Now that\u2019s a lot of parts!The Long style three-finger clutch exerts brute pressure on the disc via a series of coil springs between the cover and plate. Spring pressure is the same regardless of engine rpm. Pedal effort is also the same regardless of engine speed. The Long Style clutch is an archaic design at best. It doesn\u2019t make sense to use one anymore.<\/p>\n
Diaphragm Style Clutches<\/h3>\n
Diaphragm style clutches, as the name implies, consist of a diaphragm spring that \u201coil cans\u201d between engaged and disengaged. It is easy to depress yet it delivers whopping hold power. The advantage of a diaphragm clutch is greater clamping power than a conventional three-finger Long style clutch yet without high pedal effort. What\u2019s more, as diaphragm clutch discs wear clamping power increases over the life of the clutch, which improves clutch performance. This is one of the great advantages of a diaphragm style clutch. Another advantage is pedal effort, which is considerably less than a Long style clutch.Although there are a lot of diaphragm style clutches in the marketplace Modern Driveline brings you a better clutch and here\u2019s why. Modern Driveline brings you greater selection with a complete line of clutches and flywheels from the most trusted names in the industry \u2014 Superior and McLeod. We enjoy an extraordinary relationship with Superior Clutch because each clutch is handcrafted for Modern Driveline. Each Superior clutch goes through rigorous testing throughout the manufacturing and quality assurance process resulting in high reliability and performance.A lot of manufacturers talk about Kevlar clutch frictions, yet in truth their clutch discs contain a very modest amount of Kevlar \u2014 some 10-20-percent \u2014 which isn\u2019t saying much. Superior Clutch\u2019s disc are nearly 100-percent Kevlar, which can stand extreme punishment and come back for more as hard miles are driven. If you\u2019re a civilized driver your Superior Kevlar clutch from Modern Driveline may well be the last clutch you ever buy. They\u2019re that good.<\/p>\n
Clutch Need To Know<\/h3>\n
We can get into a lot of clutch science and physics. However, here\u2019s what you need to know in order to make an educated purchase. There are four Modern Driveline clutch discs from Superior Clutch for your consideration \u2014 Organic, Kevlar\/Organic, Kevlar\/Kevlar, and Kevlar\/Metal.The Superior Organic clutch from Modern Driveline is a basic stock replacement in either 10″ or 10.5″ and with either a standard pressure plate or the brute King Cobra pressure plate.\u00a0 The Superior clutch is economical and well suited to the daily\/weekend driver or show car.\u00a0 The Superior Super King Cobra clutch from Modern Driveline features steel backed facings to prevent disc separation common with original King Cobra clutches and heavy abuse.Modern Driveline\u2019s Superior Kevlar\/Organic clutch is a multi-friction type with Kevlar\u00ae and Organic surfaces designed with additional grip in mind and high heat tolerance from high performance applications.\u00a0 These clutches are available in 10″ or 10.5″. The Superior Kevlar\/Organic clutch is optimum for street and track use.Superior Clutch\u2019s Kevlar\/Kevlar clutch from Modern Driveline is designed for long life and minimal wear under extreme duty conditions. These heavy-duty clutches available in 10.5\u201d are preferable for the high performance, high torque applications. What\u2019s more, they\u2019re preferable for lightweight vehicles prone to clutch chatter.The Kevlar\/Metal discs are designed for high horsepower, drag racing or street performance where “grab” is the name of the game. These are typically considered an “on\/off” clutch. You cannot “feather” them for smooth street driving.<\/p>\n
| \n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_01.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 1: Side by side are the two basic types of clutches \u2014 diaphragm (left) and Long style (right). By design three-finger Long style clutches yield a very stiff clutch pedal. Diaphragm style clutches provide a powerful grip without a stiff clutch pedal.<\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_02.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 2: Two organic clutch discs \u2014 coarse tooth (left) and fine tooth (right). Clutch discs are generally designed for application (size and transmission input shaft) the type of use they will experience. Organic clutch frictions are for mild street use.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_03.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_04.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 3\/4 Here\u2019s why the Long style three-finger clutch gives us such a stiff pedal \u2014 powerful springs that provide exceptional holding power. However, they also m \nake it very hard on your left leg and mechanicals because pressure plate holding pressure is transmitted directly to the clutch pedal linkage. This really is an outdated clutch design when there\u2019s a better choice.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_05.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 5 The diaphragm clutch is simply a better piece by design because it gives us great holding power without a stiff pedal. This is a small light-duty diaphragm pressure plate.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_06.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_07.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 6\/7 Here\u2019s another larger diaphragm clutch and disc for GM applications with fine-tooth clutch disc. .<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_08.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 8 The beauty of the diaphragm clutch is simplicity \u2014 fewer parts. This link ties the pressure head to the backing plate.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_09.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 9 These coil springs act as shock absorbers in a clutch disc. This is what gives us a smoother engagement as the clutch disc and pressure plate take hold.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_10.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 10 Diaphragm clutch fully engaged with clutch disc compressed.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_11.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 11 Organic and Kevlar clutch discs back to back. On the left is the organic friction disc, which is thicker and heavier. On the right is the lighter and tougher Kevlar disc. Superior Kevlar discs are nearly 100-percent Kevlar designed to take the extremes of racing. Organic discs are strictly for street use.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_12.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 12 From left to right are metallic, Kevlar, and Organic discs<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_13.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 13 Here\u2019s the Superior diaphragm clutch with organic friction for street use. The organic disc will not stand up to the punishment associated with racing. This is a coarse tooth hub for vintage Ford applications.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_14.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 14 This is a Kevlar clutch friction in fine-tooth for GM applications. A fine tooth hub provides greater strength because there\u2019s more shaft and hub surface area. Kevlar can be used for street and strip, however, it is primarily a racing clutch. It can take tremendous punishment and come back for more.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_15.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 15 Here\u2019s a closer look at the Kevlar surface. All of our Superior Kevlar clutches are nearly 100-percent Kevlar for extraordinary durability and long life. Kevlar doesn\u2019t look all that intimidating but don\u2019t let looks deceive you. Kevlar is the toughest clutch material available. If you buy it for street use you will never have to buy another clutch.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_16.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_17.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 16\/17 Here\u2019s a metallic Superior clutch for all-out racing applications. This pressure plate is for GM products. As a rule most GM applications employ a fine-tooth input shaft.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_18.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 18 We also stock McLeod dual-friction diaphragm style clutches for performance applications. Choice depends upon how much power you have and what you want your vehicle to do.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_19.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 19 Here are the input shaft types you can expect to see for domestic applications. These are clutch alignment tools. Two from clutch kits and one copped from a Ford transmission. The steel input shaft works well as a clutch alignment tool. Our Superior clutches come with a clutch alignment tool for your convenience.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_20.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 20 Clutch pilot bushings (right) are typical for OEM installations. Compliment your Modern Driveline clutch installation with a pilot bearing (left) for precision function and smooth clutch operation. While you have your vehicle apart check the engine oil pan gasket, rear main seal, and transmission input shaft seal for leakage. Any leakage issues must be handled at this time or you wind up with clutch disc contamination.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_21.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 21 Clutch release bearing to diaphragm alignment must be spot on for proper function and longevity. Diaphragm style clutch release bearings are constant duty parts meaning they\u2019re in contact with the diaphragm at all times.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n ![\"\"](\"http:\/\/res.cloudinary.com\/mdl\/image\/upload\/w_900\/clutch\/CLU_22.jpg\") <\/div>\n<\/div>\n Fig. 22 Compliment your new Superior clutch installation with a new flywheel from Modern Driveline. This is money well spent because every new clutch deserves a new flywheel surface. We stock steel, billet, and aluminum flywheels for nearly every application imaginable.<\/div>\n<\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
Enthusiasts Who Are Also Engineers<\/h3>\nThis is why you do business with Modern Driveline. We are not a large company with huge product development teams with bean counters and Wall Street investors looking over our shoulders. We are automotive enthusiasts bent on getting our products right before they\u2019re ever sold to the public. We are also very determined to deliver great technical support after the sale. As a Modern Driveline customer, you will never be our guinea pig. We find problems before they get to you and solve them before they ever become a headache for you.<\/p>\n
We don\u2019t just find the fault \u2014 we find the fix at the prototype phase before products ever reach the mass production phase. And if you ever encounter a problem with any of our products, we invite your contact so we may solve it before it ever becomes a frustration for you. If there is a problem after the sale, we are here to provide lifetime technical support for any Modern Driveline product you buy.<\/p><\/div>\n |
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