Standard Clutch In Low Boost Turbo?

Mbeau · Jul 25, 2020

After some advice regarding what clutch to use with low boost turbo conversion. I currently have a ED paddle clutch fitted, which I am slowly getting used too and gets the power down perfect. The bite point is quite high though and it can be a bit like an on/off switch at times. It can be quite annoying at low speeds and pulling off from standing start. Perfect if it was a track car, but this is purely going to be a road car in my ownership.

Can I use a standard clutch? Car is 255bhp, although boost can be turned down a bit. The car is not thrashed or tracked. I do enjoy the odd quick blast and don't hang about. I would say I am very mechanically sympathetic when driving. I don't want to be replacing the clutch every time I service it!

Any experience and advice greatly appreciated 👍

frayz · Jul 25, 2020

Speak to Alex at AW Motorworks.
But I’d say even with sensible driving. You’re probably on the threshold of the stock clutch torque capacity.
It will be the roll on 4th and 5th when it will start to show.
Alex may be able to advise more useable options.

stonejedi · Jul 25, 2020

I have driven with the ED paddle clutch on my mates turbo 5 and it drove easy...you just have to get use to it,paddle clutches can be a nightmare to drive if it’s your first time or you don’t have a lot of experience driving with one,it will feel like hard work until you get use to them,when you do though it will just drive like a normal clutch to you

cjgower · Jul 25, 2020

ED fitted a Helix Organic Clutch to my car due to
It being road use only. The biting point is very much on and off as you describe. Anyone that hops in for a drive stalls it pretty much straight away, but you do get used to it!

My car is only 230bhp/lb-ft for reference, and my stock clutch went at about 115k on the car and 5,000 miles after adding boost, but this could had been on the car since it was new for all I know!

Mbeau · Jul 25, 2020

stonejedi said:
I have driven with the ED paddle clutch on my mates turbo 5 and it drove easy...you just have to get use to it,paddle clutches can be a nightmare to drive if it’s your first time or you don’t have a lot of experience driving with one,it will feel like hard work until you get use to them,when you do though it will just drive like a normal clutch to you

I am definitely going to change it. I have got used to it a bit, but find it hard work for a road car. The biting point seems very high too and it can be very harsh at low speeds. I could just put up with it, but just don't think it is for me. There are better options imo for use as a road car. My Mk3 Megane was 320bhp on the standard clutch and felt lovely. This is 255bhp and it just feels like a on/off switch, a way to get the car moving.

If I was to sell the car in the future then I think it would put a lot of people off too. I would just like the clutch to be progressive for everyday driving. The car is absolutely awsome and a more forgiving clutch will make the car perfect.

For reference I have driven @GrahamS Turbo and the clutch on his turbo felt really good. He has an RTS clutch, which gets good reviews and is sold by @Kev@KAM so I may op for one of these.

It is good to hear different opinions and experience though. I don't think a standard clutch will cope with the torque and I don't want to continually be replacing the clutch!!!

stonejedi · Jul 26, 2020

Mbeau said:
I am definitely going to change it. I have got used to it a bit, but find it hard work for a road car. The biting point seems very high too and it can be very harsh at low speeds. I could just put up with it, but just don't think it is for me. There are better options imo for use as a road car. My Mk3 Megane was 320bhp on the standard clutch and felt lovely. This is 255bhp and it just feels like a on/off switch, a way to get the car moving.

If I was to sell the car in the future then I think it would put a lot of people off too. I would just like the clutch to be progressive for everyday driving. The car is absolutely awsome and a more forgiving clutch will make the car perfect.

For reference I have driven @GrahamS Turbo and the clutch on his turbo felt really good. He has an RTS clutch, which gets good reviews and is sold by @Kev@KAM so I may op for one of these.

It is good to hear different opinions and experience though. I don't think a standard clutch will cope with the torque and I don't want to continually be replacing the clutch!!!

I totally understand your thinking mate especially on a road car...but in all honesty mate a beefed up clutch is the price that you have to pay for increased torque,regardless of what clutch you decide to upgrade to mate just make sure it can comfortably take the torque that your car is putting out especially with turbo cars as the right specced clutch is paramount or it could end up costing you more money in the long run.

Mbeau · Jul 26, 2020

stonejedi said:
I totally understand your thinking mate especially on a road car...but in all honesty mate a beefed up clutch is the price that you have to pay for increased torque,regardless of what clutch you decide to upgrade to mate just make sure it can comfortably take the torque that your car is putting out especially with turbo cars as the right specced clutch is paramount or it could end up costing you more money in the long run.

This is my worry! I only want to replace it once. Will make some phone calls tomorrow and see what they say. I am also buying solid engine and gearbox mounts, which may help a little bit too! I can make do for the moment and see how I get on.

Kev@KAM · Jul 29, 2020

stonejedi said:
I totally understand your thinking mate especially on a road car...but in all honesty mate a beefed up clutch is the price that you have to pay for increased torque,regardless of what clutch you decide to upgrade to mate just make sure it can comfortably take the torque that your car is putting out especially with turbo cars as the right specced clutch is paramount or it could end up costing you more money in the long run.

It just needs a retailer to get the right product made.
The RTS clutch is designed to be nicer on the left leg. No-one wants to walk with a limp

stonejedi · Jul 29, 2020

Kev@KAM said:
It just needs a retailer to get the right product made.
The RTS clutch is designed to be nicer on the left leg. No-one wants to walk with a limp

I stand by my post mate,I have had numerous friends opt for a comfortable clutch with increased torque and it has always ended in tears....in my experience their is no true power without full control.

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Kev@KAM · Jul 30, 2020

stonejedi said:
I stand by my post mate,I have had numerous friends opt for a comfortable clutch with increased torque and it has always ended in tears....in my experience their is no true power without full control.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

What brand were they using? They have not used the RTS clutch I think

Theres basically numerous ways to build these type of clutches. Helix and many others just do a very basic alteration in the clutch cover finger thickness and springs to change the clamping load but you can also change pivot points to alter the effort. We've lots of people using the RTS clutch and they feel nothing like other brands which is the whole point of why we get them custom made in the first place. Quite simply there was not an off the shelf solution already out there.

gambit · Jul 30, 2020

What’s the max a standard valeo clutch rated at though ?

Kev@KAM · Jul 30, 2020

gambit said:
What’s the max a standard valeo clutch rated at though ?

Standard is what its rated for

I think you can get away with one on a tuned normally aspirated car but its got a limited lifespan with a turbo unless you drive everywhere on part throttle
Its the torque that gets them

incy-spider · Jul 30, 2020

Sachs performance organic clutch... perfect! I’ve had mine in for lots of different power levels and torque, 245hp/230lb ft 282hp/270lb ft and now 340hp/311lb ft.. it even took 340lb ft before we notched it back a bit.. never slipped, heavy track use and road driving. Feels a bit heavier than standard [emoji106][emoji106]

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stonejedi · Jul 31, 2020

Kev@KAM said:
What brand were they using? They have not used the RTS clutch I think Theres basically numerous ways to build these type of clutches. Helix and many others just do a very basic alteration in the clutch cover finger thickness and springs to change the clamping load but you can also change pivot points to alter the effort. We've lots of people using the RTS clutch and they feel nothing like other brands which is the whole point of why we get them custom made in the first place. Quite simply there was not an off the shelf solution already out there.

Your right it was not the RTS clutch!....The RTS clutch might be one that I will have to try in the future

.I fully agree with you about the HELIX though

stonejedi · Jul 31, 2020

incy-spider said:
Sachs performance organic clutch... perfect! I’ve had mine in for lots of different power levels and torque, 245hp/230lb ft 282hp/270lb ft and now 340hp/311lb ft.. it even took 340lb ft before we notched it back a bit.. never slipped, heavy track use and road driving. Feels a bit heavier than standard [emoji106][emoji106]

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Thats why I decided to go for a Sachs clutch for my turbo project...Build Quality

.

gambit · Jul 31, 2020

Kev@KAM said:
Standard is what its rated for
I think you can get away with one on a tuned normally aspirated car but its got a limited lifespan with a turbo unless you drive everywhere on part throttle
Its the torque that gets them

I have heard no more than 240bhp on a n/a setup Due to low torque.

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