Upgrading to a racing clutch is one of the best ways to ensure that your car can handle the power and stress associated with high-performance driving. Whether you're hitting the track or looking to enhance your street machine, choosing the right racing clutch kit is crucial. Here’s what to consider when selecting a racing clutch, along with top recommendations.
Key Considerations for Choosing a Racing Clutch
Torque Capacity
The clutch’s ability to handle torque is vital, especially in high-performance applications. You'll need a clutch that can manage the power output of your modified engine.
Material and Disc Type
The materials used in racing clutches are designed to endure high temperatures and aggressive driving conditions. Racing clutches often use materials like organic, ceramic, or cerametallic compounds. The HSV GTS (1999-2006) VT, VX, VY, VZ 5.7L & 6.0L V8 Competition Clutch uses ceramic materials, which offer excellent heat resistance and durability, making it suitable for both street and track use.
Intended Use
Whether you’re primarily using your car for daily driving, weekend track days, or full-on racing, the clutch you choose should match your needs. The Exedy Sports Tuff Clutch Kit is known for balancing street usability with track performance, offering a reliable choice for mixed-use vehicles.
Pedal Feel and Engagement
The feel of the clutch pedal and the engagement point are crucial for driver comfort and performance. Some drivers prefer a firmer pedal with a distinct engagement, for a more responsive feel and ability to handle high torque.
Flywheel Type
Racing clutches may include a solid flywheel, which can improve engine responsiveness by reducing rotational mass. The NPC Performance Clutch Kit, available for various models, typically includes a solid flywheel to enhance acceleration, particularly useful in racing scenarios.
Top Racing Clutch Kits
HSV GTS (1999-2006) VT, VX, VY, VZ 5.7L & 6.0L V8 Competition Clutch
This twin disc clutch kit is engineered to deliver superior performance under the high-stress conditions that these vehicles often experience. The kit includes a 4140 forged flywheel and a 6061 T6 aluminium cover, which are complemented by a 6150 steel diaphragm. These materials ensure durability and optimal heat dissipation, essential for maintaining clutch performance during prolonged use.
The kit is available in three different configurations, tailored to suit various driving needs:
- Twin Plate Organic: Best suited for high-horsepower street cars that might occasionally hit the track. This setup provides a balance between drivability and performance, with a torque capacity of 1,016 Nm, making it ideal for those who want a responsive clutch without sacrificing daily usability.
- Cushioned Twin Plate Ceramic: This version is recommended for those who frequently take their vehicles to the track while still using them on the road. With a higher torque capacity of 1,118 Nm, it provides greater durability under the stress of repeated high-load conditions, such as during aggressive acceleration and gear changes.
- 6 Puck Ceramic: Tailored for dedicated track cars, this setup offers maximum performance, handling up to 1,118 Nm of torque. However, this configuration sacrifices some daily drivability in favour of the highest possible performance on the track.
Each kit also includes a solid flywheel and a concentric slave cylinder, ensuring that the clutch system is complete and ready for installation. The choice between organic or ceramic materials in the clutch plates allows drivers to select the best option based on their specific performance needs and driving style.
Xtreme Performance Rigid Solid Organic Twin Plate Clutch Kit (KFD27632-2G)
The Ford Performance Vehicles Falcon FG (2008) with the 5.4L Boss 315 engine is a powerhouse, and to harness its full potential, the Xtreme Performance Rigid Solid Organic Twin Plate Clutch Kit (SKU: KFD27632-2G) is an excellent choice. Designed for drivers who demand both reliability and high performance, this clutch kit is specifically tailored for vehicles like the Falcon FG that have been modified for enhanced power and torque.
Key Features
- Torque Capacity: This clutch kit is engineered to handle lots of torque, making it suitable for vehicles that have undergone substantial performance upgrades.
- Friction Material: The use of organic friction materials in the rigid twin plate design ensures a robust and consistent engagement, ideal for high-performance applications. This setup provides a balance between drivability and the ability to manage increased power.
- Flywheel and Concentric Slave Cylinder Included: The kit comes complete with a single mass flywheel (SMF) and a concentric slave cylinder (CSC), both of which are crucial for ensuring smooth operation and longevity of the clutch system.
- Durability and Performance: The solid organic twin plate design enhances the clutch’s ability to withstand the stresses of high-performance driving, making it a preferred choice for both street and track use.
Why Choose This Clutch?
This Xtreme Performance clutch is particularly well-suited for those who have significantly upgraded their Falcon FG, such as adding a turbo or making extensive engine modifications. The rigid solid design provides excellent power transfer, although it might introduce some increased pedal effort and noise, common with high-performance clutches.
Installation and Usage Tips
A proper break-in period of around 1,000 km is recommended to ensure the clutch beds in correctly, providing maximum performance and durability. This involves gentle driving, avoiding aggressive acceleration, to allow the friction material to properly mate with the flywheel surface.
Exedy Sports Tuff Clutch Kit
Known for their versatility, Exedy Sports Tuff clutch kits are a popular choice for those who want a balance between daily driving comfort and track-ready performance. They’re an excellent option for drivers who want reliability and performance in one package.
Key Features
- Balance of Performance and Comfort: Designed for both street and track use, they offer a good balance between driveability and performance.
- Proven Reliability: Exedy is a well-known brand with a reputation for reliable and durable products, making it a trusted choice.
- Wide Availability: These clutch kits are available for a wide range of vehicles, ensuring compatibility and ease of sourcing.
NPC Performance Clutch Kit
Available for a range of vehicles, these kits include a solid flywheel and are built to handle the demands of racing. They're Ideal for drivers who want to maximise acceleration and performance on the track.
Key Features
- Enhanced Acceleration: The inclusion of a solid flywheel reduces rotational mass, improving throttle response and acceleration.
- High Performance: Designed for racing applications, these clutches are built to handle the rigours of track use.
- Durability: NPC clutches are known for their durability and ability to handle high torque, making them a reliable choice for serious racers.
Conclusion
Choosing a right racing clutch for your car can be hard, due to lots of options on the market. By considering key aspects such as torque capacity or material type you can make a good decision. Each of these clutch kits offers specific benefits depending on your driving style and vehicle setup. Whether you prioritise street comfort, track performance, or a combination of both, understanding the advantages and disadvantages will help you make the best choice for your needs.
