I am coming up on the 2000 mile mark and i feel like my clutch is noticeably softer than when brand new, much more noticeable over the last few weeks. I feel like the engagement point does not grab as hard and as abrupt and it has moved higher up in the clutch pedals travel. it actually makes the car a little smoother to drive however i am concerned that now the clutch may not be grabbing 100% when my foot is off it. This is my first new car with manual purchase so I have never gone through clutch break in. Any experience, thoughts or advice is appreciated.

 

I highly doubt the clutch would not be grabbing when you are not on the pedal. If the clutch wasn't grabbing right you would notice by the smell of the clutch from constant slipping.

 

The S-197's have a real nice fluid controlled clutch system. There should be not problem with it unless you have been doing full blown burnouts at every stop light since you have owned it! If you truely have any real concerns. Then just take it to your Ford dealership service department and have them along for a quick test drive. You will be just fine! At 2K you are all broken in now! Just get out there and enjoy it before the winter snows arrive like here in Iowa. CalStang

 

If your clutch really isn't grabbing you will notice rpms jumping up for no reason as the clutch slips. My guess is that the clutch is self adjusting and you probably hit the break in point, so it will not be as "stiff" as it once was, but you are where you should be now.

 

I am so impressed with the clutch on this car! A joy to drive. 1500 miles and no changes detected.

 

Thanks for the thoughts, it has not been slipping however i think i may still have the service group look at it. I am surprised at how different the feel is in only a few weeks. I have only made one tire strip so i dont think that could be it. i just dont like the dead feel where there used to be a progressive amount of friction.

 

Keep your foot on the clutch as much as possible when driving. This will help break it in.

 

I hope your kidding.

 

NASTY,nasty !!!!!!!!!