Questions for the stick guys

[Paul Merolla]

Originally Posted by james schaechter

Get a real good understanding of the throwout bearing to finger clearance.
The fingers, levers, really move a lot. Especially when counterweight is involved. It was mentioned, but it is worth mentioning again. If the fingers touch the levers, the clutch will slip. The response of putting more clutch in to counteract the slip really makes it worse. Then the clutch hits too hard at first, then slips as the rpm goes up and the levers hit the throwout bearing. It is really like you were riding the clutch pedal, but you are not.

I learned this part the hard way this year...cost me a lot of frustration at the track and a few bucks, too. On the bright side, I will never make that mistake again!
As for the 2-step / line lock setup, I like it simple and did mine like this: Normally closed microswitch that opens when the clutch pedal is all the way up. That's to run the 2-step, and the red button on the shifter is for the line lock. I just had to learn to put my left foot flat on the floorboard after the launch or else I'd end up resting it on the clutch pedal and turning on the 2-step.
Also, Jim is dead on regarding the fun factor!