Clutch Upgrade Options

[bcl]

Has anyone upgraded their clutch to an aftermarket version, to handle a large power increase?

If so, what type, brand, cost, clamping pressure, single/multi plate, pedal effort difference, who from, contact details, and any other comments are appreciated?

If you haven't yet upgraded, but have some ideas, please let me know.

thanks,

Brian

[sixfan]

If you upgrade the clutch, watch out for broken Gearboxes.

I think the clutch is deliberatley weak to stop us from breaking the box.

[bcl]

  Quote

If you upgrade the clutch, watch out for broken Gearboxes.

Agreed sixfan. Most of my turbo cars have had 40%+ power upgrades, and upgraded clutches, but I've never had to replace or upgrade a gearbox.... and of course sooner or later I will lunch a gearbox.

I know a lot of guys who are very good at destroying gearboxes, but that's mainly related to driving style.

Once you get a situation where the clutch won't handle say 4th gear torque (and slips) the clutch has to be replaced... you have no choice. If it's the weak link then it will go next.

I think most people getting into stage 2/3/4 upgrades, be it Nizpro, RPD, Chiptorque, APS, whatever; won't keep standard clutches for too long.

One step at a time, so upgrade the clutch, then look again at gearbox options if it is required. Personally I hate this gearbox, and would be happy to replace it (for a reasonable price)... but there are very limited options at the moment.

Brian

[aps]

BCL

We have been testing a number of clutch and pressure plates over the last 4 months and we expect to release a high torque clutch in Feb 2004. The clamp load has been increased by approx 50% over the stock pressure plate.

We destroyed a number of stock clutches during the Phase III and IV engine development. To date the third test clutch is coping well with high torque. No clutch slip in high gears and the pedal pressure is not too heavy. The gearbox is still alive to my amazement.

Peter

APS

[tazz_008]

Well im amazed and happy that the gearbox is hanging in there may be stronger than people thought , fingers crossed

[bcl]

Peter,

I'm also testing out a high load clamping clutch, but it's got a ceramic face and way too much shudder, then hopefully after Xmas testing a different prototype clutch from a different aftermarket supplier. I'll see how that goes. If no good I'll give you a call. It would be good to have a few options, no shudder and not too heavy on the left foot, ideally capable of handling around 350rwkw.

.... then of course gearbox options, as all my gears are now hard to engage, and sometimes can't get into 4th on the open road... anyway keep this thread on clutches.

thanks,

Brian

[Guest Ahiles]

Hi Guys

Can anyone tell me how much horse power a standard clutch will hold in normal driving conditions?

If I decided to go with a Phase III APS kit and only used it for normal driving conditions ( No Drag strip ) with the occassonal FLAT out 2nd and maybe 3rd grears on the highway.

Will the standard clutch be ok or will I get the clutch slipping ?

Cheers

[ONDOLE]

Mate it depends on how you drive your car, I toasted my stock clutch after 16800kms and I don't do burnouts ! I think they are definitely deliberately weak to protect the gearbox...a stock clutch should not be as weak as this one...especially on car with such high torque !

Cheers.

[aps]

  Quote

Hi Guys

Can anyone tell me how much horse power a standard clutch will hold in normal driving conditions?

If I decided to go with a Phase III APS kit and only used it for normal driving conditions ( No Drag strip ) with the occassonal FLAT out 2nd and maybe 3rd grears on the highway.

Will the standard clutch be ok or will I get the clutch slipping ?

Cheers

Ahiles,

It's torque, not horsepower that gives clutches a hard time and causes clutch slip in higher gears. - Normally 4th and 5th gear is where slip will occur as there is greater load on the clutch.

It would be a worthwhile upgrade and APS will have a clutch package designed to cope with high torque levels.

Peter

APS

[Guest Ahiles]

Thanks Peter

I have been thinking about it for a while. I will go with a Phase II kit. But I want to add the LARGE front mount intercooler. Will APS sell the Phase II kit with the large front mount.

I am thinking my clutch will be OK ( on the save side ) with the Phase II kit.

How much extra will a the Large Intercooler be on top of a Phase II kit.

I am in Brisbane so I will be using CNJ Motorsport.

Cheers