Clutch Wear

[panozracing]

Ok....I dont run the std. clutch (I use a Mcleod setup) but I think this question applies to all. How long should a clutch last with proper setup and normal racing abuse? Is there anyway to inspect without removing the tranny (wishfull thinking)?

[eric1h]

cant speak for the panoz, but the Viper and the M3 would last 2+ years on a clutch, i don't do hard shifts and try to rev match so the clutch isnt beat on real hard, but the lack of break in does reduce the life.

as for inspection, on my LS1 i cut the scatter shield in half so I can remove it to inspect the clucth!

[glenbinegar]

Inspection is the most reliable method of determining clutch wear. Measure the distance from the pressure plate to the flywheel and compare to the manufaturers service limit. Disassembly is required to inspect the flywheel and pressure plate for wear and or warpage, discolored surfaces usually precede heat damaged materials (in steels) though heat can result in reduced pressure plate loading without visable changes. A clutch lasts until it dies, heat is its enemy, heat is generated by slipping the clutch, do the math. G;-)

[NZGTRA17]

Brian, this is dependent on a large number of factors such as type of clutch lining (metallic, cerametallic, organic etc) launch style, 1st gear and rear end ratios, shifting style, how car is moved in pits, use of clutch to get car on trailer (see this often!!) etc etc Totally agree that deayth of clutches is caused by excessive slippage so this must be avoided wherever possible - particularly with metalic and cerametallic lined clutches.

I normally pull the engine to check the clutch (check all critical dimensiosn) at the start of the season and thereafter whenever the engine is out. I have been using Tilton tripple plate clutches and have found these OK for a full season of 8 - 10 race meetings with no replacement plates required during the season (1400kg car with 2.2 1st gear and 3.25 rear end - so really tough on the clutch to launch). This of course is based on the plates being in good shape at the start of the season.

I am fitting a tripple plate clutch to the 347 which I will be installing soon. This will cut flywheel/clutch mass down from current approx 50lbs (std GTRA Ford flywheel/clutch plate/pressure plate) to around 20 lbs (flexplate, Tilton button flywheel and 7.25" tripple plate clutch). I expect this to last very well given the low first gear in our cars making them easy to launch. Will certianly let the engine spin up a whole lot faster and will increase engine braking.

Kel.