I have adjusted my clutch lower than spec so that I can get earlier clutch engagement/disengage and quicker gearshifts.

Does anyone know if this will damage the clutch or stress out any other component in the long term?

 

Double edged sword. You'll get faster reengagement but slower disengagement if you adjust it closer to the floor.

closer to the top you get faster disengagement and slower reengagement.

closer to the top will make you less likely to grind 2nd.

 

This car is already on the brink of disc drag the way it comes from the factory. Hence why many people have 2nd gear grind issues.
Adding play will only cause more disc drag and wear on the syncros.

No way I would do it.

 

Which adjustment are you talking about?

I went down there to jumper the start wire and noticed both the clutch and the brake had some free play before engagement. This is entirely up to each one's preference but I tightened mine to about 2mm before actual engagement. Feels much nicer now. I know the Helms and OEM calls for some free play for the pedals as well as the throttle body but again, it's your call.

I don't think this clutch "mod" would cause any drag if you don't go too far.

Again, this is for the sensor pedal stop adjustments (rotate/nut lock) and not push-rod adjustment which may be possible from the actual cylinders. (I wouldn't dream of touching those)

 

I am talking about turning the shaft connected to the clutch pedal to engage the master cylinder earlier (bring the clutch pedal closer to the floor).

 

lengthening the rod will disengage the clutch earlier and engage later, so the point will be higher up in the travel. You aren't really moving the pedal just the disengagement and engagement point. I lengthened the rod to bring the point higher up as it seemed too low on my car when I got it. I think this helped me with my shifting and may have helped get rid of the 2nd gear grind as you get a bit more time from the disengagement of the clutch to the actual shift. I moved it about 2 full turns, I don't think I would mess with it much more than that.