Thread: Clutch size question

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I am thinking it would act just as a chain and sprockets on a bicycle would work, only in reverse, the larger the diameter "gear" or clutch surface the less force needed. Clear as mud, right?

Think of it as trying to stop a spinning record by pressing a pencil eraser in the center, as opposed to using a coffee can...

Yes, clear as mud...lol.....I had the most detrimental (code word is mental) day yesterday. I really was thinking of exactly what Dave and Denny were laying out for the discussion. I was not in the proper mind to 'splain it properly. Thanks guys for going further to explain it for me. Yes, it is mostly important to have contact area more than pressure. Simply stated. I wish for all to dig in and think and research. Great job again guys. Sorry TECH, I didn't mean to leave you out. Thanks again.

By the way, I have the flywheels on my shelf that Gus was considering to use for his choice in his clutch decision. That's why I jumped into the pool for advice. These things for any clutch choice are readily available cheaply.

Originally Posted by Gusaroo

Well I am aware of the balanced flywheel, and my 454 is out of a truck, so I am hoping to stick with the 12" setup I had (mostly just to save me the expense of purchasing a new flywheel). As I started shopping thru the catalogs and online for a 12" clutch and Press Plate, I am noticing that most don't specify whether it is BB or SB. Which leads me to think they are interchangeable, hence my question.


As far as the diameter of the clutch vs actual surface area grabbing, follow me on this thought. If the clutch surface area is futher from the center of the flywheel, less force or surface is needed, correct?

That's correct. The torque the clutch can manage is mu*F*r or mu*P*A*r where mu is the friction coefficient, F the mormal force, P the pressure and A is the area, and r is the radius to the center of the clutch pads. Since r is larger on the 12" clutch, then A can be smaller and get the same torque results.

Kitz

Good question Dave. I feel CHR could start a thread on clutches to give the opportunity to understand something like the difference, or advantages, or disadvantages of a puck style over fiber etc. This forum has been a bit stagnant lately, we could use some stimulation in these areas.

One more:
How does say a 3 finger style pressure plate have an advantage over a diaghram style pressure plate?

I was looking at this...nuthin fancy, my car will just be a driver.
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