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Old 11-24-2009, 11:36 AM   #1
ss3011
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Default Re: Auto trans clutches

The main reason the OEM's run grooved clutch plates is to reduce the spin losses (friction) inside the transmission when the clutch is not applied. The down side of the grooves is it allows a place for oil sit which continues to lubricate the clutch plate during the clutch apply phase. This actually causes the plate to take longer to apply. Racing transmissions are set up for super quick shifts anyway, so this is really not a problem. Once the clutch is engaged the grooves have a very small effect on the overall torque capacity of the clutch.
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