Clutch Cable Shortening Kit

EMPI Clutch Cable Shortening Kit - 5587

VW Fitment and Application

The EMPI Clutch Cable Shortening Kit is designed for use with stock-style Volkswagen aircooled clutch cables. This tool is an essential solution for custom VW projects where standard cable lengths do not apply. It is most commonly used in sand rails, dune buggies, and tube-chassis vehicles where the distance between the pedal cluster and the transmission is shorter than a factory Beetle or Ghia. By using this kit, you can adapt a standard, readily available clutch cable to fit any custom length requirement.

Pro Tech Tips for Installation

Use High-Quality Cable Cutters: When shortening your cable, avoid using standard side-cutters or pliers, as they tend to crush and fray the steel strands. Use a dedicated bypass-style cable cutter to ensure a clean, sharp end. This makes weaving the cable through the eyelet of the shortening kit much easier and prevents individual strands from poking out and causing snags.

Leave a Tail for Adjustment: Do not cut the cable perfectly flush with the nut after installation. Leave approximately one inch of cable protruding past the shortening kit eyelet. This "tail" provides extra surface area for the clamp to grip and allows you enough material to grab with pliers if you ever need to readjust the tension or move the kit further up the cable.

Prevent Vibration Loosening: Because the clutch system is subject to constant vibration and engine movement, it is a smart practice to use a small drop of blue (medium-strength) thread locker on the nut. Additionally, ensure the cable is woven correctly through the eyelet as per the instructions; the mechanical "weave" combined with the nut pressure is what provides the holding power to prevent the cable from slipping under heavy clutch pedal pressure.