Cracked Firewall, Is it common??

[sikhabib]

Ive been through a stock clutch, 2 x z grip tex's and for the last year and a half ive been running a NPC copper/organic single plate. A few months ago the clutch stopped disengaging properly and this is why

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/sikhabib/IMG_20120322_151313.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/sikhabib/IMG_20120322_151333.jpg

If you have a creaking clutch pedal check the firewall around the clutch master cylinder for cracks!!

The pedal wasn't pushing straight on the master cylinder rod which was causing the problem. I got the firewall welded and plated and the clutch felt alot better then it had for a long time. It was obviously cracked for a while but as i drive the car all day ever day i never noticed the gradual worsening. There was always a creaking noise when pushing the clutch but i never worried much about it as i through it was just something in the spring/pedal assembly.

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/sikhabib/IMG_20120323_183330.jpg

http://i196.photobucket.com/albums/aa269/sikhabib/IMG_20120323_183351.jpg


Has anyone else had problems with the firewall cracking with aftermarket clutches?
I do alot of Sydney stop start traffic, car is a 2004 tt vy ss with 300,000km on the clock



3 months on the clutch is still working fine but lately ive noticed the pedal being harder to press then i remember (I dont know if its cause im getting old, paranoid about the firewall cracking again or cause ive been driving other stock clutch cars lately). Ive checked the welded plate/firewall and everything still looks good and the pedal is still pushing squarely on the master cylinder. Im going to flush the clutch fluid on the weekend and see it that helps.

Does anyone else find the single plate NPC clutch find the pedal to be rather stiff?
I might have a hydrolic issue especially with master cylinder as it was being pushed at some pretty crazy angles when the firewall was broken but im really not sure if its all just in my head.....

cheers
Ronny

[Toddler78]

**Goes to check under bonnet**:)

[whitels1ss]

Falcons used to crack and split the firewall as well, it was very common problem with the old Fords.

Edit...From memory I am sure they used to sell "strengthening plate kits" for the Fords which was like two plates,
one which went on the inside the car side of the firewall with another stamped out plate went on the engine bay side.

[S_M_I_D_D_Y]

Never heard of cracked fire walls before, but yes the npc does have a fairly heavy pedal, i drive work ute daily and the npc in mine feels crazy heavy in comparison

[tsute]

when a very heavy clutch is fitted this will happen. Mates VZ with very heavy clutch cracked the firewall, we had an NPC fitted and he was very worried it would not hold the power because the pedal feel was soft and almost like stock. But with around 300rwkw and running low 12s and not to mention rear tyres lasting weeks not months, the clutch is still running great.