Heusinkveld Sprint pedals are a classic upgrade because they reward good technique: you can build a repeatable brake pressure and stop guessing. But that only works if the pedals are mounted solidly and tuned to your body.
This guide covers mounting, pedal spacing, SmartControl calibration and a brake feel setup that works for both beginners and experienced drivers.
Step 1: mount the pedals so nothing moves
Load cell brakes punish flex. If the pedal plate bends or the whole rig shifts, your braking pressure changes lap to lap.
- Recommended cockpit tier: SIMGASM Club simulator at minimum, and SIMGASM Sport simulator if you want more adjustability.
- Pedal mounting surface: use a strong deck/plate like the universal peripheral deck.
- Foot support: a firm heel plate helps you brake consistently: heel plate 400 mm.
Step 2: set spacing and angles for your body
Most pedal problems are actually ergonomics problems. If your knee angle is wrong or your feet are cramped, you will over brake or lock the rears in panic moments.
- Knee angle: aim for a slight bend at full brake (not locked straight).
- Throttle vs brake spacing: keep close enough for smooth transitions but not so close you hit both pedals.
- Pedal faces: if you heel toe, align brake and throttle heights in your “braking” foot position.
Step 3: SmartControl calibration (baseline)
Calibration is where Sprints become “your pedals”. Use a simple approach:
- Calibrate each pedal to full travel (throttle/clutch) and full pressure (brake).
- Set a small deadzone if you accidentally rest your foot on the throttle.
- Keep the output curve close to linear at first. Curves are powerful, but they can hide technique issues.
Brake force: choose a target that you can repeat
You do not need a rock hard brake to be fast. You need a brake you can hit the same way every time.
| Driver type | Suggested brake force target | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner | 25–40 kg | Easy to repeat; less fatigue while learning. |
| Intermediate | 40–60 kg | Strong pressure reference; good for most GT3 and prototypes. |
| Advanced / endurance | 50–75 kg (only if comfortable) | High precision, but requires strong mounting and good ergonomics. |
Brake feel tuning (the simple method)
- If you lock up too easily: reduce peak force requirement slightly and focus on smoother initial pressure.
- If you cannot reach 100% reliably: lower the required max force and check your seat distance.
- If trail braking feels impossible: reduce stiffness a little so you have a controllable “pressure ramp”.
Pairing pedals with the right seat
Pedal consistency comes from a stable pelvis and back position. If you slide in the seat, your braking changes.
- For a locked in GT position, consider the Atlas GT seat.
- If you prefer more comfort and adjustability, the Core Recline seat is built for long sessions.
- Add sliders if multiple drivers use the rig: dual locking slider set.
Recommended SIMGASM gear
- SIMGASM Club simulator (rigid base for load cell pedals)
- Universal peripheral deck (mount pedals solidly)
- Heel plate 400 mm (repeatable foot reference)
- Atlas GT seat
- Core Recline seat
- Dual locking slider set
Continue reading
- Load cell pedal setup guide: brake calibration, force and feel
- Brake pedal elastomer tuning: travel, stiffness and consistency for faster laps
- Endurance sim racing setup: comfort, hydration and a rig checklist that matters
- Direct drive torque explained: how much Nm do you really need
- A weekly sim racing practice plan: get faster in iRacing and ACC without grinding
