THSCC Forums

Is there any advantage to a multi-pad clutch plate versus a standard continuous pad clutch?

Keith's and my Sentra needs a new clutch, but we also need more pressure on the clutch since we have the welded diff.
We could go with traditional clutch and HD pressure plate that claims 50% more pressure and 211 ft/lb torque rating
There is also a 4 pad clutch and with pressure plate with same rating.

Can someone explain pro/cons of both?

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"Ruttin' is racing"

Chris Suich
Apex, NC
AutoX 2012 Nissan Leaf (Quietly changing the world)
AutoX 2003 Mini Cooper S (on sabbatical)
RallyX 1993 Nissan Sentra - "Le Tigre"
FunX 1970 Camaro LT1 ('95)

You are describing a "puck clutch" and NO, you don't want one. Puck clutches are for drag racing.

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Vincent Keene
'06 Ford Mustang GT (track rat)
'15 Dodge Charger R/T (yeah, it's got a HEMI!)
'07 Ford Fusion SE (205,000 miles and counting)
'98 Chevy Z-24 (retired)
'93 Acura Integra (Team SWB 24HOL Car)

From a drivability persperspective, the puck clutches engage RIGHT NOW. They are not linear at all. Very digital.

The fewer pucks, the more "right now" the engagement. With more pucks, the engagement becomes more linear.

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Tom Freeman
'98 M3/4/5 | '93 Spec3 325i | '12 TSX sport wagon | '03 Tahoe
Team Silver Bullets '91 240SX

Well that explains why our clutch failed at the last RallyX event

"Drag Race Rallycross"

Because we didn't have a puck clutch!

Walter, how many more RallyX's are you chairing?


Thanks for the explanations.

_________________
"Ruttin' is racing"

Chris Suich
Apex, NC
AutoX 2012 Nissan Leaf (Quietly changing the world)
AutoX 2003 Mini Cooper S (on sabbatical)
RallyX 1993 Nissan Sentra - "Le Tigre"
FunX 1970 Camaro LT1 ('95)

Yeah, puck clutches really suck. You could also consider something with more exotic pad material that doesn't have a stiffer pressure plate. That is what I put in the Miata for its supercharged days and it has held up great. Chatter's a little once in awhile though.

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'07, '08, '11 Autocross VP
'06, '10 Mike Dishman Cup
'21 MX5, '13 Corvette GS, '92 Corvette 383 c.i. 413whp/390wtq, '03 Expedition

As many as possible and whenever we can start uphill!
I have used the puck style friction plates in my Camaro. Driveability is a problem especially with a lightweight flywheel.

I'd suggest a high performance clutch and a Kevlar friction plate. With your welded diff you can launch harder and you need more pressure on the friction plate. Then, you need a more durable friction plate. Before you could dump the clutch and were only spinning one wheel. Now you have double your traction and stress on the clutch.

In most racing situations stock clutches are a weak link. Get a high performance clutch and start breaking something else!!! My guess will be an axle or something inside the transmission.

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Rubbin' is Racin'