Clutch Kits

Why Install Aftermarket Clutch Kits?

According to statistics, most new cars sold today come with an automatic transmission. That means it comes without a clutch. In fact, Ferrari and Lamborghini used to sell only cars with manual transmissions. Now, they don’t sell one with a third pedal.

But, what is a clutch anyways? And, more importantly, how does it work?

A clutch is a mechanical device which engages and disengages power transmission especially from driving shaft to driven shaft. In the simplest application, clutches connect and disconnect two rotating shafts (drive shafts or line shafts). In these devices, one shaft is typically attached to an engine or other power unit (the driving member) while the other shaft (the driven member) provides output power for work. While typically the motions involved are rotary, linear clutches are also possible.

In a car, you need a clutch because the engine spins all the time, but the car's wheels do not. In order for­ a car to stop without killing the engine, the wheels need to be disconnected from the engine somehow. The clutch allows us to smoothly engage a spinning engine to a non-spinning transmission by controlling the slippage between them.

When the clutch pedal is pressed, a cable or hydraulic piston pushes on the release fork, which presses the throw-out bearing against the middle of the diaphragm spring. As the middle of the diaphragm spring is pushed in, a series of pins near the outside of the spring causes the spring to pull the pressure plate away from the clutch disc. This releases the clutch from the spinning engine.

What are the benefits of aftermarket clutch kits, then?

If your vehicle’s factory supplied clutch starts slipping or wears out prematurely, chances are you’re not treating it right or it’s simply not up to the job you’ve assigned to it. In most cases, vehicle manufacturers equip four-wheel drives with a clutch that’s adequate for said vehicle’s intended function, such as day-to-day driving, some off-road driving and some towing.

But manufacturers rarely take into account that off-roading enthusiasts usually take things to the next level: fitting bigger tires, carrying accessories and gear, chipping the engine and fitting an exhaust, and dragging around a trailer that’s within a few grams of maximum stated towing capacity.

It is the same story when it comes to cars. Adding power and torque to your car means putting more pressure to the clutch. And the factory clutch is not rated for our desired power and torque. This is where heavy duty performance clutches pick up where the OE left off.

A high performance clutch is a must for all high performance manual transmission equipped cars and trucks. Vivid Racing Carries Performance clutches for every need. We carry Street Clutches, Racing clutches Competition clutches, Heavy duty clutches, Organic Clutches and Ceramic clutches.

Vivid Also Carries Stage 1 clutches, Stage 2 clutches, Stage 3 clutches, Stage 4 clutches and Stage 5 clutches. Don’t forget OEM clutches for the everyday driver.

Buy online or give one of our world-class professionals a call at 1-480-966-3040.