Vehicles are manufactured with a clutch system to handle normal driving conditions, however not all of us drive like that. An improved clutch may be required if an engine has been modified to increase performance or if the vehicle is being put under more stress than usual (spirited driving). Below are factors that need to be considered prior to upgrading your clutch:
Clamp Load Vs Torque Capacity
Clamp Load VS Torque Capacity. Don’t be fooled clamp load is not the only answer.
When choosing a clutch for performance vehicles, we shouldn’t only be considering clamp load. Torque capacity is a far more meaningful measure when trying to find a clutch for a performance application. So the major difference between clamp load and torque capacity is that clamp load is simply the force exerted by the cover assembly onto the clutch plates and pressing that against the flywheel. Whereas, torque capacity takes into account a number of other real world factors. These factors include the clamp load, also the mean effective radius at which that clamp load acts, the coefficient of friction, and the number of plates within that clutch setup.
Friction Material
A clutch disc’s friction material can be changed to enhance torque capacity and improve thermal characteristics. The following are some of the most common clutch disc materials:
Organic– This material is most often used in OE applications and is excellent for drivability, but it is not suitable for high performance applications because to its low torque capacity when heated.
Aramid– is a combination of organic and aramid, has the drivability of conventional organic material but significantly higher torque capacity and heat resistance. This material, which can be found in 4Terrain Ultimate, is ideal for 4WD applications that require more performance without sacrificing drivability.
Cerametallic/Ceramic– is ideal for high-performance or race applications since it can withstand a high degree of heat while also providing a significant boost in torque capacity (66 percent increase over organic material). Unfortunately, because the material engages more aggressively than organic material, the drivability is considerably reduced. The Mantic performance range contains this content.
Multiple Plates
In most situations, installing twin or triple plates can be done without altering the bellhousing and can double or triple torque capability without compromising drivability. The Mantic Track series includes twin and triple plate kits with a variety of plate choices to fit a variety of applications ranging from street to track.
ER² Groove
This groove is a patented system that was created to increase the pressure plate’s Mean Effective Radius and aid in heat removal. The torque capacity of the cover assembly is significantly increased when the Mean Effective Radius of the cover assembly is increased.
The friction face’s inside radius has been efficiently enlarged by adding the groove to the pressure plate. The first 5/16 inch (7.9375mm) of the pressure plate has been removed in its entirety, and as the radius increases, less material is removed. As a result, the effective inside radius is pushed out more.
The torque capacity of the system determines the clutch’s Mean Effective Radius. As a result, the clutch’s Torque Capacity increase as the Mean Effective radius increase. Mantic performance clutches have this mechanism.
