Help me understand clutches

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misterleon

misterleon

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Hey guys,

can someone help me understand what the different clutch springs do? And what are the best clutches for different applications? My clutch right now isn’t engaging until the engine starts spooling up. I think I’m close to 3/16th until the clutch starts grabbing. Is that normal? is this so that the engine has some rpms before it gets load to prevent bogging? I don’t get it ?‍♂️
 
@Seandonato73 What would be difference between using a 6500 vs a 9500 rpm spring? If I was to use a lower spring, would the truck respond quicker? And having a higher spring take the engine a few seconds to rev up to the necessary rpms which means it wouldn't respond as quick like @misterleon was asking?
 
At 6500, the clutch will engage lower in the engine's rev range. On a smaller motor with limited torque, this is not good. It will result in a sense of bogging as the motor isn't quite making power yet. You want the clutch to engage right as or juuust before the motor hits its power band which will give it the snappy sensation. On a 26cc, that's right around 9k rpm. With bigger motors you can dial it down a bit in order to prevent breaking traction on engagement.

Trigger position for getting to the engagement point can be adjusted using dual rates and expos on your radio if you feel like you're pulling the trigger too far to get the truck to take off.
 
Not that simple. It depends on you combo and how you want it to behave. Thus another aspect of tuning. Everything from vehicle weight,engine size or (modded) to wheel choice will have place in picking the best springs for your clutch engagement point. Quicker takeoff a higher spring rate to engage at a higher engine speed or or a heavier vehicle to get it moving. Lower speed for smoother takeoff or lighter vehicles.Your going to have tinker and learn your preferred response. A lot can done as mentioned with throttle control and settings as mentioned. It's all part of the learning curve.
 
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