I know this might be barbaric to suggest, but what about an auto? I have an automatic and I love it.

While I haven't had any experience of the best auto transmissions you might find on a high end merc with 9 gears or anything, the one on the 86 is great fun. Changes in about 300ms (usually less), easy to use in `drive` or `manual` with the gear stick or the paddle shifters behind the steering wheel.

And the auto gets better fuel economy, apparently...

 

Yes, you can swap clutch slave cylinder to that of different ratio to master cylinder so that it's of different ratio to stock, changing clutch pedal travel and pressing firmness.

But, do you need that?
Stock clutch pressure imho is rather normal, if not on light side relative to other cars with manual transmission aswell.
If you may need to press clutch much harder then on average cars, then i guess more probable that you may have aftermarket clutch installed, or also possible that you (or owner before, if you bought used) had done clutch pedal helper spring removal, so that clutch pedal becomes firmer to better feel clutch bite point. In later case you can check that and put spring back. This imho should be much easier/simpler "un-mod" to do, then changing clutch cylinders.

 

[MENTION=5078]Danaldinho[/MENTION]
I need the GT86 mostly as a track day car. I doubt that the automatic gearbox would be good enough (I drove a few OTHER automatic cars - including sports cars - and they all disappointed me). I can't comment on the high end sports cars, but for low end, in my opinion, there's no replacement for a good manual. Auto's are also heavier, usually.
Thanks for your suggestion anyway!
[MENTION=2649]church[/MENTION]
That is really good news
As I said, I did not find the clutch on gt86 particularly stiff, it's just a medical condition that causes problems for me, even with "normal" clutches. My (non-MPS) Mazda 3, for example, has a very light clutch (maybe too light but that's good for my back). Also, I'm not talking about a specific/individual car, but manual gt86es in general.
Can you point me in the right direction? (a link or something for a potentially compatible/helpful slave cylinder)

Thanks!

 

If clutch is non stock, is better asked from previous owner of car.
Simplest to ask about clutch pedal helper spring aswell from previous owner, if it's stock or removed. But you can also see it for yourself in pedal assembly. Visual check won't work much if spring is there but of different spring rate though.

As for mod, clutch cylinder swap thread, clutch spring removal thread. Except take note, that:
1) these mods are for opposite, to make pedal even firmer, not lighter to press. Hence part numbers mentioned in first won't do for you. Different master and slave hydraulic cylinder diameter ratio .. think of that as different lever length. One can make shorter travel but more force required, or longer travel and easier to press (stock). And regarding second, most often varieties of that are complete removal of helper spring, or installing softer sprung, mtec spring, somewhere inbetween stock helper spring and no spring at all. Stock spring is firmest, so it assists clutch pedal press most (dulling feel in process). Mtec assists less, no spring - firmest pedal feel. I guess, you may want easy to press pedal, thus firmest assist spring. Seen people reversing mod by reinstalling stock assist spring when installed much stiffer aftermarket clutches.
I also guess, that if you find similar sized but even firmer spring then stock's, it might be even easier to press. Not sure. Noone did opposite
2) IIRC it might be more PITA to deal with this spring mod on RHD cars such as in UK. Mine is LHD, so no issue, but probably worth noting.
3) stock spring is very stiff. PITA to compress/reinstall. And be careful with E-clip. Easy to break/loose.


[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jk8mkTfLANk[/ame]
[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HOk6-W5KX8[/ame]

 

Thanks a bunch [MENTION=2649]church[/MENTION]!! Very helpful info!
If I'll go forward with this I'll get back here with the outcome!

 

How many GT86s have you driven? The reason i ask is the clutch on mine is pretty light, lighter than any diesel ive driven and similar to small hatchbacks. It shouldnt be heavy.

 

One thing I'll say is do not upgrade the clutch spring if you struggle with the pedal already. It makes it that little bit stiffer, let alone the install will be horrific if you have had back surgery. You almost have to be a contortionist to get a view of the clips and bolts.

 

Depends what you're used to really. I had an Aygo courtesy car the other day and the clutch felt like it had about a tenth of the weight of the GT86, you could almost press it with just the weight of your foot.

 

I'd say the clutch is about right for the 'power' it needs to handle, certainly lighter than an 200SX or 350Z; cars like an i20 are featherlight for mums.

 

Guys, I never said it's a stiff/hard clutch pedal, I only said it's too stiff for my broken spine (had a surgery 17 years ago).

Actually, I've seen an up for sale stock gt86 yesterday, I find the clutch to give just enough feedback, very similar with my ex '07 corolla (I had the same problem with this one until I changed the clutch with a softer one). I'm well aware that a softer clutch does not give enough feedback (especially for a track day car) and ruins the fun to some degree, but I rather have less fun than not at all.

I'll look for a stronger spring (to help ease the pedal) and see if it's enough.
Thanks again!

 

I finally bought the car

As expected, the clutch pedal is giving me back pains. I'll soon go to a toyota workshop and see if they can help me (I hope for at least 1 of the 2 solutions).
Meanwhile, some pictures