The Importance of Data in Your Drag Racing Application
One of the things that separates RAM Clutches from many other companies in our industry is our ability to assist you with your clutch combination. We want to help you maximize the performance of your race car! And the information you can provide is critical in this process.
The Numbers We Need from You
You can provide us with high-quality, useful information in several ways.
At the very minimum, RAM recommends having some sort of data recorder on the car to help evaluate what is happening on a run. You can find a decent recorder for an affordable price. RacePak Sportsman style systems are available for around $1,200.00.
Even if you race with a particular sanctioning body that does not allow data recorders, you can still use a recorder while testing to help dial in your combination. RAM has full access to the RacePak software, so you can send us run files for evaluation.
Other data recorders can also help. The most important information to capture is the engine RPM, driveshaft RPM, and, if possible, the transmission input shaft RPM. These data points help us evaluate how the clutch reacts on the launch and through each gear. This can help with clutch tuning, transmission selection, and rear-end gearing.
Other Ways to Capture Good Information
Don’t have a data recorder? There are still some more basic methods for us to help evaluate a run.
A properly placed camera or camera phone in the car has also proven helpful. If the camera shows the tachometer and the driver, it can show us the launch RPM (if a two-step switch is not allowed) and where the driver shifts the car on each gear change.
Small changes in the launch RPM and/or shift RPM can drastically affect the clutch’s performance. Consistency and repeatability are paramount. As little as 100 RPM on any shift can drastically change the clutch engagement, especially at higher RPMs!
The consistency of the parts and the driver is crucial to making your clutch combination repeat. Here are some other things that have an impact:
- A Clutch Pedal stop—you need a positive clutch pedal stop in the car to limit the overall disengagement of the clutch. The movement of the levers needs to be the same every time. This will allow them to do their job properly and consistently apply centrifugal pressure.
- Air gap—this needs to be checked regularly. Typically, the air gap is run between 0.045” and 0.075”. The pedal stop limits this travel and keeps it consistent. The air gap can be checked in several ways. You can use a long feeler gauge through the bottom of the bell housing or your dial calipers or dial indicator through the inspection cover.
We want to help you make the most of your clutch combination.
Keep in mind that the better the information you can provide, the easier and quicker this process will be. Just telling us how the clutch ‘feels’ is going to make it very difficult for us to get optimized results.