Wow, I searched and can't seem to find an answer to this. If I'm missing something please give me a link:

What are the pros and cons of Exedy triple vs. Carbonetic triple clutches? Which is better? Are there any other options? My ACT HDSS finally bit it today after 20,000+ miles with an FPRed. Not bad for a $550 clutch, but I did have enough lockout issues to want to upgrade. Soo... which is best for an even mix of daily driving/drag racing/road racing? Currently at 450tq, but would like to be able to hold 600tq to give me some room to grow.

I know Gates 311 has the C-netics and Buschur the Exedy. The Exedy is a bit cheaper, but I hear it may be noisy. Thanks.

 

Traction,

I cant speak to the Exedy or carbonetic but I can speak to the Tilton triple disk. To be honest my only complaint with the tilton has nothing to do with the functionality. My only complaint (and this probably holds true for all triple disk clutch's) is that the clutch engages so quickly I end up feeling like I'm 15 again and trying to learn to drive a manual transmission all over again (ie I rev the engine to 3500-4k rpm before letting off the peddle). Other than that no complaints. Clutch grabs so quickly and efficiently I have a hard time explaining it to someone who has never experience it. I was told that a triple disk clutch was going to chatter so loudly/annoyingly that I would refuse to drive the car anywhere but the track. That type of input had me scared for a bit because I truly qualify my X as a daily driver (5x per week 45min commute each direction). Turns out I was concerned over absolutely nothing. To say there is no chatter from the clutch would be a lie, however if someone had someone not pointed the noise out to me I would never have heard it over my radio or exhaust, granted I do run the buschur quiet exhuast (which isn't exatly quite). To be honest unless I am specificly listening for the chatter/rattle off the clutch I do not hear it and if I do I simply put the car in neutral at the stop light rather than sitting with the clutch pedal depressed. By the way the only time this clutch chatters is when the clutch pedal is depressed (as I have never dealt with chatter before this clutch I'm guessing this to be normal). The pedal engagement is stiffer than both the stock clutch and my old ACT 6 puck sprung but certainly nothing that would cause me any concern. Frankly if you are over the age of 16 and capable of walking from your parking spot to your front door you should have no issue with pedal engagement.

I am presently running over 500ft lbs torque and have a significant number of launches on this clutch with no issues whatsoever. Once I install my 2.3L stroker I expect that I will be running upwards of 600-700ft lbs torque and frankly I needed a clutch that would hold the power and perform as advertised (unlike ACT whom I will never do business with again).

Long story short Tilton made a damn good clutch and though it cost me a pretty penny the money was well spent.

 

From what I have learnt in the last year of researching the Carbon clutches, they need to be warmed up before use and are ideal for track. For a DD, it might not be advisable, at least that's what Michael from ETS told me 2 weeks back when I was pondering if I should do the carbonetic twin or the Exedy Twin. But then again, I have no experience with the carbon clutch. I just decided to get the Exedy twin and it grabs very well for my power level (STOCK ). I will eventually get upgrades, but the twin suits most users. But if you MUST get a triple and you DD your evo, make sure you get feedback from the experts.

Good luck

 

Exedy is nice but spendy.

 

I appreciate the detailed feedback. I didn't know Tilton was even an option for the X. I always thought of it as more of a road racing only brand. Is this clutch stout enough to handle drag racing? Are you able to slip it enough to get some good 60ft times? Where did you purchase?

Thanks.

 

OK, so now I'm hearing that carbon clutches are a really bad idea for commuting (which I plan to do). Would this include the Exedy triple or is that considered metallic (not sure what cerametallic really is)?

Evo a Mula, if you're reading this, how is the Exedy holding up? Is it a hassle to drive? Much noiser? Would you commute on it?

 

Actually Carbonetic is a great choice for daily use. In fact the triple is smoother than the twin. The carbon material does require warm up for highest torque capacity but obviously you're not using 1000 HP to go to the grocery store. Cold it has a bit more slip which is perfect for commuting and a triple disc even cold will have at least 700 WHP capacity anyway. I have an Exedy twin at the moment and its good but grabby and inconsistent in terms of engagement point. Oh and the Carbonetic converts the clutch to a push type for better feel as well as reliabilty (the pull type release bearing does occasionally like to pop out on EVO's for some reason which necessitates the trans to come out).

 

This is exactly why I got a twin. On the one hand you have people telling you the carbons will not be good for street driving. Then someone comes along and gives you the perfect explanation why they are good for DD. It just makes it hard to decide. I mean, not many have 2500$ to experiment with. That's why most of us just go with the exedy for peace of mind. I wish there was more information out there from a reliable authority on the subject.

 

Thanks. It's just concerning when a Carbonetic vendor warned against stop and go with a carbon clutch. I'm not really looking for something that will have to be rebuilt all the time at $1,000 a crack. Holding the power isn't really a concern, it's more longevity with everyday use. I drive the car 20,000 miles a year. And road race. And drag race.

Right now still leaning toward the Exedy triple, but hoping some more people with experience will chime in.

 

Exedy does carbon/carbon as well but that isn't the model that most people buy. Specialty X sells that SPS twin, which is also carbon/carbon. I think it's in the $2800 ballpark, though.

 

Anyone actually using the Carbonetics for daily driving? How many miles do you have on it? Thanks.

 

ask Ryan Gates - he is Carbonetics poster boy

I think the twin was meant to be worse than the triple for daily..

I was looking at their carbon blade clutch (4puck disc)... but again not sure on driveability..

 

No problem at all.

I purchased the clutch through Fully Built Inc (they are an authorized vendor here on evom)

Prior to owning this clutch I had never heard of Tilton to be completely honest. Is it stout enough for drag racing....most definately. As far as slipping, there is a very small amount of play just as the clutch starts to engage but not much. As far as slipping for 60fts your going to have a rough go of it. This clutch grabs and doesnt let go....definately not designed to slip.

My car (though it still qualifies as a daily driver) is definately being purpose built for drag racing. I probably couldn't beat 3/4 of the folks on this site in a road coarse race. When I pull up to the line in order to take the tree I promise you I am not even attempting to slip the clutch....it is a pure dump. I will tell you that my 60fts suck donkey butt right now ranging from 1.9-2.0. That time however has little to do with the clutch and more to do with my inability to build boost off the line (I love/hate big turbo's all in the same breath). Excedy and Carbonetic may very well have tripple's just as good or better but having never used their brand I can't testify either way. When I get right down to it my experiences with this clutch have turned me into a huge fan of Tilton. If you truely after a tripple I will definately attest that Tilton has done right by me on this one (I reserve the right to change my mind if the thing frags when I drop the stroker in and dial the power up to 900whp and 700ft lbs ).

 

Thanks again. Yeah, I currently have to 'burn the clutch' to get a good launch with the ACT. Big turbos don't respond well to dumping, at least not with my limited skill.

tephra - as far as Ryan Gates, he's probably not using his Carbonetic in stop and go traffic, so that's why I was looking for more of a daily driven car running this.

 

maybe....still check out his writeup