Okay, let's think about this.

We have a hydraulicaly actuated clutch. How about a programable/controllable valve in the hydraulic line, that allows you to drop the clutch (sidestep, if you will), yet controls the return of fluid to the master cylinder to provide a repeatable, smooth, progressive engagement of the clutch. The goal is to zero-in on that elusive balance of slipping the clutch while rolling on the throttle to get the best launch/60 foot times. You would only have to worry about what your right foot is doing.

This valve would go inline, much line a solenoid controlled line loc valve. However, it might need to be a combination of a an open/close valve AND a second control valve in parallel, to allow for normal clutch operation after the launch.

Would it be a "dumb" system that you would have to calibrate by multiple test launches? Or, would it be tied to the PCM somehow, reading data like the TC system? (TC would be "off", of course)

I'm not thinking about something that allows a Pro Stock-style start at 6500 rpm, as our clutches certainly can't take that abuse. I'm thinking about a device that allows the minimal street-style clutch slipping that has been discussed by rbartick, ranger, j-rod and many others here.

Or, would it be smarter to mess with the existing TC program to make it less intrusive and more useful for a drag race launch? Maybe allow TC brake application but eliminate engine power reduction.

And I know they've invented this thing called an automatic transmission........but this idea is so we could retain the joy of shifting by turning the device OFF when not needed.....99.9 percent of the time.

Anyway, it's fun thinking about it.

 

Doesn't BMW call it SMG?? :jester

 

Well, yeah, lots 'o companies call it lots of things. Porsche fools themselves into thinking their auto is any but an auto. Volkswagen used to have a really bizarre system called the Autostick in the early 70's. Formula One used to call it cheating! :D I'm calling it a mod to our existing cars, before GM comes out with it on the C6! :cool:

 

I think GM calls this the A4! :lol: :jester

 

Don't the big power cars, funny cars, rails, etc., use a multidisk clutch assembly that is tuned by springs and weights to engage at a fixed rate based on track conditions? If I remember correctly, they have 3 or 4 clutch plates in the clutch assembly, probably more then our little C5's can spin, but it works for them.

Maybe somebody makes a 2 or 3 disk assembly for lower HP motors?

:cheers:

 

Yep, they do indeed have multi disc clutches to absorb all that outrageously big torque. And yep, they have a clutch management system that the clever crewchief *tunes* to the track. The clutch is engaged in many (like 7 or 8) stages as the car moves down the track. When you see those guys smoke the tires, it's because the clutch setup was too agressive. I've stood directly behind fuelers when they leave, and the amount of clutch dust that comes out of the car is stunning.....it's like a yellow haze billowing out of the car. You can't see it on TV or from the grandstands.

And yeah, somebody is making 2-disc setups for our cars. But the only management system is your left foot.