Clutch Questions

[riggaP]

If there’s one part of the drive train that eludes me it’s the clutch. Sure it’s a device that disengages/engages the gearbox with the engine, but I've got nfi how it actually works or the terminology associated with it.

After doing a search, people have been talking about clutch plates, pressure plates, thrust bearings, # puck, cushioned buttons, complete kits, etc, and I'm wanting to know what all these things are and how the affect getting the car's power to the ground.

I'm planning to upgrade my clutch in my R33 and want to know what I'm getting before I get ripped off.

Cheers.

[predator]

Paul, found this a really good way to learn the basics myself:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/clutch.htm

Even has some nice flash animations showing it all working. Very good stuff.

[riggaP]

Cheers Gordon. Thats a great tute!

So theres my first paragraph solved. Now need to know what options are available to upgrade.

I'm assuming that to get better performance out of a clutch (without spending lots of money) is to upgrade the clutch plate seeing as it provides the connection with the flywheel? This would also not affect everyday drivability because the standard pressure plate and diaphragm spring have not changed?

Does the pressure plate have to be changed if upgrading the clutch plate?

This has got me thinking... I need answers...

[Sumo]

when you buy a clutch they come with the pressure plate as a kit... they usually come with everything needed to attach them to the flywheel. Even a thrust bearing.

My Daiken Exedy Clutch cost me $450 (exchange) delivered to my door. Its an organic clutch rated at 450hp. I fitted it myself, but most likely by the sounds of things you will need someone to install it, so around a budget of $600-$700 you might get one fitted I would assume.

[BHDave]

You can run the standard pressure plate with an upgraded clutch plate no probs. Though the friction material and plate configuration is only one part of the whole equation.

If you get your standard pressure plate recoed at the same time you change the clutch plate (recommended, it's only a couple of hundred bucks after all) you may even be able to get a heavier spring installed in it for not much additional cost and have a stronger overall package.

[riggaP]

when you buy a clutch they come with the pressure plate as a kit

You can buy the parts seprately tho... cant you?

Your Daiken Exedy Clutch is a full replacement kit? Is it much heavier than stock? Very everyday driveable?

You can run the standard pressure plate with an upgraded clutch plate no probs. Though the friction material and plate configuration is only one part of the whole equation.

If you get your standard pressure plate recoed at the same time you change the clutch plate (recommended, it's only a couple of hundred bucks after all) you may even be able to get a heavier spring installed in it for not much additional cost and have a stronger overall package.

I'm assuming upgrading the spring and pressure plate is going to make it heavier?

My aim is to get more power to the ground on a budget whilst trying to maintain a stock feel (the car is driven everyday after all). Upgrading the whole package doesnt really appeal to me because I'm not planning to do many more mods which will lead to the stage where its required. I just want something that is going to make the car a bit stronger off the line and maintain everyday driveablility.

[BHDave]

Yep, all parts can be bought separately.

The upgrading of the spring i'm talking about will likely only be a maximum of 30% or so using the stock pressure plate.

On my last car i actually upgraded the spring and used a stock type replacement full face clutch plate. You will maintain better driveability with this combination than with a sprung button clutch plate and a stock pressure plate for a marginal increase in pedal effort as the organic plate will have a softer take up and can be slipped like a stock clutch.

I drove the car daily in traffic with no problems.

[GiJOr33]

I have an OS Giken twin plate clutch in my car. Cost me $1000 second hand with 95% still on the plates. It cost me $200-$250 i think to have it fitted. I bought the thrust bearing from Nissan for $30. And quite frankly it's the best upgrade i've done to my car yet. It's still perfectly drivable, and has a slightly heavier feel to it (not overly), and once it's engaged there is no slipping what so ever!!! It sounds crazy when you have the clutch in as it has a quiet rattle to it which makes people look at you and thing "wtf is that?". I'd highly recommend one, and that's coming from a lazy driver who often doesn't concentrate on how i let the clutch out

Andrew

[IGOAPE]

Does any1 in Sydney know the best place to purchase a clutch kit for a r32 GTR.

I have in mind a Specialised brakes and clutches in St Marys or Penrith Clutch and Brake in Penrith.

I wanna go Ceramic

Can ANy1 help me?

[IGOAPE]

BUMP

Does any1 in Sydney know the best place to purchase a clutch kit for a r32 GTR.

I have in mind a Specialised brakes and clutches in St Marys or Penrith Clutch and Brake in Penrith.

I wanna go Ceramic

Can ANy1 help me?