Performance
Clutches - Fact, Myth, and Ego
What's
all the excitement about performance clutches?
A
performance clutch transfers more torque
than its stock equivalent.
A
well designed performance clutch will
engage decisively under extreme conditions.
It
will withstand abrupt, high RPM engagement.
It
might even be lighter than the stock application,
thereby allowing your engine to rev more
quickly.
What's
distressing about performance clutches?
Performance
clutches don't make your car go faster
(except in certain rare applications).
They
do not last as long as stock clutches
(there are a few exceptions).
They
cost more than some people's yearly income
(almost always)!
It
is very difficult to choose which performance
clutch is right for your vehicle (confusing,
do your research!).
Deciding
upon a performance clutch for your vehicle
is a big project. Figure out what level of
upgrade you need. Remember that stock clutches
will generally handle torque up to 115% of
the original vehicle configuration. If your
vehicle is nearly stock and you drive even
halfway reasonably, you may be better off
with a stock clutch. If you have added a super
charger or other 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 clutch for your situation.
There
are dozens of brands. Each brand may offer
several types.
You
must choose a manufacturer (the following
is a representative list only. Google "performance
clutches" for a more comprehensive listing):
You
have to decide what material you want/need:
Organic
Cerametallic
Kevlar
Kevlar/Cerametallic combination
You
must pick a disc configuration:
Full-face
Vented
Paddle
Multi-shoe
Many
manufacturers 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,
speed shops, off-road suppliers, are all
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).
888-WIZARD8
888-949-2738
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