please explain clutch types..

[TRDcelica90]

Hi guys just bought an AWD ST165 celica as a track car.. got nice and cheap, the clutch is slipping and want to replace it with something reliable.. i dont want something that breaks gearboxs lol..

im gonna track this, motorkhana, hillclimb, rally.. wanna try everything.. so what should i go for??

dunno what the clutch types are or what they do so any info on them is much appreciated!!

[MWP]

Some recent talk about clutches in here:
http://www.toymods.org.au/forums/sho...=241&page=1162

There are two basic things which determine how much power a clutch can handle before slipping.
Surface area, and spring weight.
The more clutch-plate surface area there is, the easier itll be to drive, the longer itll last, but the less power itll take to make it slip.
The more pressure-plate spring weight there is, the more power itll handle, but the clutch pedal will be heavier (harder to press in).

"full face" clutch plates have maximum surface area, and this type is what youll get in most normal road cars.
"puck" style clutch plates are not full-faced, so have less surface area, grab more quickly and handle high power better. They can be much more difficult to drive and may not last long on the street.

Youll probably be wanting a 5-puck clutch plate with center-spring damping.
Itll take the power ok, but not be overly harsh on the gearbox and drivetrain.
You would prefer a tiny amount of clutch slip over a broken gearbox right?

Two good companies to talk to are Bates Motorsport in Canberra (the 3SGTE & GT4 gurus), and ACS/Xtreeme clutch in Adelaide.
Tell them what your doing with the car, power levels, etc and they will tell you which package/combination they recommend.

[TRDcelica90]

perfect answer.. thanks mate.. my power levels arent gonna be much higher than stock.. for a while anyway coz ill be working on handling and skills first

[andrew_mx83]

if ur not going for much power just use a organic face heavy duty clutch kit (exedy or similar). if/when you start making decent power go for a sprung centre 5 puk brass button, but beware its nasty on gearboxes. go for a cushioned button to be a bit nicer to the box but are a bit pricier.


speak to Better Brakes (cheltenham or bayswater) they are very good with clutches and if you tell them what you are doing with it they will point you in the right direction.

[river]

Hi,

I got a cushion button clutch and I love it. It doesn't "grab" and is easy to feather the clutch in and out for smooth gear changes, so there is no jolt to the drive train.

I was expecting the clutch to be heavy, but it's as light as the stock one in The 88.

seeyuzz
river

[StuC]

is better brakes moorabbin the guys behind the airport that do extremely cheap ADR braided lines?

[MWP]

if ur not going for much power just use a organic face heavy duty clutch kit (exedy or similar). if/when you start making decent power go for a sprung centre 5 puk brass button, but beware its nasty on gearboxes. go for a cushioned button to be a bit nicer to the box but are a bit pricier.

He has a GT30 on a 3S-GTE which will be used for racing... a full face clutch will not be enough.

[wagonist]

For a GT4, please don't use the Exedy HD pressure plate with an organic full face sprung centre.
I've got one in my daily driven Caldina & after one good launch, my spit has better friction (and smells better). I reckon it needs a good 20% more friction at least.

A few guys in the GT4 thread have recommended somewhere in Brisbane, but the name escapes me at the moment.

And definitely make sure you keep a sprung centre. Just ask RobST162

If you're worried about the box, change it for an ST205/ST215 version.

The other thing not mentioned is the friction material.
There's organic & non-organic.

Non-organic is better, but also more expensive.

[andrew_mx83]

yeah thats them behind the airport -great little shop, kerry is very knowledgable and generally looks after you if you're nice to him.

if making decent power then i would say go for a cushioned button, if you can afford it (will be $500++)

[TRDcelica90]

He has a GT30 on a 3S-GTE which will be used for racing... a full face clutch will not be enough.

Nah i think your getting a bit confused.. i have got a 185 with gt30.. but i just bought a stock standard st165 that needs the new clutch.. and im gonna keep the motor stock for a while.. maybe just up the boost to 10-12psi.. i think it will be worth my while calling up bates like you suggested..

how hard is it to change the clutch on the four?? i know you have to take out the motor. bloody cars lol

[MWP]

Ahh, i see. Well you never mentioned what car it was being used in, so i gathered it would be the one mentioned in your sig.

So youll have around 120kw atw with a 165 at 10psi?
A decent full-face HD clutch would handle that, but if youll be increasing the power later itll be a good idea to go with something more bighty to begin with.

[Mr Ed]

Interesting thread. To save me making another I just thought Id ask here....can someone tell me the advantages/disadvantages of the different friction surfaces (ie. organic/brass/carbon/???)

I know brass grips more than organic but also wears down the flywheel/pressure plate quicker....is carbon the best of both words with the only disadvantage being cost??

[Draven]

^^ pretty much, yes

I know twinplates haven't been mentioned yet, but I love my twinplate. Good pedal-feel without being as heavy as your typical HD clutch, and has never slipped