Evo
- Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution
Mechanical
information specific to the Evo in all its
iterations.
Clutch:
How
many miles can an average driver expect from
an Evo clutch? Are Evo drivers ever average?
Their cars certainly are not!
This
4-wheel rocket has enough power to slip the
clutch even when it is fully engaged. Full
acceleration above 3500 rpm hits the clutch
with enough torque to burn friction material
right off the disc! Tires are not all that's
smokin'.
We
have seen Evos in our shops for clutches at
5000 miles. 20,000 seems closer to an average.
I know one Evo owner who is at 40,000 on the
original clutch.
Performance
costs, and this car delivers a load of performance!
Aftermarket upgrades are the way to go.
Get
professional advice when choosing a clutch.
Your driving habits will dictate what works
best for you. Ask
a pro.
The
weak point in the Evo clutch system is the
flywheel. It is small. There is not enough
surface area to dissipate heat. Surface temperatures
rise and the metal crystallizes. Hotspots
and cracks appear. The clutch disc is literally
cooked until it starts to come apart. Aluminum
flywheels dissipate heat better (and rev faster!)
than OEM steel. Clutch friction material choices
include semi-metallic, Kevlar, and ceramic.
Deciding
upon a performance clutch for your vehicle
is a big project. If your vehicle is nearly
stock and you drive very reasonably, you may
be better off with a stock clutch. If you
have added accessories that increase torque
output by more than 15%, or if you are prone
to extreme engagement (side-stepping the clutch
under acceleration) then you need to find
the appropriate 'super' clutch for your situation.
There
are dozens of brands. Each brand may offer
several types.
You
have to decide what material you want/need:
Organic, Cerametallic, Kevlar, or a Kevlar/Cerametallic
combination.
You
must pick a disc configuration: Full-face,
Vented, Paddle, or Multi-shoe.
Many
manufacturers will offer choices for clutch
cover specifications, heavier springs, lighter
materials, etc.
Then
choose a source:
One
reasonable choice is to purchase your performance
clutch from an installer. The advantage is
that you then have one party responsible for
both the parts and the labor. If you have
a warranty problem, the shop that installed
your clutch will be the ones who interface
with the manufacturer. You will deal face-to-face
with only one person, your local shop operator.
Local
retailers of performance parts and equipment
are a good possibility. Parts houses and speed
shops, are sources for performance clutches.
Such entities may be able to offer advice
and comparisons based upon their own experience.
Or,
you can buy online. The advantage is price.
You can shop and compare prices and buy from
the distributor who offers the lowest total
cost (don't forget to figure handling and
shipping charges into the total!).
Whatever
you choose, be aware that there are always
trade-offs to any custom installation. Pedal
feel may be harder. Engagement may be rough,
abrupt and noisy. Installation of a heavier
clutch may require additional modifications
(clutch hydraulics or cable/adjuster upgrades).
But
with an Evo, what else are ya goin to do?!
Enjoy!
Email
us for more Evo information 
Questions?
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