The Ford Barn

Terry,NJ · 05-17-2014, 03:20 PM

For all you mathematicians and engineers out there, this will be easy for you but not for me! Torque is defined something like this, Force applied (Lbs) X distance from center (Inches or feet). If I drive a larger dia. clutch disc with the same rotational force, do I increase the torque to the back wheels? Or does this place greater drag on the engine and cancel the possible gains? Is it a wash? No gain in power or torque, just more sq inches of friction area and less likely hood of slippage? I've had this question in the back of my mind for a long time.
Terry

Sparky · 05-17-2014, 03:38 PM

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The short answer is no, the size of the clutch has no effect as long as there is no slippage. Torque cannot be changed by a clutch, only by a change in the speed ratio between the input and the output, as in the gearbox.

05-17-2014, 03:20 PM	#1
Terry,NJ Senior Member Join Date: Nov 2013 Location: Northern Bucks Co. Pa Posts: 632	10" clutch vs 9'' clutch, Torque? For all you mathematicians and engineers out there, this will be easy for you but not for me! Torque is defined something like this, Force applied (Lbs) X distance from center (Inches or feet). If I drive a larger dia. clutch disc with the same rotational force, do I increase the torque to the back wheels? Or does this place greater drag on the engine and cancel the possible gains? Is it a wash? No gain in power or torque, just more sq inches of friction area and less likely hood of slippage? I've had this question in the back of my mind for a long time. Terry

05-17-2014, 03:38 PM	#2
Sparky Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Rhode Island Posts: 649	Re: 10" clutch vs 9'' clutch, Torque? Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) The short answer is no, the size of the clutch has no effect as long as there is no slippage. Torque cannot be changed by a clutch, only by a change in the speed ratio between the input and the output, as in the gearbox.