Clutch & Flywheel

Performance clutches typically involve heavier springs and different disc materials. Using a heavier spring will result in a clutch with more clamping force, meaning more torque can be transmitted without the clutch slipping, and the clutch will be much more likely to grab under aggressive shifting or clutch dumping.

Different materials will result in drastically different characteristics for a clutch. Organic compounds are more common for production vehicles, as these allow for smooth engagement and long life, but they don’t necessarily work well at high temperatures. Kevlars, carbons and ceramics will offer intermediary smoothness, while being able to operate at higher temperatures.

Often, performance clutches will use “puck” designs with gaps between the clutch disc blocks. With less surface area the pressure on the clutch material will be higher, and some materials will provide more grip at certain pressures. The force transmitted by the diaphragm spring will be the same, but the pressure on the clutch disc will be higher. In some cases, this can be beneficial.*Credit for this description goes to Engineering Explained from Car Throttle. You can find more detail on performance clutches and how they work at their website Car Throttle.