Most hobbyists who own street-driven Pontiacs are continually searching for new ways of updating their vintage iron with today's technology, hoping to improve its operational characteristics. Oftentimes that revolves around the drivetrain and suspension. For those of us with cars originally equipped with manual transmissions, this includes modern, heavy-duty overdrive units that bolt in with minimal modifications. But one component often overlooked and used as much as any other is the clutch countershaft assembly.
Not many have thought to consider the action that occurs every time the clutch pedal is depressed. It takes just one look at the countershaft assembly to realize that any of its pivot points could wear and be a potential source for binding. Most points, however, are in an environment exposed to the elements and in places not easily accessible for lubrication. So they typically go without any form of regular maintenance whatsoever.
The clutch countershaft assembly consists of a countershaft mounted between the frame and the engine block, and two linkages that connect the clutch pedal to the countershaft and the countershaft to the clutch fork. Watching its action, we see that when the clutch pedal is depressed, the upper linkage-which extends through the firewall-pushes the countershaft forward driving the lower linkage rearward, causing the clutch fork to apply force on the pressure plate. And it is a combination of this recurring action and lack of lubrication that can eventually lead to poor clutch pedal operation from worn components.
While most hobbyists never consider improving the clutch countershaft assembly, WFO Performance Works in Spring, Texas, offers a new product that gives owners a chance to do just that. Its newest kit (about $75 retail) for Second-Gen Firebirds consists of adjustable hardened steel and aluminum linkages with spherical bearings and all the necessary hardware required for installation. Follow along as we upgrade our '76 Trans Am and rejuvenate its clutch pedal action. You'll need to depress the clutch only once to feel how worthwhile this modification is.