Flywheels for carbon clutches?

[Chris Wilson]

I am turbo charging a Toyota Formula Atlantic engine in my Zeus Supersports car. It currently runs a 5.5 inch twin plate sintered Tilton clutch on a lightweight steel flywheel with integral ring gear. I suspect the flywheel may also be a Tilton product, but I didn't spec or build the engine, so don't know for sure, it has no apparent branding on it. I doubt this clutch will like the added torque i hope the turbo will bring, so am looking at either a 5.5 inch triple plate sintered, or just maybe a twin plate carbon clutch from Tilton, Alcon or AP. I have never used a carbon clutch, would it be possible to run one on the existing flywheel?

I have an Alcon concentric release bearing on an extension tube off of the gearbox (Hewland FTR), which I could re make shorter, to give correct bearing placement, and I THINK I have enough spline length on the input shaft for a triple plate, but the latter is one reason I am considering a carbon clutch. Thanks.

[ian_w]

I've just had a quick look on the Tilton website and they make two types of 5.5" clutch. Both 2 plate variants are quoted at 500 lb.ft ( approx 675 Nm ) - this should be way more than you need for a 1.6 turbo ( I guess it will produce about 350-400 Nm ). You will need to check the exact part numbers though to be sure.

I know AP racing do a range of 5.5" clutches that have different springs in the cover to give different clamp loads. You should have no problems finding a twin plate 5.5" metallic clutch to suit your needs.

Most 5.5" clutchs are to a std design so you can normally swap between different brands without issues. As regards carbon clutches, you can fit these directly to a steel flywheel without any issues. One thing with a carbon clutch is that the plates are much thicker than normal metallic plates which means the total clutch height is greater. I'm also not entirely sure that for the same clamping load that a carbon clutch gives you any more torque capacity than a metallic clutch - you should check the manufactures literature before spending a couple of grand on a carbon clutch that may not be any better than the one you have!

[Chris Wilson]

Thanks Ian, will go with an uprated cover on this clutch, as the plates are well within thickness spec, and are flat and un marked. Good to not be spending a fortune, too, of course, thanks for the detailed reply, it's much appreciated