Drag Racing Tech - Not understanding this whole clutch deal...

Ok I guess I'm not understanding for some reason. Well just put a new centerforce clutch in my car and am breaking it in. However, the thought came to my mind. Why do we have to break these in? A couple of my buddies that have race cars say they break in their clutches by just holding the car against the line lock. Now is it because the clutches we use are of a different material, the fact that they don't drive theirs on the street very often? Or just because they dont need to get any mileage out of them really?

if you are using an organic clutch then you have to "wipe" of a bit of the material to get it to hold power properly. A metalic clutch or carbon clutch will not need as much breaking in because they can utilize a higher clamping force pressure plate. Besides when was the last time a a "race car" clutch ever lad to last 30k miles and mutliple starts and stops, it all had to do with longevity.

Agree w/ Juiced. Race cars break in period consists of going up and down the return road once or twice. :jest: But I do love it how companys will sell a clutch that they quote "ideal for race cars" but mention a 450 mile break in period. lol. -Mark

yeah thats my point... I guess a race car wouldnt even ever come close to 3k miles on a clutch. Just get sick of hearing 500 mile breakin or what not. My old spec (the kid who had my car before me) had plenty of life left on the disk yet it slipped like a mofo. Kinda gheyyy if u ask me. He obviously didnt break it in