expansion of the OEM line was indeed part of the problem. However, some of the problem is inherent in the synchros themselves as it was still possible to stress them if one really pushed it - which is why I use an MP3 shifter as opposed to an aftermarket fast shifter.
These longer term results reinforce my contention that this is a worthwhile mod.
Happy Motoring!
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