Performance Clutch Talks

[Super7]

Twin/Multiple-Plate Clutch

 

Hi All,

 

I was reading the following discussion on the net. Do you guys have similar experience/understanding??? All comments are welcome...... thanks

 

"............. Most performance cars still use single plate clutch. Some, like the Evo Egg, use a slightly improved clutch cover (wide angle clutch torsion damper to reduce rattle and noise, better release at high speed).

 

Usaully stock clutch cannot do a proper (as in professional sprints) launching. For example, if the driver launches an EVO normally at 5.5k-6.5k RPM it will cause the clutch system to burn.

 

Below are some recommendations:

 

1) If you SELDOM (or never) launch your car at that RPM as mentioned, use back stock clutch.(comfort, soft paddle feel..etc)

 

2) If you (OFTEN) launch your car at the RPM as mentioned, try AP RACING organic clutch disk (same type of clutch disk as stock but stronger material) and use back original clutch cover. (Comfort, soft paddle feel, able to launch but not alway lah....one guy used it and was able to survive 3 sprints and 1 carpark rally for standard showroom class and still have more than 50% left).

 

3) If you (ALWAYs) launch, use TWIN Plate or TRIPLE Plate clutch system (depend on the horsepower of your car). Most racing clutch is uncomfortable to use as it really bites when launch. Got to get use to releasing the clutch when launching or risk damaging your gearbox.

 

The expert drivers/racers don't juz let go their clutch at one go when they launch at 6.5K plus. They tend to depress a bit, press and finally let go. Don't know is it true or not?

 

The problem with twin plate is that the transition from slip to full engagement is really narrow, so it's always very hard to do it right.

 

The problem of twin-clutch will be solved in near future as now most of the clutch producing company are coming out with CARBON CLUTCH. Like AP Racing & ATS (already in the market), Exedy(coming out soon)....etc.

 

Advantages:

 

1)Able to do half clutching without jerking (so comfort when driving in urban area) feel like normal clutch.

 

2) Able to withstand high temp (racing clutch as drive or rally for some time they tend to heat up and cause very diffcult to engage gear).

 

3) Light weight.

 

4) Normal when launching the clutch will tend to slip for 0.05 - 0.1 sec or less then it bite again. (Protect your engine gearbox, ayc, acd..)

 

Disadvantage:

 

1) The clutch has to warmed up before we doing any launching (as carbon bite only at high temp). In sprint/supersprint events, the need to warm up tyres & clutch at the same time can be quite troublesome.(have a procedure to follow when warming up the clutch). So it is mostly recommended for track use, not daily use.

 

2) Expensive.

 

On the other hand, present metal plate clutch have its own advantages & disadvantages. Not that it's no good. ..............."

 

Anyone out there using carbon clutch? Can give any comment on the clutch so that we can compare?

 

Cheers

[Super7]

Anyone out there using carbon clutch? Can give any comment on the clutch so that we can compare?

 

cheers

[S2P2]

hhmmm is this the first thread on clutch.....looks interesting....thanks

[Super7]

the MCF Super Saab got carbon clutch, right??? ... must hear from the guru liao...

[Wrxblue]

try to keep to stock or just heavy duty clutch...stay away from those fancy twin/triple plate clutch....damn difficult to drive after installation and will probably wear off your gearbox...and worst..your whole drivetrain...

 

a small amount of clutch slippage is required to prevent the 'overloading' the transmission and engagement of clutch starts with a small amount of slippage and then the clutch will 'bite'..and while this is happening the torsional dampers on the clutch disc will damp out the vibration...this is to ensure a smooth transition..

 

some aftermarket sports clutch kit actually doesnt have such features because their sole purpose is to provide fast clutch engagement ASAP in racing and they have already accounted for the 'mod' gearbox and should be able to take more load.

 

so sometimes doesnt mean pay more and high technology means good for everyone...must also understand the purpose of design...

 

Edited July 31, 2003 by Wrxblue

[Super7]

what's good for track/race use, may not be suitable for day to day driving, for a start:- on the track, rebuild of gearbox/engine is part and parcel of the operation, whereas in daily street use, very hard to afford such rebuilds...... ..... track use = pushing things to the limit and mainly to win and last the race, daily use = compromise between long term durability and reasonable performance (not all-out performance) ......

[Saaber]

But if the engine got very high torque and hp due to some mod, then it is better to upgrade the clutch system to accommodate the increase in torque......if not the normal clutch will wear off in a very short time....

[Super7]

so in this case, which types of clutch will be suitable??

[Saaber]

depends on the application loh...there are many types, you know.......

 

 

 

 

check out this website:

 

http://www.daikin-clutch.com/products/sports.shtml

 

they have so many types..

Edited August 1, 2003 by Saaber

[Sambuca]

anyone here tried carbonetic clutch before?

http://www.carbonetic.net/products/clutch.html

supposed to have a good bite with stock feel

[Silhoutte]

Hi bro glad that you are sharing on clutch.

I know nuts about it!

[BMW320i]

With the Evolution Models in particular to late models, it is not possible to launch at 5500rpm - 6500rpm. Stock Evo ECUs are equipped with Launch Control which revs the engine to 5000rpm when the car is stationary.

 

However at 5000rpm the clutch still slips alot. The reason is not that the clutch is weak but rather the master cylinder that absorbs the amount of shock transfer from the flywheel to the clutch and finally onto the entire transmission assembly. The reason for this is so that Mitsubishi could save on transmission related damages as a result of the dumping of clutch.

 

At this moment my Evo 9 GSR is putting out 261 AWHP and I've tested this at the 1/4 mile. Using motec to set my launch control to 4200rpm with traction control set to limit 5500rpm at 30kph and gradually increase from there.

 

60ft timing was destroyed by the clutch restrictor doing 2.015 secs. This timing resulted in slipping the clutch, as the clutch pedal was totally released, the rpm climbed while the car was not accelerating due to the restrictor.

 

I've seen removed the restrictor and looking for another 1/4 test to see if removing the restrictor does indeed improve 60ft timing. So far 2 of my friends in the Evo 8 MR pull 1.5 secs 60ft timing without the restrictor so this should look promising. I'll be pushing the stock clutch to its limit by bringing the car up to 320 AWHP and see how it holds.