Hi all,

I know there are a lot of threads on this already (and i know this because I've spent ages reading them all!) but they don't really answer the question..

I want a clutch capable of almost anything. I'd rather well over-spec than get something that's ok for the job. The clutch everyone seems to come back to is the AP 6 paddle.. but this is only rated to 360 nms/265 lbs ft. Not a lot and I'm much higher than that.

Anything that'll do around 450? I've had slipping clutches in the past on different setups and it's not fun at all. I think Sachs might do one that's rated around 400.. but expensive.

Any ideas!?

Thanks in advance

Ben

 

After searching for sachs clutches a thread popped up from here and it might have answered my question!

 

i had an AP 6 paddle (one of the newer updated types) and i had no slips on my 2.1 zetec turbo with over 2BAR from a GT3071r, they well under-rate their clutches for sure.
that would have been over 400bhp and would happily spin the wheels at 120mph than slip the clutch.

 

Thanks for the reply. I want something that will last incase I increase the power.

Will probably go for the sachs one as it's not a paddle. Having said that I currently have an AP clutch 220mm at the moment and can't fault it, but it's not paddle. Was a new one a couple of years back that they gave no technical info on.

 

the frs paddle i used wasn't so bad to be honest, just needed a few more revs when slipping in traffic. light pedal due to hydraulics too. they do an organic plate rated to the same though. it took all the abuse i sent it's way and no issues, i dare say it would have taken a lot more, but i would have only been just over 400bhp i suspect though.
sach's stuff is well rated too, i wouldn't discount it.

 

It's just the cost really. But i would rather do it all properly first time. But this gearbox change is about Ł2000 to do at this rate! Ł600 for sachs clutch, new flywheel Ł175, custom driveshafts (not sleeved) Ł600, cables & shifter Ł100, box Ł300.

I could save on the shafts if I cut, sleeve and weld but I don't like the idea of them possibly breaking and smashing a hole in the side of the gearbox lol

 

I've got a Sachs one in my fiesta.it was the best rated one i could find and the only one i could find that was better was the greddy ones and i couldn't find any where in the UK that sold the kit i was after. I haven't used mine yet but hoping it will be as good and up to the job

 

Ive also got Sachs unsprung 4 paddle, it was the highest rated bhp/ftlb clutch I could find at the time.

 

I too have the Sachs unsprung clutch rated to 450tq best I could find in uk, speak to competition braking products for a price, good chaps.

 

Thanks for replies..

Although my car isn't a daily driver and used more as a toy, how bad is the sintered (paddle) drive plate to drive with?

Does it judder a lot/hard to slip out? I have driven with a smaller AP paddle in the past and wasn't the nicest.

 

Mine is fine don't really notice it with a hydraulic clutch

 

honestly the ap frs clutch paddle is fine, doesn't judder that much and will hold plenty of power. all ap's have been conservative with torque levels.

 

I have an AP at the moment and hasn't slipped at all. I have 280lbs torque at the hubs and my gearbox was fooked (as in really hard to turn, couldn't do it with just a CV cup) when this was measured. Clutch is 220mm too and not sintered.

Wishy, where's best to look at the AP clutches available and relevant torque capacities?

I've found that the 6 paddle and relevant pressure plate is only rated to 265 lbs.. that's over 100 less than the sachs non-sintered plate, and almost 200 less than the sachs sintered plate. Having said that the proof is one in use and if you say it did more then must be up to it but you don't know what torque you're running?

Found a cover assembly from AP, CP2394-46 which when used with CP2496-16 has a load capacity of 522 lbs. Plate is rigid 4 paddle so may vibrate like hell. However, unsure if this cover will fit so might need to phone them. drive plate has the right spline detail etc.

Might be horrific to drive with though!

 

double post

 

Coming back to this..

I actually went for a Helix 4 paddle in the end.

However, nothing wrong with the performance of the clutch - although does shake the gearbox like hell if you don't give enough revs. The clutch cover is particularly heavy.

Anyway, I have strong reason to believe that the current Helix setup I have has caused excessive wear to the crankshaft and resulted in serious end float issues.

So, want to go back to a slightly softer clutch and from speaking to a couple of people, AP are much better.

Can anyone recommend a clutch that's good for 350-400lbs ft and isn't going to shake the car to bits? Didn't really want to have to get a paddle again. Is a 6 paddle much better than 4?

Must be lots of people with experience of clutches now with all the Zetec turbos floating around?

Ben

 

After a lot of reserahc, we went for a Sachs full face clutch in my lad's FRS. It's off to Sabre soon for their 450R conversion. It's rated to around 360lbs ft which should be plenty strong enough. Didn't want a paddle clutch as that would be nasty to drive in traffic.

 

Thanks for the reply.

What's the pedal like? Doesn't the Sachs one have an unsprung drive plate? does it not shake?

 

Not fitted it yet, engine's still in bits, but we've got all the bits we need all lined up.

I think from what i've read it's a very 'normal' feel to it. as it's a full face clutch, there's no grab like a paddle