Clutch Air Gap

Discussion in 'PSI Superchargers Tech Questions' started by slk, Jul 4, 2010.

  1. slk

    slk New Member

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    Can someone shed some light on Clutch air gaps, Do they effect clutch operation ( for example : lock up points etc if set with a bigger gap then needed ) We are using a 10.7" 3 plate Crower and currently run it at 35 thou in a doorcar which drags it into stage nicely but was wondering if by playing with the gap it changes the operation during the run. Thanks in advanced for any replies
     
    #1
    slk, Jul 4, 2010
  2. outlaw02camaro

    outlaw02camaro New Member

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    clutch gap has no effect on the way the clutch works, it just going to effect your reaction time. you could run 100 thous air gap. you just got that much longer before the clutch begins to grab....035 is pretty low, but if the car doesnt roll through the beams and you can catch a good lite, then stick with it...
     
    #2
    outlaw02camaro, Jul 4, 2010
  3. slk

    slk New Member

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    Thanks for the reply
     
    #3
    slk, Jul 4, 2010
  4. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    If your clutch airgap is too small you will heat the clutch up too much in staging and also have a problem with glazing it if you push the pedal in at the end of the run. As said .035 is real small. We have had great success in using .070 on a blown car staging at 5000 rpm.
     
    #4
    Mike Canter, Jul 4, 2010
  5. slk

    slk New Member

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    We have been reducing the air gap because we thought the driver was not getting the foot swap correct and not launching at the correct RPM ( always the driver fault !! ) ,thinking that the smaller air gap may help with this but have since found our problem so we may go back up with it. Have had some dramas getting it to lock up on a good track so the extra heat during stage problably wasnt helping thanks Mike
     
    #5
    slk, Jul 4, 2010
  6. Dale Finch

    Dale Finch Member

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    I agree with Mike. Too small of a gap will hurt the clutch before you get to launch. Don't agree; go make a burnout back up and turn the car off. Pull the clutch and see how it looks. Even on a just ground clutch, you'll be starting over. Remember the clutch builds heat and grows as you back up. I have seen great reaction times with .070 plus. Not the gap that determines when the clutch comes out. The whole idea is to have everything nice and flat and square when you let the pedal out. Maybe Justin can give us his expert opinion too if he is out there.
    thanks
    Dale
     
    #6
    Dale Finch, Jul 4, 2010
  7. Clayto

    Clayto new

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    Not so.
    If you have that much more time , what is the engine doing?
    Air gap does effect the clutch and how it works.
     
    #7
    Clayto, Jul 4, 2010
  8. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Maybe we are saying the same thing. Once the pedal has been released the air gap is history until you push the clutch pedal back in. The physical air gap has no effect on the clutch tuneup other than heating up the clutch if the gap is too small.
     
    #8
    Last edited: Jul 5, 2010
    Mike Canter, Jul 4, 2010
  9. Relentless

    Relentless www.bretitanium.com

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    Agreed, set it at a tight .060 before pit warm up then re check after to set to .070

    .035 is too small
     
    #9
    Relentless, Jul 5, 2010
  10. slk

    slk New Member

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    Thanks for the info Guys, does the bigger air gap tend to hit the diff gears and drive line any hard due to there being no or very little wind up in the drive line whilst staging? I guess a none glazed and cool clutch may out way any possible side effects of this anyway
     
    #10
    slk, Jul 5, 2010
  11. Mike Canter

    Mike Canter Top Dragster
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    Makes no difference to the drivetrain or differential.
     
    #11
    Mike Canter, Jul 5, 2010

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