brake pedal too deep for H&T?`

[bebbetufs]

Hello.
I just got my 197 and I'm still getting used to it. I have a fiesta Zetec S as well in which I find the pedal heights are perfectly set up for heel and toe. With a new wider throttle pedal I can easily get on top of the throttle pedal with the heel/side of my foot.

In the Clio, however, the brake pedal seems to be set up too deep. When braking hard it is below the level of the throttle pedal making it very hard to reach it quickly. To make matters worse, I have to pull the seat forward to get a comfortable grip on the steering wheel (keyless entry is aparently not standard for the german market, hence no rake adjustment on the steering wheel). This means I can't move my knee sufficiently to twist the foot, only to roll off the brake pedal. The height and the cramped space makes H&T impossibly for me.

Is there any way to adjust the height of the pedals in relation to each other?
Is it normal for the brake pedal to go deeper than the throttle when braking hard?

TIA

 

[bebbetufs]

Went for a nice drive this evening and I must say the car is fantastic. Perfect gearing for the roads we have and an absolute blast to drive as long as I stay in the power band. However, the pedal issue is driving me nuts. It is impossible to heal and toe properly the way it is now. If I'm the only one experiencing this there must be something wrong with my brakes.

 

[N0ddie]

I can not do it when braking properly hard. Ie. on track.

 

[bebbetufs]

Thanks. I guess I should slow down So bleeding the brakes has not helped you?

 

[philmots]

Don't have any issues where i can't hit the throttle.. Find it's at a nice height (improved since new pads and new fluid)

My problem is the throttles lack of response means it needs quite a bit blip which means you're twisting you're ankle more than what's ideal.

 

[deadmau5]

I had trouble H&Ting in the Clio at first. I had to change my style slightly.

It's nigh on impossible to H&T well unless you're driving hard as it is so slow to rev and react at slower speeds.

 

[Arran]

The Clio was ok I found. In my MPS there's no chance, the pedals aren't set up to the right height! Funny enough, my Citroen Berlingo is the easiest thing I've driven to H&T! Lol!

 

[Ollie RS]

I can't do it in most cars cause my feet are too big i wish the Clio had a steering wheel adjustment for distance and not only height...

 

[GrumpyTwig]

I have problems being 6'2 and having short arms and size 12 feet, I do h/t but it has to be done more as a roll of the foot, operating the throttle more with the side of the foot rather than heel. I rarely do it on he road these days preferring just to plan ahead and come off the brake momentarily. Track is only time I find it useful now as it just helps the car feel more settled.

 

[bebbetufs]

So what would it take to adjust the heights. A longer piston for the brake? Could the throttle be lowered or would it bottom out?

i wish the Clio had a steering wheel adjustment for distance and not only height...

Madeno Racing allegedly has a steering wheel spacer that will fit the stock steering wheel and allow us to keep the airbag. I sent them an email, but have received no reply. Maybe the will be more eager to reply if more people contact them.

 

[Yiannis197]

I don't H&T in the clio, actually I don't H&T in general much less in the clio where is a bit tricky. I just fail to see how can someone drive faster when H&Ting (not talking racing here). And if you do we are talking about tenths? I just don't bother tbh.

 

[bebbetufs]

(You probably know this, but I'm typing it anyway, as it may be helpful to some. It's about learning to balance the car. Ideally, once you hit the brakes, you want to be on them all the way to the apex of the corner, and not get off until you accelerate. This is to keep the weight on the loaded wheels and not move it from them until needed. Once you get off the brake to blip the throttle you upset the balance and move weight off the front tyres. If your on, or close to, the limit this induces loads of understeer. If you go on a track trice a year you will never improve. That's why you need to do it on the street, to make it second nature. That's my opinion anyway, and that's why I do it, to practice.

 

[Willis]

Second nature to me, started practicing it not long after passing my test and now I even do it in the truck without thinking. Smooths everything out and puts less stress on the drivetrain when dropping down the gears, also as already mentioned it does help to keep the car balanced. It's particularly useful in RWD cars as the rev matching can help prevent locking the rear wheels under harsh braking, but it still serves a purpose in FWD cars.

I suppose foot size and seating position will play a part in how easy people find it on any car. For me (5'8", Size 7) the Clio pedal box is nicely set up, you do need to be hard on the brakes or really add some oomph to your heel/side foot action to blip the throttle as there's a few mm of dead space at the top of the accelerator which you need to bypass in order to actually blip the throttle. Practice makes perfect though, you may just need to adjust your technique or positioning somewhat to suit the pedals. For example you may need to learn to roll your foot and blip the throttle with the outside of your foot rather than take the usual pivot technique where you blip with your heel.

 

[mitch]

I can't do it in most cars cause my feet are too big i wish the Clio had a steering wheel adjustment for distance and not only height...

Mine does ... I guess you have a cup?

 

[barty]

ive never had an issue apart from my Mk1 escort and that was due to pedal box bushes being worn.

I always H&T regardless of the speed, even in the works diesel laguna estate lol