Re: Clutch switch
 

Aubry, you like the crunch it makes when you put it in gear? :-)

Re: Clutch switch
 

One would think that with the l thousands upon thousands of standard transmission cars that come factory equipped with a clutch switch the thrust bearing thing is a non issue. I've alway put the pedal down and it's more of a habit now than any conscious reason. Having no E-Brake means I almost never shut the car off in neutral so that's probably why.

Re: Clutch switch
 

hi, you keep this up and NHRA will decide you need a switch. for your information, oldsmobile had troubles with thrust bearings back in 1970 with clutch switch. car had to be in reverse and clutch depressed to start.
just let it go, ok?? no switch is needed !!

Re: Clutch switch
 

It's not that bad Ed, once you get used to it..You just use a little finesse..
I haven't started a stick shift race car in gear ,in about 40 years..
Once you have thrust bearing issues , you won't either.

Re: Clutch switch
 

I've never had a thrust bearing problem in the 40+ years I've had my car. Not saying it can't happen just I haven't seen it. I never trust the fact the trans is actually in neutral even if I put it there so I'll continue to start the car with my clutch pedal down. Maybe that's because of the freezer in my parent's garage I drove into as a kid!

Re: Clutch switch
 

I never had a thrust bearing problem either. No soft clutches back then either. Always started them in gear, clutch down. Maybe I was just lucky?

Re: Clutch switch
 

Me neither, Ed... that's why I take my time putting the transmission into gear.

About this thrust bearing concern...
The only time I ever saw a thrust bearing worn for no apparent reason, was a factory 454 in front of a TH400. I've been told that these transmissions have a somewhat high internal pressure, particularily in reverse... causing the converter to push forward with substantial force.
I dunno
that's as close as I'll get to an automatic