The engineers at Sachs Race Engineering have been technical partners of several Formula One teams for years now. Their expertise is now directly available in the Sachs Racing Clutch System, which can be individually configured for all racing series.
Standard clutches are only of limited suitability for racing. Comfort is one of the main focuses of development work on standard clutches. As a result, these clutches tend to be relatively large and heavy.
Completely different requirements are placed on clutches used for racing. Here the focus is on reducing the weight and moment of inertia (MoI), in order to enable maximum engine acceleration as well as minimum shift duration. Both the weight and the MoI can be significantly reduced by decreasing the clutch diameter and by using special materials.
RCS clutches – the technology for motor sports.
The following example shows the influence of clutch diameter on certain parameters. It compares a standard GMF 1/240 (Audi RS4) clutch with a RCS 2/200 sinter pad and a RCS 3/140 carbon clutch. The RCS 2/200 sinter pad clutch already shows considerable advantages over the standard GMF 1/240 ( 1 ).
It has 40 % less weight ( 2 ), and the MoI is 50% lower ( 3 ). The RCS 3/140 carbon clutch is around 70 % lighter ( 2 ) and its MoI is approx. 90 % lower ( 3 ) than the standard unit. This illustrates the major role the clutch diameter plays in reducing weight when a racing clutch is used instead of a standard clutch.
Comparison of engine torque
Racing clutches transmit higher levels of engine torque.
Comparison of weight in percent
Racing clutches are considerably lighter than standard clutches.
Comparison of inertia of mass in percent
Racing clutches have significantly less interia of mass than standard clutches.
Advantages of a Sachs RCS Clutch
With its modular RCS system, ZF Sachs Race Engineering GmbH offers a high degree of variability for racing clutches. The systemcan be configured to provide individual solutions for specific vehicles and tracks. Our clutches are developed for virtually all racing applications. Their low weight and moment of inertia are among the most important parameters for racing. ZF Sachs Race Engineering GmbH guarantees rapid availability and unproblematic exchange of individual components.
RCS clutches have not been developed for specific vehicles, but can be used in virtually all cars. However, adjustments, have to be made, such as to the geometry of the flywheel, position of the releaser and the limitation of the clutch release path.
Compiling the right clutch for your needs
To compile the right clutch a number of different parameters need to be considered. The most important factor is the application, because this determines the requirements that are placed on the clutch. Closely related factors include the type of vehicle, the engine torque, and the installation space. We provide individual solutions on the basis of these key features. The RCS range comprises 4 different clutch diameters: 115 mm, 140 mm, 184 mm, and 200 mm. Friction linings come in carbon, sintered, sinter pad, and organic materials. Another option is the number of friction discs. Sachs RCS offers 1, 2, 3, or 4-disc clutches. The clutch clamping force should also be considered. Moreover, individual components can be produced in different materials. The following pages contain more detailed explanations of individual clutch parameters.
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