Stock clutch power handling capacity

[Mid_Life_Crisis]

I'm just curious, because I don't have the budget to ever make that much power ("how fast can you afford to go?"), but I was wondering at what point the stock clutch would need to be upgraded. I am sure it would depend on the type of driving you do (drag strip vs road course), but a ballpark idea would be nice.

To get the traction
I'm riding the clutch.
My pressure plate's burning
my machine's too much.
(Beach Boys - Shut Down)

 

[Derek88]

I don't know from experience but it seems like some people will be pushing the limits at 350-380whp. But does a clutch use a "whp" rating or a "wtq" rating? I would think torque, but I have only heard hp.

But yea, like I said, I dont know.

 

[ericrapp]

This was asked by my buddy as a hint to get the facts on the stock clutch. Any one have some info please?

 

[redrocketz]

well most big turbo cars have destroyed theirs but those are 6's so who really knows.

 

[sephiroth]

I don't know from experience but it seems like some people will be pushing the limits at 350-380whp. But does a clutch use a "whp" rating or a "wtq" rating? I would think torque, but I have only heard hp.

But yea, like I said, I dont know.

The tq and hp numbers for these cars are very linear and are within 15-20 points of each other so it really dosent matter. However since tq measures the ability to do work and hp is the ability to do work quickly tq is what cutches are rated for. There are not many clutch slippage threads with upgraded ms3s however it will defentally wear more quickly with upgrades

 

[amascio]

Need to have laloosh check in here - he's really hanging his Speed3 out to dry!!!He should know what our cars can handle out there on the ragged edge....

 

[mrlilguy157]

i'll have a new turbo on the car within 3 weeks, but plan on doing the install throughout the week next week. I'll keep you guys updated.

 

[Captain KRM P5]

Spec has max wheel torque ratings for each of thier available clutches for the mazdaspeed3 and mazdaspeed6

 

[jp4130]

well most big turbo cars have destroyed theirs but those are 6's so who really knows.

Do they use the same clutch as the 3?

 

[sleeper3]

I'd assume you would need big rubber on this car before clutch slipping would be a problem. I am sure more power would wear it faster though.

 

[ericrapp]

More horse needs more clutch = less traction. More Tire = more traction, more traction increases strain on drivetrain its just awful

 

[Andrade08]

Your tires will fry to crap before you will toast the clutch. Unless you are draging the car and feathering the living hell out of the peddle then......ya. Spec stage 3 it.

 

[tru-boost]

Your tires will fry to crap before you will toast the clutch. Unless you are draging the car and feathering the living hell out of the peddle then......ya. Spec stage 3 it.

if all you do is hole shots then you are right. if you get on it a lot from a roll in upper gears the clutch takes all the abuse and will cook fast with too much power.