Extreme Automotive technician...
Extreme Automotive technician Chris Cardilino checks out the clutch-pedal action in his '99 Mustang GT after installing Steeda's bolt-on, adjustable pedal stop (PN 555-7025; $24.95). The stop is recommended for New Edge ('99-'04) Mustang owners who manually bang gears in motorsports events, or those who simply desire a lower position for the clutch pedal, as well as a firmer, more positive feel.
While we'd love to take credit for being so clairvoyant that we simply know exactly which products-new or old-5.0 Mustang & Super Fords readers want to learn more about each month here in Tech Inspection, the truth is that the hard-core-and even the softer-core-'Stang gear featured in this section of the magazine oftentimes is determined by our readers.
You may recall reading Bill Clemmons' question about tricks he can try to help his '03 Cobra leave the starting line better at the dragstrip. Bill's letter was featured as our QA section's Virgin of the Month (April '09, p. 147), and in response to his query, we suggested installing Steeda's adjustable clutch-pedal stop (PN 555-7024; $24.95).
Thanks to Bill and his letter, we decided to go ahead and take a closer look at exactly what goes into installing the suggested part, because the more we think about it, the more Steeda's clutch-pedal stop really does seem like a cool piece to check out.
The stop (designed specifically for '99-'04 Mustangs with manual transmissions) bolts directly to the clutch pedal assembly and allows drivers to adjust the pedal's standing (non-depressed) height and travel. We thought it would be a good way for Bill to improve his reaction time, as well as the Snake's performance and consistency out of the hole, and banging gears on its way down the 1,320. We also thought about adding a clutch-pedal stop due to the fact that racing-style clutches have a quicker release than stock pieces, requiring shorter pedal travel in order to limit the chances of damaging the diaphragm.
So with broadening our do-it-yourself readers' bolt-on-tech horizons as our primary motivation, the following photos and captions cover Extreme Automotive's Chris Cardilino as he attaches the device to the clutch pedal in his '99 Mustang GT. The install process involves only a few seconds of bench assembly and a few additional minutes under the dash (provided you're as thin, nimble, and able to crawl under a New Edge 'Stang's dash as Chris). Good finger dexterity and two wrenches or sockets (10mm and 11mm) are the only skills and tools required.
Seriously, this one's easy, and it works great when it's done.
OEM placement puts the clutch...
OEM placement puts the clutch pedals about 2 inches higher than the brake pedals on New Edge 'Stangs. This distance can be made up by installing an aftermarket quadrant and adjustable cable, which lowers the clutch pedal slightly (and actually are required for using the Steeda pedal stop), but some drivers prefer to have the clutch and brake pedals even with each other (road-racing enthusiasts in particular, as having the pedals parallel to each other facilitates better execution of the heel-and-toe braking/downshifting technique), and there is no way to make adjustments with a quadrant. In the event a clutch pedal is high before performing the installation, clutch-cable tension must be removed by loosening the cable first.
There isn't much in terms...
There isn't much in terms of elaborate parts to assemble. The kit consists of a heavy-duty pedal-stop bracket that attaches to the factory pedal-support assembly using the supplied bolt, washer, and Nylock nut, in addition to the adjustment bolt and jam nut, which Chris pre-assembles. He moves the driver's seat as far back as it will go, sets the parking brake, and heads under the Mustang's dash to bolt in everything.
Using an 11mm wrench, the...
Using an 11mm wrench, the Steeda stop's bracket is secured to the pedal-support bracket on the outside of the bracket (closest to the side of the car), and tucks into the rolled edge of the pedal support. A notch in the pedal-stop bracket must be aligned with the bottom edge of the pedal support before the stop bracket is tightened down.
Adjusting the pedal stop (setting...
Adjusting the pedal stop (setting pedal height) is done by using a 10mm wrench or socket to turn the stop bolt ("in" lowers clutch pedal; "out" raises it). Tightening the jam nut locks the adjustment in place. It's important to note that setting the clutch pedal's position too low prevents the clutch from fully releasing and can result in premature wear on the synchros in your Mustang's transmission.
Using Steeda's adjustable...
Using Steeda's adjustable clutch-pedal stop, Chris is able to drop the height of his Pony's clutch pedal considerably. "Besides being much lower now, the clutch pedal feels a lot firmer and doesn't have the little tip-in slack that it had with just the quadrant installed," says Chris. "I also like this piece because now the clutch pedal comes back to the same lower position, which will help make power-shifting a lot easier."