Z bar linkage or hydraulic clutch?

[Lenie]

As stated above, I'm interested in hearing your personal experiences with this matter(your pro's and cons). My own issues with this are I here pedal ratio is one of the major keys to success with the hydraulic route and my firewall has already been painted. I've heard Keisler makes an adaptor plate that will work in the original mounting hole but their throw out bearing will not work w/my richmond transmission so I would have to go elsewhere for that part. Better clearance for headers, but a more expensive route. Are there issues that come with aftermarket hydraulic clutches? If I go w/the z bar I will have to manufacture a spacer for the mounting bractet since wayne due's clip is alittle narrower, but I do like the mechanical feel. Clearance issues? What do you guys think and what issues have you had to deal with?
Thanks Lenie

[Jay Hilliard]

I went with standard Z-bar for my SB in my 69 camaro. I did use heim joints and aluminum rods instead of stock rods to reduce binding, etc that comes with stock setup. This helps alot, as the heim joints makes everything so smooth.

I friend of mine has the hudraulic setup in his. It was not that bad to install, however we had to go that route since he was running a 427 with 2 1/8" headers and header configuration. He has had no problems. Just make sure to install a clutch pedal stop to make sure you dont overextend the hydraulic bearing. We got everything form Classic Chevy 5speed.

The hydraulic setup is more costly of course and takes more time to get properly spaced/adjusted from my experience.

my 2 cents.

[ProdigyCustoms]

If you have a early motor small or big block that accepts a ball studd for a Z Bar. A Z bar all the way! Cost, ease of operation, reliability, all lean towards the Z Bar. And Personally I much prefer the feel of the pedal ratio, The Z Bar gives you a full clutch pedal, all th hydraulics give you half a pedal at best.

[Vegas69]

Your clutch choice also plays a factor. With my Centerforce dual friction clutch the pedal effort is pretty easy. I don't have to push my clutch very far to change gears. It's really very nice. I also like the mechanical feel and to be honest, didn't feel the need to spend another $500 when the mechanical setup was perfectly servicable. In your situation, since it may mean the difference between custom headers and mass produced, that may not be the case. Either approach will work fine....there are always compromises.