Clutches & Flywheels

Performance Clutches, Flywheels & Clutch Kits

The clutch is the mechanical connection between engine and transmission — the device that transmits engine torque to the gearbox and driveline while allowing the engine to spin independently when changing gear or when the vehicle is stationary. A quality performance clutch must handle the torque and power of the engine without slipping under hard use, engage progressively enough for normal driving to be civilised, and survive the repeated thermal and mechanical loading of performance use without premature wear or failure. Getting the clutch specification right for your power level and intended use is one of the most important drivetrain decisions in any manual-transmission performance build.

With 128 clutch and flywheel products from Hays, ARP, Chevrolet Performance, and Holley, our drivetrain range covers complete clutch kits, performance flywheels, and the flywheel hardware required for a complete drivetrain build.

Performance Clutch Kits — Matching Clutch to Power Level

Clutch kit selection must match the torque capacity of the clutch to the actual torque output of the engine — with appropriate margin for the high torque peaks that occur under aggressive driving conditions. A clutch that's too small for the power level slips under hard use, causing rapid friction disc wear and the characteristic smell of burned friction material. A clutch with a clamping force far in excess of the engine output typically requires excessive pedal effort that makes the vehicle unpleasant to drive in traffic. The correct specification sits between these extremes — adequate capacity for the power level with acceptable pedal effort for the intended use.

Billet Steel and Aluminium Flywheels

The flywheel stores rotational energy that smooths the power pulses of combustion into the steady rotation transmitted to the clutch and gearbox. Flywheel mass affects how quickly the engine revs fall between gear changes, how smoothly the engine idles, and the rotational inertia felt through the drivetrain under acceleration. Lighter flywheels — billet aluminium units reduce rotating mass significantly compared to standard cast iron items — allow the engine to rev and decelerate more quickly, producing a more responsive feel that suits higher-revving performance applications. Heavier flywheels smooth idle and improve low-speed drivability, suiting torque-rich street engines used in traffic.

SFI-Certified Flywheels for Competition

SFI-certified flywheels for competition use are required by most sanctioning bodies for vehicles running in timed events. SFI certification confirms that the flywheel has been manufactured to a standard that provides containment in the event of failure — an important safety consideration for vehicles operating at high RPM for extended periods in close proximity to other competitors and spectators.