New buggy/truggy clutch

[satoch]

I think this is the clutch I'm getting for my new Mayhem Pro. What do you guys think? http://www.rczone.net/modules.php?name=N...&sid=670.c

[Tex]

looks pretty cool. Not sure how user friendly it is or how good it'll work.

The standard clutches already hook up really good, what's the need for more? what benefit will it provide?

[satoch]

Tex, I see your point, but I question how well the stock clutches on buggies really work. I see a LOT of wheel spin on buggies around here.

I think the majority of that is from lack of throttle control but I'm sure that being able to fine tune a clutch like a slipper is very important. Of course most guys won't spend the time and so, for them, it's not worth it I'm sure. But, there must be a reason why this is important to the pros.

I especially like the part about reducing bearing wear. Most pro buggy guys check and/or replace their clutch bearings after every 2nd heat. And I couldn't tell you how many times I've heard about a guy losing a clutch bearing and that costing him the A-Main in a 45 min. race. Sadly, we'll never have a 45min A-main in this region.

Overall, I think this clutch appears to be a step in the right drection if not the ultimate solution for top drivers.

[Tex]

Fioroni has had a sliding clutch out for a few years...also werks has something similar. Both tunable. You may also want to check into those to weigh your options.

My clutch bell bearings have been good the past 3-4 gallons of fuel. I've had the same ones since I bought my P5 over 6 months ago.

oh and I wouldn't say "their won't ever be 45min a-mains in this region" no one knows the future

[satoch]

Tex, the Fiorini clutch is no more adjustable than a stock Revo clutch or any clutch that requires the changing of springs. Additionally springs lose tension over time and there is now way to compensate like this new clutch.

Oh yeah, I know you questioned the user friendly aspect to this clutch, see those two little holes on the nut? There's a tool that fits over that to adjust the clutch while still in the vehicle. Super Easy!

[rocco79]

Whats that set up gonna cost???? Im sure mucho $$$$$$$$$$. I wonder if its ajustability is really woth it.... Three three shoe clutch seems to be tried and true.

[satoch]

Rocco, I'm sure it's in the $95-110 range. Is it worth it? I guess not for a new hack buggy racer like me (but I'll get it anyways! LOL!!) but for those with skills it's just one more of those little things that adds to ones arsenal. For most guys? No. The Model A Ford was the tried and true vehicle at one point also. Can't stop technology...

[rocco79]

Im all for technology. Your right guys at the very top of the food chain would most likely benfit from such a trick set-up.

I run the TTR clutch set-up. Its very nice and very reliable and extremely cheap. I think shoes and springs cost like 10 or 12 bucks.

[dentguy92]

Its funny...If you look at the top drivers set up it is close to box stock some trick parts hear and there but for the most part stock...the hot clutch set up now is 2 allumn. shoes and 1 carbon shoe 95% of pro drivers have this set up....you know its moistly the driver not the equipment...

[rocco79]

I tried that 2 alum 1 carbon.... I personaly didnt think it was all that but im certainly not a pro

[dentguy92]

its not going to hit as hard on the bottom end but be a lot smother.. I like the 3 kyosho alum, simple and effective. will last a hole season if you maintain them every now and then

[FreeRideFrosty]

Kind of new when it comes to fiddling with clutches... What are the pros of carbon shoes or aluminum shoes and then of mixing them?

[HAGASAN]

Bruce, coming to the 1/8 world of racing, thats good. Although I have seen ads for this clutch I have yet to see it in action. Werks, SVM and Vega have the similar clutch with 4 shoes. I have ran that clutch set-up and it does work very good (Tony Dribble swears buy it) but I have had problems with it a few times and a few times is enough to not run it. But thats me. You will not see a real benefit from it and its only going to cost money and trial and error to get the thing figured out and tuned right for the performance. This clutch does not act as a slipper in any way, it offers tuning adjustment for engagment for the type of dirt and motor. You can do the same with a standard clutch by changing the springs. Im not trying to shy you away from what you think is the better choice, just giving you info from experience. As for changing bearings every two rounds, I dont know where you get your info but it is incorrect. Some bearings last for gallons and gallons, some last for 1 minute, its a gamble so you change them out before a big main like a 45min A-main that we run up here in this region all the time. The RCPS has 45min a-mains and 30min B-mains also LH has run 45min as well for there classic races. The K-race also runs 45min mains too. You need to travel more to get the real story of whats going on at different tracks and events. One Monster truck race in Texas is not enough info to pass judgement on anything.
Welcome to the real racing class, Good luck.

[rocco79]

JT..

How do you feel about the black TTR shoes... How do they differ from the TC3 (white) shoes i currently use? Also what mm are the springs for the TC3????

If you were to run the black ttr shoes, what springs and ect..... Thanks for your info ahead of time

[BlackWolf42]

You're getting a 1/8, good for you. Remeber my car at Bristol? I went there with a set of 1.1 springs and a set of light aluminum clutch shoes. The clutch engaged at about 30% throttle. Big mistake, as that setup worked really well at Leisure Hours where the traction is phenomenal. If I had a set of .9 or even 1.0 springs, and a set of white teflon shoes, I would have had better luck that day.

That clutch you're looking at may be good for you. Give it a shot and let me know how it works out. I've been eyeballing the Werks clutch, but $125+ (for all the available shoes and the clutch itself) is a bit steep for most people.

[satoch]

Thanks for the input David. I guess that's the point of having an easily adjustable clutch with a wide range of settings. I just like the idea of this clutch if it indeed works as it looks like it should. I won't get it at first but I am seriously eyeballing it.

If we're just running one track all winter it'll be easy to find a set up and stick to it. That's why I enjoy traveling so much, it forces one to learn their vehicle and grow. It takes time. And it takes time to learn what is BS and what is truly viable.

Granted, the Werks and this clutch are too steep for most. But, going fast isn't cheap. Skill will only take you so far. After that, you need the tools. I'm working on getting skills, that takes time. The tools I can buy tomorrow...

[GWPHOENIX]

one of the good things about that clutch , is more even contact area. also i noticed that the shoes are not metal. alum. shoes heat up the bell and can cause premature falure on the barrings. i,ve noticed that differance between my feroni turbo slide and 3 shoe alm.
i prefer the slide clutch. i would try it out Bruce. somebody has to be the first sometime.

and let me know when you get a price i'll try one too.