[F500] clutching quetions

[Eric D. Christensen]

> Now the clutches need some work. It bogs badly
> on the start and
> isn't backshifting well. I'd love to setup the clutch to
> minimize how much
> it moves on the jackshaft but I have no idea how much
> offset we should have
> with the Polaris primary and secondary on the car.

Dan, the secondary shouldn't move on the jackshaft at all! If you let
it float then cornering forces will cause it to misalign and bind.
That can cause bogging and definitely affect backshifting.

You can order a clutch alignment tool form Aaen performance, or get
one for most snowmobile dealers. It's cheap and indispensable. Use it
and then lock the secondary in place with locking collars. Oh, and
make sure the jackshaft itself is locked in place and doesn't float in
the bearings too. That alone should make a considerable difference in
the cars performance.

What final drive ratio are you running? A road racing setup around 3:1
is too tall for autocross... It'll cause slow starts and poor
acceleration out of corners. I think something closer to 4.5:1 would
be much better - though I'm hardly the solo set-up expert. I'm sure
others on the list can give you better info....


-----
Eric D. Christensen    edc at proadmin.com
SCCA Formula 500       http://www.f500.org