[DeTomaso] clutch?

[JDeRyke at aol.com]

Biggest single problem with heavy clutches is designing linkage so human legs 
can push the pedal in, with the second requirement for enough plate travel to 
mimimize clutch drag. With a 3K plate, you're going to need a rather long 
lever arm and most cars don't have that much room floor-to-dashboard. Two things 
I suggest: adapt a small vacuum-power unit such as our paralytic Pantera 
member uses on his hand-controlled clutch (MItsubishi, I think), or use a 
double-or-triple-disc clutch to divide the load. Or both. 
An allied problem with really heavy clutches is, the reacted force from 
disengaging a clutch- however we do it- ends up pushing against the crankshaft 
thrust bearing, and on many engines, that bearing surface is not very large nor 
very well lubricated especially at low rpms, so some thought in this area will 
pay dividends later. As we all know, excess wear on the thrust bearing means 
crank motion back & forth, which then means rod bending, and that only happens 
for a short time before loud expensive noises start. Good luck- J Deryke



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