SMC clutch weight ?

Mike Arnold · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 1:59 pm Post subject: SMC clutch weight ?

We will be switching from the Can exhaust to the CAN on the Stick (Sportsman exhaust - RLV SBX) and I would like to know what weight combination I need to get the Clutch to around 10k rpm. I currently am running a full tungsten set on a SMC Gold Clutch.

Do I run 1/2 set of tungsten?
or
Full set of brass?
or
1/2 set of brass?

I just want to prevent having to take the clutch apart a bunch of times to find the right set of weights....ok I'm lazy! and slooooow mechanically!

Thanks,

Mike

Jim Fry · Posted: Mon Jul 30, 2012 5:37 pm Post subject:

Sorry Mike, but you will need to change them in coorelation to your gear ratio. If it is a tight track like Grattan you will probably need the two tungsten, Mid- Ohio, one of each and Daytona maybe only one brass for example. Besides you really need to take apart and freshen your clutch every race weekend. It is a very critical performance tool.

Jim

Al Atkinson · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 10:08 am Post subject: Clutch weight

We run all brass most of the time. Except Daytona. Jim is right scuff the plates after every weekend, change the oil and check the spring length.
The clutch is a BIG part of your performance on track.

Mike Arnold · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 12:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks Al and Jim.

Al, we hope to get within 10 seconds of Courtney. She is fast for sure!

Mike

Al Atkinson · Posted: Tue Jul 31, 2012 1:41 pm Post subject: Be ready

It is not hard to be fast. But it does take alot of work. You just can't let the karts sit in the trailer until a week before race weekend and expect to be good. It is Tusday and the karts are already stripped and cleaned. You must be able to talk with your driver. Break the corner down into 3 sections. Entry, middle and exit. Start by fixing the entry and work from there. Talk about what the kart needs to go faster through the corner WITHOUT lifting. It is all about corner speed. Just like in NASCAR. You have to be able to roll the corner to be fast at the end of the straight.

Jim Fry · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 5:21 am Post subject:

Well said Al. Not saying you are this way Mike, but many people think you can buy speed. While you can get some that way, most of it comes from hard work and preparation before you get to the track. All those little things add up to tenths of a second.

kerry yunck · Posted: Wed Aug 01, 2012 6:26 am Post subject: SMC

Well said Al and Hero Jim.
Kerry