Standard 16v clutch bhp and torque rating

[Sophia_Bush]

sorry to be a pain in the arse but an oe valeo 16v clutch how much bhp and torque can they handle before they poo themselves and exit via the box?

[J222JRA]

I heard around 180bhp is the limit

[Barry123]

It's a strange one, because I would have thought it should be rated by torque loading. But I've heard 180 hp was the limit as well.

[stevo1600]

I know the clutches are strong for standar part, it's the thrust bearing whats rather shit. Mine wasnt even old and that shat itself on 8psi.

[Ryanp]

Torque is what kills it.

Mine ran fine on the std valeo and is more than 180.

[Sophia_Bush]

good stuff that settles that then

[stevo1600]

I must of had a dud then, or a dodgy gbox. I've only ever heard positive things about the valeo clutches tbh.

[axsaxoman]

BHP IS A CALCULATION OF TORQUE X RPM divided by 5250
so yes torque is way you rate a clutch and the higher the rpm for a given bhp ,the less torque there is .
so to get a real answer you need to know both the torque value and rpm max torque wil be at ,
a REAL 180 bhp is too much for a std clutch ,UNLESS ITS AT above 8K. and then its still too much really as with rpm the cntrifical effect on the cover will reduce its torque capcity
std clutch is designed for 120bhp --not +50%--
I think you will find the cars that run std clutch and are ok do not have 180 bhp--
just like the dutch guy a few months ago who was claiming 300bhp on his turbo car,usingstd internals and using a helix uprated pressed steel cover type clutch --If he had 300 bhp the clutch would be slipping on the dyno if its was fully loaded up and not just a "flash" bhp figure .
I have ripped the cover off the flywheel with that type of unit at lees power than that .
the saving grace on most road cars is that you will get wheelspin before you see a real 260+@wheels ,so that saves the clutch a bit
if its boosted and giving 180 bhp at around 5500-6500 --no way will std clutch last ,you can raise the capacity a little by making the step on the flywheel a little bigger ,but not much

[axsaxoman]

Originally Posted by stevo1600

I know the clutches are strong for standar part, it's the thrust bearing whats rather shit. Mine wasnt even old and that shat itself on 8psi.

nothing wrong with std release brg --providing you have correct type for the clutch you are using --there have been 3 different shaped finger types on saxo covers ,over the years and you need correct bearing to match it .
the other usual failing is incorrect set-up of cable so bearing is running hard against the cover all the time .
the clutch pedal is NOT a foot rest
one of the above is your problem ,either that or the uprated clutch unit, I am guessing you were using for boost was not a good one and put toomuch strain on the bearing due to set-up height of the cover /flywheel /clutch arm

[blackie_2k5]

cant see a standard clutch coping with 140-150lbft imo

[AlexBp]

mine with 144ft/bl and 186 hp was slipping a valeo badly

it slips an ap 4 paddle in a standard cover for some reason though so im not sure wtf is going on with it

[Ryanp]

Originally Posted by axsaxoman

a REAL 180 bhp is too much for a std clutch ,UNLESS ITS AT above 8K. and then its still too much really as with rpm the cntrifical effect on the cover will reduce its torque capcity
std clutch is designed for 120bhp --not +50%--
I think you will find the cars that run std clutch and are ok do not have 180

3 different rolling roads all making over 180 bhp, including recently when I was told it wouldn't make more than 170 down at jkm in Portsmouth. I'd take that as a real figure tbh.

Mine makes peak power around 7600 and holds to 8300.

The previous owner actually killed expensive clutches quicker.

[blackie_2k5]

alex- heavy covers are due to the higher clamping force, this is what keeps your paddle plate from slipping, coupled with the better material on the paddle plate, by using a stock cover all your getting is a lil more grip through that material, your not really getting anything to clamp it down and make it bite, so your going to get slip if making good power

[AlexBp]

bit reluctant to go for a heavier cover due to seeing 2 clutch forks snap off due to them

[Sophia_Bush]

just remember my last one coped with 145flb quite nicely

[blackie_2k5]

part and parcel really alex, could always convert to hydraulic and then you keep a soft peddle, or strenghten the arm, mines fine on a helix 4 paddle with helix cover, and takes 230lbft fine,

Gav at what rpm was it making that? As john sais that can have an effect too, if its at higher rpm you have reduced chance of slip

[Sophia_Bush]

120bhp @4k and 145flb @4.5k

[dannygti]

mine still propelled the car with around 200lb+ for a small amount of time. quite suprised how well it stood up to the abuse tbh.

[blackie_2k5]

think how long it lasts will ultimately depend on where the power comes in and the condition of your clutch in the first place, like on steve's set up, clutch probs had a bit wear, and id imagine the bearing gave up because it could not cope with all the extra heat from his clutch probably slipping alot, and the bearing gave out before the plate fried

but higher up the revs is alot less stressful on the clutch for your power coming in. but in most cases your prefer it to come in lower if you can put the power down to get the best form it

[blackie_2k5]

double post fail