CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage

Buicksstage1 · 10-22-2012, 07:51 PM

I am wondering if Hydraulic clutch set ups are any good at the track? What are all the new Camaro's, Challanger's, Mustangs etc using ie: stock, Super Stock and braket cars. Someone is trying to tell me there is no place in drag racing for hydraulic clutch set ups. Chris

Jeff Lee · 10-22-2012, 08:30 PM

My opinion is they have no place with a TRUE race clutch setup; i.e., adjustable sindered-iron clutch disk. These are designed to have a controlled amount of slippage on launch with an immediate release of the throwout bearing from the levers by way of mechanical linkage.
A Hydraulic system MAY be good for something like a diaphragm clutch assembly which engages more like an "on/off" switch on engagement. But I haven't put a lot of thought into that...
The question should be why do you think you need a hydraulic system in a race car? Have you put your foot on a race unit that is properly designed? I think your average Civic has more resistance.

Mark Ugrich · 10-22-2012, 09:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff Lee

My opinion is they have no place with a TRUE race clutch setup; i.e., adjustable sindered-iron clutch disk. These are designed to have a controlled amount of slippage on launch with an immediate release of the throwout bearing from the levers by way of mechanical linkage.
A Hydraulic system MAY be good for something like a diaphragm clutch assembly which engages more like an "on/off" switch on engagement. But I haven't put a lot of thought into that...
The question should be why do you think you need a hydraulic system in a race car? Have you put your foot on a race unit that is properly designed? I think your average Civic has more resistance.

X2, I don't think a hydraulic clutch linkage even belongs in a street car.They have a strange feel to them and do not respond quickly.Hydraulic systems belong in a bull dozer or garbage truck.A cable set up isn't much better.A well designed mechanical linkage is really the only answer.
As Jeff said newer clutches have a very light pedal feel.Before I removed the over center spring on my car,it would hold the pedal to the floor.

Stewart Way · 10-22-2012, 10:34 PM

I had an 8.80 Tbird with a lenco and put a McLeod hyd unit in it. Had a single disk McLeod iron unit. Had a delay box and had to run around 1.1 in the box just like with mechanical linkage so I didn't see the hyd setup as not being able to respond quickly. Also don't see the problem with a cable. I am thinking about one in the SSGT I'm building. As long as it is kept lubricated and not tied in a knot I think it will work. I would guess the Fox body Mustangs that came with cable still run them in Stock. And the cars with hyd still run it. My car will be a SS car so it is only used on launch. In an A-body Mopar the drivers side is pretty busy with header, starter and t-bar all fighting for room. Keep the linkage out of there and free up a little space.
I have heard the in S and SS you cant run Hyd or cable but I can't find it in the rulebook. Maybe one of those things, if it doesn't say you can, you can't

Buicksstage1 · 10-22-2012, 11:05 PM

I am looking at the Ram stuff, check out the valve at the bottom of the page. Chris

Tom keedle · 10-23-2012, 04:50 AM

weeellllll, i was told (by NHRA) that i COULD NOT convert to a hydraulic setup on my AMC, so, using that logic, i don't see how you can convert a hydraulic system to linkage (legally)..

10-22-2012, 07:51 PM	#1
Buicksstage1 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The east coast! Posts: 21 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage I am wondering if Hydraulic clutch set ups are any good at the track? What are all the new Camaro's, Challanger's, Mustangs etc using ie: stock, Super Stock and braket cars. Someone is trying to tell me there is no place in drag racing for hydraulic clutch set ups. Chris __________________ 72GS stage2 455 street/strip best et 9.93 1970 Stage1 iron heads,stock rods. 1.37 60' 10.17@129.8 70 GSX clone, 9.3:1 455 stage2 best et 11.00

10-22-2012, 08:30 PM	#2
Jeff Lee VIP Member Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Anthem, Arizona Posts: 2,766 Likes: 0 Liked 3 Times in 3 Posts	Re: CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage My opinion is they have no place with a TRUE race clutch setup; i.e., adjustable sindered-iron clutch disk. These are designed to have a controlled amount of slippage on launch with an immediate release of the throwout bearing from the levers by way of mechanical linkage. A Hydraulic system MAY be good for something like a diaphragm clutch assembly which engages more like an "on/off" switch on engagement. But I haven't put a lot of thought into that... The question should be why do you think you need a hydraulic system in a race car? Have you put your foot on a race unit that is properly designed? I think your average Civic has more resistance. __________________ Jeff Lee 7494 D/S '70 AMX

10-22-2012, 10:34 PM	#4
Stewart Way Member Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Atlanta Posts: 476 Likes: 20 Liked 70 Times in 22 Posts	Re: CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage I had an 8.80 Tbird with a lenco and put a McLeod hyd unit in it. Had a single disk McLeod iron unit. Had a delay box and had to run around 1.1 in the box just like with mechanical linkage so I didn't see the hyd setup as not being able to respond quickly. Also don't see the problem with a cable. I am thinking about one in the SSGT I'm building. As long as it is kept lubricated and not tied in a knot I think it will work. I would guess the Fox body Mustangs that came with cable still run them in Stock. And the cars with hyd still run it. My car will be a SS car so it is only used on launch. In an A-body Mopar the drivers side is pretty busy with header, starter and t-bar all fighting for room. Keep the linkage out of there and free up a little space. I have heard the in S and SS you cant run Hyd or cable but I can't find it in the rulebook. Maybe one of those things, if it doesn't say you can, you can't __________________ Stewart Way 2424 SS

10-22-2012, 11:05 PM	#5
Buicksstage1 Junior Member Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: The east coast! Posts: 21 Likes: 0 Liked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Re: CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage I am looking at the Ram stuff, check out the valve at the bottom of the page. Chris __________________ 72GS stage2 455 street/strip best et 9.93 1970 Stage1 iron heads,stock rods. 1.37 60' 10.17@129.8 70 GSX clone, 9.3:1 455 stage2 best et 11.00 Last edited by Buicksstage1; 11-03-2012 at 11:14 AM. Reason: sp

10-23-2012, 04:50 AM	#6
Tom keedle Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Berthoud, Coloraduh Posts: 695 Likes: 13 Liked 8 Times in 7 Posts	Re: CLUTCH, Hydraulic vs Linkage weeellllll, i was told (by NHRA) that i COULD NOT convert to a hydraulic setup on my AMC, so, using that logic, i don't see how you can convert a hydraulic system to linkage (legally).. __________________ without losers,winning means nothing.