Part 1 – Factory Hydraulics It used to be pretty easy to do a clutch change with mechanical release mechanisms. Simply grind the flywheel, install the new clutch, then re-adjust your linkage to position the release bearing for proper release and pedal position, and...
Clutches
When is Centrifugal Clutch Pressure Effective?
Centrifugal clutch pressure, or ‘counterweights,’ can be a tremendous aid to achieving the optimum clutch combination for high power drag racing applications. In racing situations, some ‘slip’ is required on the initial launch, and the clutch needs to be progressively...
How to Avoid Clutch Chatter
Clutch chatter is one of those subjective topics – what is 'too much' chatter to some folks may be 'just a little' chatter to others. It really boils down to your driving experience. Chatter usually happens as the clutch is engaging. It occurs when the pressure...
Differences Between Clutches for Circle Track Cars and Stock Cars
Circle track racers face different challenges when selecting a clutch for their race car. The biggest is the drivetrain rules package for the sanction or specific track. You can set your car up to legally race at one track and go down the road 50 miles and the next...
Answering Frequently Asked Questions About Clutch Adjustment
A common tech question I receive focuses on adjusting the mechanical linkage on a clutch system. Many folks have a problem getting ‘enough’ adjustment or are having hard pedal and release issues. Fortunately, there are a few things you can try to get things working...
Selecting the Right Clutch System to Avoid an Overload
I talk all the time about the load factors that affect the clutch system on your street or race vehicle. One of those is ‘use of the vehicle’. Let’s dive a little deeper into why this is important when you make your clutch choice. Use of vehicle may be something as...
6 Internet ‘Tips’ That Will Destroy Your Clutch System
The internet can be a great thing. If I need tips on how to cook my steak properly or paint my bathroom, a quick Google search will deliver the information I need. On the flip side, you can find bad information in your search as well. This especially applies to your...
The Importance of Clutch Break In Explained
If you ask 100 people about how to break in your new single disc or dual disc clutch, you will get about 99 different answers. We have heard some crazy ones over the years! “Pull up against a solid object and slip the clutch until you smell it.” “Take off in third...
Size Matters! Selecting the Proper Clutch for your Application
Often overlooked when comparing clutch systems in single and dual disc is the clutch size, diameter, and mass. The simple fact is that a larger diameter clutch is going to give you better holding power. As added benefits, the increased surface area of a larger clutch...
Heavy or Lightweight Clutch? The Great Debate
There seems to be a common misconception that a lighter weight clutch and/or flywheel is going to make your car faster or perform better. We even have one manufacturer in our industry that tells you “put in an aluminum flywheel and make more horsepower!” The fact is...