How much of a difference will an aftermarket clutch make

[i'm boosted]

Hey guys and gals,

I finally had a chance to take my talon to the track. Here in Charlotte, NC we only have 1/8th mile tracks near by. Anyway my best run on 19psi and race gas (I know the race gas was not needed but better safe then sorry)is [email protected] with a 1.85 60'. People have been telling me I need to upgrade my clutch. I am still on the stock clutch, but it's not slipping. I told them when it begins to slip I will replace it. I wanted to know will my ET or 60' drop with an aftermarket clutch? I was going to purchase cams, but if a clutch will make a difference in my ET I will upgrade it before it fails.

Thanks

 

[miteclgst]

The only thing that I could see affecting your 60' times would be a stronger engagement from a stiffer clutch. Though it may not seem that your clutch is noticably slipping it still may be off the line. A clutch will be a key upgrade, I mean what good are cams if you glaze your clutch and can't move the car? With a newer stronger clutch you will most likely be able to launch at a higher rpm without slipping the thing into oblivion. The stock clutch is rated at 220 t/q or so, small bolt on mods will easily allow you to surpass this tq rating. Once you pass that point the clutch is no longer stable and is most likely to slip. My suggestion is to get a clutch. At least this way you can get your cams without worry. Looking at your mod list your car is begging for a clutch, too many more 1/8th mile runs and you will be walking home from the track. Upgrade uniformly so you don't have a weak link, if you build up your motor it then makes sense to build up the drive train or else it will fail eventually.

 

[Trctnless]

Hey 'i'm boosted' .. I'm in Charlotte, there are a bunch of us that frequent the 1/8's around here.. Bunch of 8.7-9.0 FWD 2G;, some low 8 1g AWD's and a few GVR4's. Have you seen us @ ShadySide or Moorseville?

You've got a good start, of course at first your times may suffer. Hell I was able to fun faster 60ft's with the stock clutch for a time... You'll have to 'learn' the new clutch. get 2100 or 2600 if your hell bent on running lower times and making more power. miteclgst is right, once you exceed a certain torque output or continue 1/8 miling it your going to fry that clutch. I've just recently gone to a 2600 and a TRE-spec gearbox with a Quaiffe.. I can say the added clamping force and closer ratio gears will net a quicker ET.

Not sure if we've met but check us out

http://charlottedsmclub.com.tripod.com/

http://www.carolinadsm.com/ There are Lots of active and Knowledgable DSM enthusisasts around you!

Later
Todd

 

[99gst_racer]

When you begin producing enough HP to make the stock clutch slip, then an aftermarket one will make a huge difference. I waited for mine to start to slip before I upgraded, only because I didnt have the $ for clutch/flywheel/labor. If you know you're going to soon need one and you got the money, just get it now. You'll be glad you did.

 

[i'm boosted]

Thanks everyone for the input. I am going to purchase the clutch first.

Brian