

In fact, lock-up torque converters are surging in popularity because of this exact idea.
#Drag car transmission professional#
It’s also the reason automatic cars get weight breaks in some of the most competitive forms of professional drag racing. This is the reason a stick shift car can be more efficient and than an identical automatic car. And while your engine has less of a load, your RPM’s are increasing quicker than they would otherwise with a fully locked up clutch. As long as your clutch eventually locks up in every gear, that potential energy that was stored in the clutch gets transferred back into the drivetrain! Not only that, but while your clutch is slipping, your engine has less of a load. Perhaps the most interesting part of clutch slip is that the torque (energy) is actually not wasted. Even automatic transmissions utilize internal clutch technology to get cars down the track. Drag cars, go-karts, stock Miata’s… you name it. The same principles apply to anything with a clutch. By carefully and methodically controlling how quickly the power from the engine is applied to the tires, they’re able to keep the cars from excessively spinning, wheelieing, and other undesirable run characteristics. We’re talking about planned, controlled, and beneficial clutch slip.Ĭontrolled clutch slip is how a Top Fuel dragster can put 11,000 horsepower to the ground gradually over 1,000 feet. Or if your clutch never locks up because it simply can’t hold the power – that’s also bad. When we’re talking about your 200,000 mile Ford Probe’s worn clutch – yes it’s a bad thing. What’s the secret? Clutch slip.īut wait…isn’t clutch slip a bad thing? Well, that depends.

For over half a century, stick shift drag racers have utilized this powerful tool to propel them into the winner’s circle. Or they’ll give in to the weak and, “just put a glide in it.” Racers will constantly find the weakest link and keep upgrading until they’ve spent a small fortune in drivetrain parts. That’s why stick shift racing gets expensive. But too much tire spin will ruin your E.T. Unfortunately, this burst of energy commonly results in excessive tire spin. That sudden shock of energy will find the weakest link in your drivetrain and break parts. If you’re lucky, your drivetrain will survive the initial burst of energy and the torque will make its way to the rear tires. When you let out the clutch pedal and all that torque starts making its way rearwards through your clutch, bellhousing, transmission, driveshaft, U-joints, rear end, axles, wheel studs, wheels, and tires, something has to give.Įach of your drivetrain components must be strong enough to survive such a sudden shock of energy. We want to try and answer all your questions.Image Credit: Adam Dorey Why do stick shift cars break?įirst, we must understand one fundamental thing about energy (torque): The torque that your engine makes has to go somewhere. Sure you would, and that’s why JEFFco has supplied you with this LONG LETTER. If you could invest in a proven, over the top two, three, or four speed transmission that will increase your ’60 foot times, help you hook better at any track and intimidate the guy in the other lane, wouldn’t you do it?

I know those statements might ruffle a few feathers, but let me ask you this. Here’s what JEFFco will tell you If you can pull a lever, any lever, you’re never going to miss a gear. NO! Not unless you close your eyes, and try to shift…and even then, you probably won’t miss the shift change because JEFFco’s are that reliable. Is there a chance you could miss a shift in either the two, three or four speeds that are available? If you’ve never tried a JEFFco, now’s the time to contact Shawn from JEFFco.īecause he can tell you that these transmissions are almost bulletproof.Īnd when you’re racing, you know as well as I do, it’s all about cutting a light, and getting to the end of the race track before your competitor.Ĭan you be as consistent as an automatic? Now I’m not saying you can’t have a great automatic transmission from some of the big names in drag racing, I’m just saying, if you want real performance, performance that won’t be tainted by a starting line break, or a missed gear, JEFFco Transmissions are and will be the ultimate transmission for street and drag race use. If you haven’t been a consistent winner, we call this transmission the Saturday Night Special.īecause this transmission is the ultimate transmission for street driving or drag racing. What you’re about to read could change the direction of your drag racing career if you like to WIN a lot. Welcome to the 21 st century and Jeffco Transmissions.
#Drag car transmission plus#
“Do you want to look “cool”, “be super fast”, get onlookers ohing and awing at your car, plus never worry about losing a race because of a transmission failure… KEEP READING!’
