Beware of dual disc clutches

[Jac Mac]

[quote=rsimoes]I almost installed a dual disc clutch on my car and changed to single disc last minute due to required modifications I was not comfortable with, like trimming the bearing retainer and shaving part of the bolt heads that hold the bearing retainer on the trans. This sounds more like the normal mods to accomodate a centerline type release brg

What they don't tell you on the phone (tech support) and in the descriptions, is that there are actually many draw backs to this setup. Only the paperwork that comes with it, has all these warnings:

1) It rattles Good on them, because they have a floater plate that has no anti rattle mechanism its going to rattle. At least you then know its 'normal'
2) Should not be used in hot lapping They have told you its not really a race type clutch
3) No engine breaking Oh for a clutch that will stop the engine from 'breaking'- Seriously though, any clutch cover that uses torque/tension straps does not like the huge torque reversals from violent engine braking where you shift down and make no attempt to match the engine rpm that will be required
4) No burning rubber in wet and then hit dry pavement, as it could destroy the clutch Along with a few other things- actually this practice is easier on the driveline etc than a standing start, but the message is dont expect them to warranty any parts that have been mistreated-which if you read the fine print on most of the paperwork for all parts in your car I think you would be scared to start the thing up
5) Should not be used with taller gears than 4.10 (lower numerically) on dyno You got me on this one
6) Miss shifts will ruin the clutch Good chance you will exceed the safe rpm limit of this clutch when you do that
7) Always start in 1st gear Probably sound advice
8) Rev match when downshifting for power, or it could damage the clutch As in 3 above
9) if you really want to race, upgrade to another high performance clutch they make. Thats fairly honest advice

Among other installation modification that may be required depending on application.

Although I don't know if this is an exaggeration so they don't get sued, it makes me uncomfortable putting one in my car. . . as it sounds to defeat the purpose of having a dual disc clutch. . . I would think there were two basic reasons to install a twin plate- one. to obtain more clutch plate surface area without increasing the pedal effort. --two to keep the rotating mass at a smaller dia

Jac Mac