I'm not getting on with my helix clutch at all.
So what clutch set up do people use and what power/torque are you running?

cheers.

 

alcon 6 paddle plate with standard pressure plate, 2.0 16v zetec turbo, haven't driven it yet though.

 

Wrong engine lol.

 

I'm using an AP 4 paddle , it's a twat in first gear but once you get the hang fit it's ok lol

 

The reason im asking is my Helix Organic is pretty violent when trying to pull away, and I think because of this it has destroyed a release bearing in about 3000 miles.

Just wondering if the AP alternative is a bit more refined, or even the paddle with std pressure plate.

 

Anyone else?

 

Ap 7 1/4" tripple plate.
340 bhp and 400ft/lb

Bloody horrible thing lol
Luckily I only use it to pull away

 

Another thing I have noticed is the pressure plate splines have some pretty deep scores in them. Would this affect biting?

 

I have the same problem with my clutch Chopshop85, I think I should of gone with a AP Organic clutch.

 

alcon 6 with standard plate, will take owt you throw at it and feel pretty much standard they have been used in fwd cossie applications over 300bhp

 

I've got the AP organic clutch in mine, 195bhp & 185lb/ft. I got the CP2000-8 kit and did the clutch pedal mod too, feels pretty much like original and handles the power perfectly. Nice gear change without snatching. I have a slight chatter if i try and pull away at almost idle, but i think thats a combo of the clutch and box.

I've only put 1300 miles on the clutch kit and flywheel since it was skimmed.

 

the chatter will be the mainshaft bearings waiting to shit themselves mate my rs turbo sounded like that but rot killed it before they had a chance to blow lol

 

Yeah its been fine with the power, but its just so violent and noisy i'm getting a bit fed up with it. It snapped two clutch cables in a year which is why I went hydraulic, and now its destroyed my IB5 release bearing in a few months.

Ive heard a few people suggest this in the past but then alot of others say they had them slip at relatively low power.

So I guess now there is two questions.
1:Anyone running the alcon 6 paddle and std pressure plate, and what power is it holding at.
2:Where can you buy said Alcon 6 paddle clutch?!?!

 

AP website say the cp2000-8 is only good for 169Ft Lbs?

 

Yeah the -35 is what you want for big power (but more money, and im not building a big power car). Plenty of people have used the -8 at up to 250 bhp.

Obviously if you're into drag racing and such you'll want the extra margin. It seems to be a case of 'officially rated to XXX, but actually works above and beyond perfectly fine'.

I did search about a lot before i bought it to make sure i didnt need the -35. I had a standard pressure plate on before, with an LUK friction plate which still seemed to hold at 18psi (though it was a turd engine so not optimum power).

Bare in mind AP will rate their clutches in worst case being that they're a performance item, so if you're drag/circuit racing all day on it then thats the recommended power.

 

It had crossed my mind. It drives beautifully though, and is silent too.

It feels more like the clutch hopping on the flywheel, cause the engine moves a little too. I figured if there was enough movement in the box to give that effect, i'd notice it on the road, on n off throttle etc.

No great hardship to swap for an uprated box if/when current one fails.

 

You see I wasn't sure either.

My car is quite a bit different yours. My last dyno run saw 170bhp/195Ft Lbs, which is why I looked at the -35 AP and my current Helix which is rated to 190FtLbs.
I went for the Helix as it was Ł150 cheaper than the AP and I managed to get trade price through a helix supplier I know.

 

Power at wheels was 174 on mine, but i figured flywheel was more important since thats where the clutch is.

This will change slightly in a few months when cam is adjusted as power is still climbing at the limiter.

I think it really is just a case of the rating is what you can throw at it, in any scenario non stop til theres no lining left. If they rate it at 150 and it starts to slip at 151 you're going to be screaming at them lol, i also thought it might be the power it can handle when launching, that's when theres biggest difference in speed between the two parts. I was sceptical but there were enough people saying theirs was fine to convince me i didnt need spend the extra.

If you're at central day i can take you for a spin in mine so you can see how it is.

 

you have to remember as well manufacturers will under rate what power they will take fo warranty purposes, the alcon is a very good clutch but like any paddle clutch will need bedding in properly to prevent slip
they are available at woodford garage

 

Lol thats basically what i was getting at.

 

Unfortunately I'll be working on the car at the weekend, but thanks for the offer.

 

what is the correct way to bed a paddle clutch in botters?

 

I wondered that too.

 

So how do you bed in a clutch properly

 

To bed my Alcon in i just drove it gently and used the clutch alot for the 1st 50/60miles... Just going thru the gears and NOT riding it.
Its an Alcon 6Paddle with the Alcon cover plate and it judders slightly when pulling away but nothing like an AP 4 Paddle does. Its holding up fine at an estimated 180bhp tho.

 

wheres the best place to get alcon clutch

 

anyone know where to get an alcon clutch from

 

Here mate...
http://www.randbmotorsport.co.uk/shop/Parts.asp?ID=3

The Helix RST clutch is truly horrible, very heavy and bites like a dog! lol

 

Another vote here for Alcon 6 paddle, know two currently using and they are happy with it compared to others they have been through and prefer driving with it than 4 paddle.

 

I will second that! Hideous thing, i'll be glad when its replaced.

 

I can see why people choose it, it's a fair bit cheaper than the AP -35 but I'd spend the extra and go AP every time now having driven both.

 

It seems odd that so many use a paddle clutch at such low power levels.

 

What power can a standard clutch take?

 

They are much cheaper and give a lighter pedal than an AP/Helix Organic so I can see why some opt for it, I personally wouldn't as the three and four puck ones judder like mad when pulling away, they also don't last anywhere near as long as a full clutch, six puck I imagine are not too bad.

 

http://www.larkspeed.com/index.pl?a=...e-3-Clutch-Kit

I've got one of these, I've had no problems with it and I'm running about 200bhp and the pedal feels lovely with no harshness and good in traffic

 

Around 170bhp/ftlb.

 

My last one was ok

Ap 4 paddle with pedal mod, 24psi on stage 3 t3 5th injector ect

I liked it, but stiff when in traffic but worked a treat

 

Well just finished fitting my new AP clutch. OMFG, what a difference, half the travel on the pedal, feels almost lighter than a std clutch and has a smooth bite.

So word of advice to anyone who needs a better than std clutch. DO NOT BUY A HELIX!

 

I agree with you Chopshop85 about the Helix clutch, what sort of AP clutch did you fit and model number?

 

2000-8. Have only pottered around in it so yet to see if it's up for the job, but the pedal feel is honestly unbelievable.