G27 Degressive Clutch Mod

[ShredGuitarKev 45]

Here's a small update on how this is going.  I have a completed prototype using almost all 3D printed parts, which makes it very easy to install.  I have a large 3D printed bracket that replaces the stock "pedal plate riser" on the clutch, and some printed cam mechanisms.  The only thing that isn't 3D printed is the bracket at the base which connects the stock spring housing and my mod together, and the hardware.  If I offer this as a mod-kit to people in the future I will probably 3D print the base pivoting bracket as well just to make things as easy as possible.

 

I took a small video last night to try and show my progress.  It was hard to get light into my PVC rig with my pedals inverted, so hopefully my camerawork isn't too bad.  I think it is a big improvement over my first prototype.

 

 

I have put some really hard hours of testing into this over the past month, and I really only have two problems arising.  The first, is that I am using a bolt as a "stopper" at the end of the throw...and it is putting a small amount of wear on the stock spring housing where it makes contact.  I think I can fix that by using a plastic or rubber sleeve around the bolt to avoid the metal threads hitting the plastic so hard.  The other problem is that over time (on average every 3-4 hours of play) the turnbuckles in this assembly slowly lose their setting and vibrate themselves loose.  I can fix this with either lock-tite on the threads of the turnbuckle, or maybe a nylon locking hex nut.  They don't loosen much, but just enough to where it throws off the adjustments to the mod.

 

Other than that though, it has been fantastic.  Between this clutch mod and having a load cell in my G27 pedals, it really takes them to a whole new level....especially if you use them with an adapter to plug them in USB direct or into a thrustmaster wheel for the added resolution.

[SteveS 1,391]

Kev, this is an outstanding mod for G27, a great piece of design engineering.

[jbodin 192]

Nice work, Steve.  I can't understand why a digressive clutch feel has become all the rage since Fanatec released that feature with their Clubsport pedals -- the clutch pedal in my real car (and in every other manual-equipped car I've ever driven) feels nothing like the Clubsport digressive clutch feature.

 

I guess it helps trick our minds in the simulated world into "understanding" the difference between clutch inputs and throttle/brake inputs, but honestly it does nothing for me.

 

Just my $0.02.  Good luck to you with the project, though! 

[ShredGuitarKev 45]

Kev, this is an outstanding mod for G27, a great piece of design engineering.

 

Thanks Steve!! 

 

 

Nice work, Steve.  I can't understand why a digressive clutch feel has become all the rage since Fanatec released that feature with their Clubsport pedals -- the clutch pedal in my real car (and in every other manual-equipped car I've ever driven) feels nothing like the Clubsport digressive clutch feature.

 

I guess it helps trick our minds in the simulated world into "understanding" the difference between clutch inputs and throttle/brake inputs, but honestly it does nothing for me.

 

Just my $0.02.  Good luck to you with the project, though! 

 

I have to agree that it doesn't quite feel like any of the manual cars I've driven (they have all been low-horsepower commuter cars though LOL), but I think it is a step in the right direction.  For many people, the degressive clutch concept is going to be a love it or hate it thing...probably why even some expensive pedals like the PT-1 set have an option to completely remove the clutch spring/ramp thing.  Eventually we might get some pedals on the market that do accurately feel like a clutch.....but I think it might take a few years.  Given that the clutch pedal feel does little/nothing for your lap times, unlike the brake pedal (which is arguably the most important part of your rig).....it might take even longer since most companies probably won't bother to develop anything.

 

This mod was my way of trying out the concept without spending a bunch of money on some pedals.  I eventually want to get a new set, but I just bought my T28 rim and TH8A shifter about a month or two ago and the wife wasn't very happy with me  .  Most people would just save up and buy what they want, but I've always been the DIY type of person who enjoys taking things apart.

 

Along with my ricmotech load cell and the fact that my pedals are un-cased....I have quite the franken-pedal thing going on these days haha.  I need to get myself some aftermarket pedal-faces to complete my "what the heck are those" vibe LOL

[lx334 0]

With two magnets or a bad hard drive can be a little clutch foot feeling, but less intense //

(The above resorting Google translate, if a syntax error, please understand ..)

[Mestizo69 35]

I hit you up on YouTube and was wondering on the parts list and dimensions on the parts manufactured, I would like to try this on my G27.

[Mestizo69 35]

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[Sanius 0]

This looks very interesting, but I think this type of mechanical degression gives a wrong feel, so to say. Much more interesting would be a system where there is actual friction which decreases at a certain point of depression. Something like a rubber block that slide across a metal plate, but the plate section diverts from the block at 3/4 before the end of 100% pedal depression (if that makes any sense).