Auto trans clutches

ss3011 · 11-24-2009, 11:36 AM

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.

11-24-2009, 11:36 AM	#1
ss3011 Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Southeast Michigan Posts: 909 Likes: 70 Liked 239 Times in 114 Posts	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.