Tech Guide - Clutch Quadrant Cable

BBK Performance's OEM style hard cased heavy duty adjustable cable and aluminum quadrant are designed to replace the weak stock plastic quadrant that can break easily especially when installing a heavy duty aftermarket clutch that requires additional pedal pressure. The aluminum firewall clutch cable adjuster allows for over 60% more adjustability from right under the hood rather than under the car.

 

The Aluminum quadrant supplied with the kit is not specifically designed with any sort of recess or hook-up for the return spring from the stock quadrant. It is designed to sit at the top of the clutches engagement point, so that there is as little play as possible. This is a desirable set up when doing any performance-oriented driving, as it allows you to customize where you want the pedal to engage, and eliminates the dead space found on the stock clutch set up.

(Part numbers affected include: 1505, 15055, 15050, 1609, 16095, 3517, 3519)
 

 

Yes, it is possible to remove the housing from the cable for use with the firewall adjuster. However, you should use caution as it will require some cutting, and you do not want to injure yourself or cause irreparable damage to the part.

Start by removing the metal retaining clip from the base of the hard plastic shell. Then, you will need to cut that hard plastic shell down its entire length. It is a relatively thin cover, but you will probably need more than scissors or a knife - a dremel-type tool with a grinding wheel or cutting wheel will greatly help. Once this is done, you may remove the shell. There should be a large rubber grommet which can either be trimmed down and re-used between the firewall adjuster and the stop on the cable, or it can simply be removed. It should easily slide off of the base and over the clutch cable head.

(Part numbers affected include: 15050, 1609, 16095, 3519)
 

 

Almost certainly it is nothing that you are doing wrong that is causing this to happen. The T-5 transmission is notorious for this behavior. It isn't related to your clutch and its operation, but rather the internal synchronizers in the transmission itself. If you have trouble with grinding when trying to get into reverse gear, then firstly put the car into first gear. Normally, when you put the transmission into first gear before trying reverse, it will help line up the transmission and give you a trouble-free shift. Make sure you do not release pressure on the clutch between the first-gear shift and entering into reverse.