How many frictions you packin'?

[Torque2]

It seems that things are in transition regarding the ideal clutch pack set up for the direct and forward drums. What is the ideal number and thickness of frictions and plates for a low 12/high 11 sec. car? My 200R4 rebuilder says more frictions in the direct and forward pack is better (currently packing 7 Alto reds in the direct and 5 in the forward), and some Turbo Buick vendors are listing as many as 8 and 6. Chris at Ckperformance says 6 and 4 is now the best way to go, with thicker steels, and I noticed ptsxtreme sells the same combo. I need to get this thing back together and would like to present my rebuilder with a communal response.

Thanks,
Tim

 

[chris718]

more frictions are always better for clutch pack performance and durability(in packs that carry an upshift torque load) providing that the steels are not too thin to takke the heat generated during ratio changes.the weight of the direct drum and its need to be driven with the turbine shaft to initiate direct drive in the 2004r can adequately be controlled with 6 frictions and 6 kolene steels.the drum is stationary in 2nd and then is locked to the forward drum on a ratio change.the weight of the drum and operating resistances ,horsepower and torque,and vehicle weight all play a part in the amount of clutch surface area needed to accomplish the job.the forward drum doesnt carry an upshift torque load therefore it is less sensitive to more friction area. going to bed.

 

[WE4]

I believe..

6 in direct and 4 in forward. That is all that is needed provided clearences and steel configuration is correct.
The more you add to direct the thinner the steels get and will not suck the heat out of the clutches. I did years of research on this and this was the final best result.
Bruce
WE4
www.PTSXTREME.com

 

[Torque2]

Thanks for the feedback guys. I totally understand the need for thicker steels. I could see that while inspecting mine after 30 1/4 mile passes.
Do you let steel thickness dictate friction plate thickness? I'm just thinking about specific heat and whether thicker frictions might retain more heat relative to thinner ones. If so, should there be a compromise between steel and friction thickness(perhaps that is what the stock configuration is)? What are frictions made of anyway? I guess in the end what DOES work is as good or better than what should work.

 

[chris718]

its also important to remove thestock apply ring and install an aluminum sleeve to replace it.this allows more heat transfer during clutch apply and a better apply.