The deceleration at 320+ mph when they hit the chutes is almost twice the g force of the acceleration initially. Up to 11 G’s at its peak. Negative G’s are the worst on the human body. In this case it’s the eyes. At risk of getting detached retinas, they squint as they pull the shoots to help take the initially strain.
I worked for a guy who had his own top fuel car, and while he didn't go into the exact details, he told me a little bit about just how important the clutch tuning is on those cars. He showed me a few runs of his car, and explained a little bit about how he corrected certain issues with the car. It's absolutely fascinating, and there's definitely some wizardry involved that is entirely privileged knowledge.
Clay, I'll NEVER forget the time at Houston Raceway Park, I got a VIP ticket, & got to "hang out with you in your pit"! Still got the photo's to look back on, and relive it! You are such a "humble, down to earth guy"! ;)
Your the only one to take time to video your crew an step by step what takes place during season an non season. God bless you an the crew....awsome,at 67 yrs..young ,love to be part of that life
From a Machinist point of view, That was a very interesting demonstration on how Power is transferred to the Wheels of such a powerful piece of equipment for maximum performance.....
Real good video..met Clay when we went to the US..real nice guy and introduced me to his crew chief...a couple of the other drivers in nitro alley could learn a thing or two about talking to the fans..
Some say that the 2 most important parts to any winning TF run are The Crew Chief, and his Clutch setup! Thanks for the explanation. Something so simple but also so complex at the same time - infinite adjustment, gotta love that! Cheers.
Thanks for the look into your amazing world. Sitting on the couch near Pomona and listening to my house rattle apart twice a year is always a treat. I’ll be operating the start line Jumbotron at the Winternationals. Stop by and say hi.
Cool stuff! It's very obvious that there is much more to that assembly than meets the eye. It amazes me that you guys can run those cars as consistently as you do. So many unpredictable factors.
Pretty cool to see the inner workings. I've seen a few different slipper clutches before, but nothing like that. Man I thought 4 disc clutches were wild, this takes the cake
Truly love the video's Clay! The insight you give about the car, racing and the team with the who and the how is second to none in the sport. I really appreciate ya taking the time to produce these as I know it's not a quick or simple task. I've always liked the NHRA but never really followed it until you starting doing these video's. Now I look forward to attending my first NHRA race in 2021 (VIR, June 4-6) to show support my support for you and the whole Parts Plus team as a fan. Thanks again Clay, keep'em coming!
Now that was awesome. Getting into things the hardcore enthusiast is not aware of. Fully respect Mike keeping the magic possion close to the vest but appreciate divulging some inner workings
There's an article floating around on the internet that goes into a little more detail, not much more, on how pretty much every part of the top fuel cars work. If you're interested you might want to search around. I'm sorry it's been too long since I read it so I can't remember exactly what the title was. Probably something along the lines of "everything you ever wanted to know about top fuel" although that could be way off. Think it's maybe 3-5 years old but I remember the article discussing the clutch and they went over this information, so that hasn't changed.
Parent Of Twins, it’s funny but the article you are referring to is called Nitro University it was written by my crew chief Mike Kloeber the same guy explaining the clutch in this video. Thanks for watching.
Very special set up, they have came a very long way, believe last time I saw one an took one out an put one back in a Mini Van Called Bad Attitude, was 97'-98' year's. They need to be rebuilt alot, awesome video footage. The clutch pack assembly was way lighter then any Transmission I had laid on my back to install an remove. It was crazy how light they are.
I'm not a car guy but damn, the engineering in these is fascinating and amazing! I wish I could see the development history from the very first design to now.
Super cool to see you packs all laid out. I am an A/fuel clutch guy. This is the first time I have seen the hight differences in the levers. I knew they were different, but not exactly how much. Thank you for all the information Clay. I hope the average fan(non Nitro crew guy) is getting the enjoyment out of you videos I do.
I still can't believe how hard top fuel accelerates. Under 4 second 1000 foot runs and hitting over 300 mph is insane. For some perspective, by the time the rear tires cross the start line, you are at 60 mph. Less than a second (about 8 tenths). That's only 25 feet. Fucking hell.
So glad you guys did this video. Entirely privileged information, but nonetheless very educational. Big kudos for spilling some secrets to promote and prolong the passion and love for motorsports.
Ive got your autograph on one of your hand out pictures Clay..! I took my girlfriend that has never experienced Top Fuel..! Needless to say she is hooked now..! Thanks for being so cool and accessible...!
It's amazing that clutches like that exist that can handle the awesome power that those dragsters put out. I could only imagine what a clutch like that costs!
Alrighty now. No transmission. The neatest thing about peanut butter and jelly. It's out of this world centrifugal clutch. My racer uses a transmission but no clutch. I call it a Brinn. Question time. Could I build a clutch like you use but in my car? Omg of course I will try. As usual you guys never let me down. God bless u'all
Really awesome! I got to see them working on these but usually when fans get to see them it's when the crew guy is running off with it between rounds (or some TV demo with no weights screwed onto it..and even then people worry about the camera angle to see the finger lengths, lol 😁😊 Definitely glad you're uploading stuff to TH-cam channel a little more frequently now! Love it! 🤘🤘
wow I'm so lost, I need hands on to have a better understanding. What day and time can we start. I'm free no money needed. You guy's started this now I'm hook. Thanks for the info really. But next can we get in the motor as well to.
Clay, is it possible to make any of the worn out pieces of the clutch, a souvenir for fans to get and have autographed by you at a national event? I've wondered about that for quite awhile throughout the years and I've never asked before until now and I'm hoping to go to Bristol for one of the days this upcoming weekend and I wanted to ask on here because that would be a cool type of souvenir to get, if it were possible, even if having to pay a certain amount for it...
Awesome Pure old school mechanics 👍 has any body used a hydraulic electronic modulated clutch ?? I’ve always wondered in large dozers they use a power divider which Is a 3 speed torque converter with direct/ over and under drive with use of a planetary gear set. I guess the only tech needed for this is accurate data and a spanner sorry wrench .
i want to know how much that weights. Im a heavy equipment mechanic, and i can tell you from first hand experience that a twin disc clutch for a semi is ~150 lbs.
Assuming everything is paid for. Team members, vehicles, fuel, hotels, trailers. About $9,000-$12,000 per pass. NOW....if you blow up go ahead and double that price just as a start.
I’ve heard expect $100k minimum for an event (including transport out, fuel for the rig, all that stuff) but I think adding passes doesn’t add that much relatively. Probably $10k-20k per additional pass
Sorry but I have to disagree with you on this. If each and every person on the team doesn’t do their job it doesn’t matter how good the clutch person is. It takes everyone and every part for it all to work. I do appreciate you watching and commenting though!!!
Worked on SF-2F Seasprite helicopters in the Navy, and the clutch is so much like the main sprag clutch, to engage the rotor blades.. only 700 shp not 11,000 hp like you have..Jealous!! Keep up the great shows on TH-cam!!
Dude you know how much a pro car trailer costs???? Tractor trailers with 2 cars... Top and bottom and another with all that workspace, and possibly lodging. Its definitely gotta be spoiling
Hell, if your tossing that many friction disc's I'll take a few. Make some end tables and bar stools out of them, could even cast them in a cutting board, who knows
That street light stuff you mentioned reminded me of myself 30 years ago. I would pull up next to a couple of cops at a stop light, roll down my window and ask the cops if they wanted to race for pink slips when the light goes green. Two beats later I'd smile and then they got the joke. Even if I won, I'd lose. I don't do that any more. However, I offered to let a fire fighter on a hook & ladder truck drive my F-150 if he'd let me drive his fire engine. He said he wasn't the driver but he suggested I climb into the tiller seat and took my picture. So I guess I'm officially a fire fighter now . . .
@@OCT566 They are still wildly appreciated, it's just that the media and social media are both working overtime to stir up division and hate within the populace. They want nothing more than the destruction of everything good and decent. That is the end goal for all subversive types.
I hope everybody gets to hear one of these top fuel engines run. It's life changing
And feel!
OH YEA
I know people just don’t understand everybody should get a chance to hear one of these things run
Especially from the starting line.
I've seen them run multiple times. I love going to the 4 wides. 2 are loud, 4 is ridiculous.
My mind refuses to accept something accelerating that fast
mind warp
Keep attending nitro race meets, your brain will learn!
The deceleration at 320+ mph when they hit the chutes is almost twice the g force of the acceleration initially.
Up to 11 G’s at its peak.
Negative G’s are the worst on the human body. In this case it’s the eyes. At risk of getting detached retinas, they squint as they pull the shoots to help take the initially strain.
I worked for a guy who had his own top fuel car, and while he didn't go into the exact details, he told me a little bit about just how important the clutch tuning is on those cars. He showed me a few runs of his car, and explained a little bit about how he corrected certain issues with the car. It's absolutely fascinating, and there's definitely some wizardry involved that is entirely privileged knowledge.
There on the iss making this!!!!
Clay, I'll NEVER forget the time at Houston Raceway Park, I got a VIP ticket, & got to "hang out with you in your pit"! Still got the photo's to look back on, and relive it! You are such a "humble, down to earth guy"! ;)
Your the only one to take time to video your crew an step by step what takes place during season an non season. God bless you an the crew....awsome,at 67 yrs..young ,love to be part of that life
From a Machinist point of view,
That was a very interesting demonstration on how Power is transferred to the Wheels of such a powerful piece of equipment for maximum performance.....
Awesome look at the tech in those clutches. Thanks for giving me something to watch at 3am!
Another learning curve . Nice . 👍🇬🇧 Watched it again , still good ☕
Real good video..met Clay when we went to the US..real nice guy and introduced me to his crew chief...a couple of the other drivers in nitro alley could learn a thing or two about talking to the fans..
Man my clutch welds its self together during the run it’s crazy y’all get three runs outta each disk
Some say that the 2 most important parts to any winning TF run are The Crew Chief, and his Clutch setup! Thanks for the explanation. Something so simple but also so complex at the same time - infinite adjustment, gotta love that! Cheers.
These are the videos that make our weeks if not months better Clay! Thank you!
They are best sounding cars ever! Raw horsepower 👍
Thanks for the look into your amazing world. Sitting on the couch near Pomona and listening to my house rattle apart twice a year is always a treat. I’ll be operating the start line Jumbotron at the Winternationals. Stop by and say hi.
I don’t think I’d ever leave if I had a trailer like that to work on my car in 😂😂 thats dangerous
Cool stuff! It's very obvious that there is much more to that assembly than meets the eye. It amazes me that you guys can run those cars as consistently as you do. So many unpredictable factors.
Pretty cool to see the inner workings. I've seen a few different slipper clutches before, but nothing like that. Man I thought 4 disc clutches were wild, this takes the cake
Truly love the video's Clay! The insight you give about the car, racing and the team with the who and the how is second to none in the sport. I really appreciate ya taking the time to produce these as I know it's not a quick or simple task. I've always liked the NHRA but never really followed it until you starting doing these video's. Now I look forward to attending my first NHRA race in 2021 (VIR, June 4-6) to show support my support for you and the whole Parts Plus team as a fan. Thanks again Clay, keep'em coming!
Now that was awesome. Getting into things the hardcore enthusiast is not aware of. Fully respect Mike keeping the magic possion close to the vest but appreciate divulging some inner workings
There's an article floating around on the internet that goes into a little more detail, not much more, on how pretty much every part of the top fuel cars work. If you're interested you might want to search around. I'm sorry it's been too long since I read it so I can't remember exactly what the title was. Probably something along the lines of "everything you ever wanted to know about top fuel" although that could be way off. Think it's maybe 3-5 years old but I remember the article discussing the clutch and they went over this information, so that hasn't changed.
Parent Of Twins, it’s funny but the article you are referring to is called Nitro University it was written by my crew chief Mike Kloeber the same guy explaining the clutch in this video. Thanks for watching.
@@claymillican25 That is funny. It had been so long I had forgotten. I just remember it being an interesting article.
Loved this!!! Always been curious about that clutch setup. Amazing piece of work there. May be the most important part of the whole setup it seems.
Very special set up, they have came a very long way, believe last time I saw one an took one out an put one back in a Mini Van Called Bad Attitude, was 97'-98' year's. They need to be rebuilt alot, awesome video footage. The clutch pack assembly was way lighter then any Transmission I had laid on my back to install an remove. It was crazy how light they are.
I'm not a car guy but damn, the engineering in these is fascinating and amazing! I wish I could see the development history from the very first design to now.
Heres a peice of info. The engines on these are held in with hose clamps! Something crazy forsure
Thanks guys1 , I always wondered how you got these beasts off the line soooo smoothly!!
Super cool to see you packs all laid out. I am an A/fuel clutch guy. This is the first time I have seen the hight differences in the levers. I knew they were different, but not exactly how much. Thank you for all the information Clay. I hope the average fan(non Nitro crew guy) is getting the enjoyment out of you videos I do.
Do you get to use a timer controlled cannon too or no?
I still can't believe how hard top fuel accelerates. Under 4 second 1000 foot runs and hitting over 300 mph is insane.
For some perspective, by the time the rear tires cross the start line, you are at 60 mph. Less than a second (about 8 tenths). That's only 25 feet. Fucking hell.
Clay you need to sign them used discs and send them out to fans. That would be a competition I'd enter
Didnt know Parts Plus still exists.
Worked at an independent parts store in the late 90s early 2000, our supplier was Parts Plus.
Awesome video, best vision of that clutch you're gonna get online.
So glad you guys did this video. Entirely privileged information, but nonetheless very educational. Big kudos for spilling some secrets to promote and prolong the passion and love for motorsports.
This is the kind of thing I'm like always keen to learn about!!
Great explanation, subbed.
You said like a go-cart, I thought snowmobile. :-)
Ive got your autograph on one of your hand out pictures Clay..! I took my girlfriend that has never experienced Top Fuel..! Needless to say she is hooked now..! Thanks for being so cool and accessible...!
Clay is so down to earth. Spoke to him at the final SpringNats. Super nice guy.
Very informative! Always wanted to know more about these
Thank you guys for explaining the clutch. Chip
5 competitors gave this video a thumbs down for not spilling the beans
That's awesome, thanks for making these. Super interesting!
It's amazing that clutches like that exist that can handle the awesome power that those dragsters put out. I could only imagine what a clutch like that costs!
That’s what I was thinking. Some great engineering right there. I’m going to guess 15k USD for the whole clutch assembly.
@@Dave-so7sf Most people would pay that kind of money for a whole car! lol
@@tomkjr1 I was curious and just looked it up 10k-14k 😳. I was pretty close.
@@Dave-so7sf Expensive hobby eh!?
That's actually not as bad as I thought.
All I see is "unobtanium" for me. 😉
Fascinating expose`. Thank you!!
Very cool. Thank you
Alrighty now. No transmission. The neatest thing about peanut butter and jelly. It's out of this world centrifugal clutch. My racer uses a transmission but no clutch. I call it a Brinn.
Question time. Could I build a clutch like you use but in my car? Omg of course I will try.
As usual you guys never let me down.
God bless u'all
Thanks guys for another great video. The loud pedal works it all!!!
Great video guys love the mechanical aspects that you show us keep them coming
im so happy to watch this an mechanic
What a great series.Keep it goin.Thx.
Awesome Stuff Brother!!! Love your Videos... Keep them coming......
So, this is what it takes to put 11,000 horsepower from the engine to the ground. That's awesome.
Really awesome! I got to see them working on these but usually when fans get to see them it's when the crew guy is running off with it between rounds (or some TV demo with no weights screwed onto it..and even then people worry about the camera angle to see the finger lengths, lol 😁😊
Definitely glad you're uploading stuff to TH-cam channel a little more frequently now! Love it! 🤘🤘
Thanks that was awesome!
wow I'm so lost, I need hands on to have a better understanding. What day and time can we start. I'm free no money needed. You guy's started this now I'm hook. Thanks for the info really. But next can we get in the motor as well to.
This is very entertaining.
Good video!
A neat stat to add to these, really good, videos is cost. How much for Ti hat, drive/driven plates that only get 1-3 uses, etc.
Amazing.
I have a floater from eddie Hill with his signature on from around 94-5 one of my most prized possessions
Top fuel dragster's should be the eighth wonder of the world
Thank you.
Thanks man. I race go karts & he is right that's how r clutches work.
That was a great basic explanation Mike & Clay
Clay, is it possible to make any of the worn out pieces of the clutch, a souvenir for fans to get and have autographed by you at a national event? I've wondered about that for quite awhile throughout the years and I've never asked before until now and I'm hoping to go to Bristol for one of the days this upcoming weekend and I wanted to ask on here because that would be a cool type of souvenir to get, if it were possible, even if having to pay a certain amount for it...
*KINGS OF SPEED*
*KEEP PUSHING,GODS, AND KEEP MOVING FORWARD*
Thank's 👍👍👍💪💪💪
Looks expensive :D
Impressive how much is needed to race these.
Looks like it works similar to the lockout clutch in my Banshee, only much much bigger. Hmm, never knew 🤔
Awsome ! All part of the sport ! Gotta know your stuff.
Like a giant input drum.
Those races usually last the same as a good "beer burp"...think about that...
Awesome Pure old school mechanics 👍
has any body used a hydraulic electronic modulated clutch ?? I’ve always wondered in large dozers they use a power divider which Is a 3 speed torque converter with direct/ over and under drive with use of a planetary gear set.
I guess the only tech needed for this is accurate data and a spanner
sorry wrench .
Going to a top fuel event is a sensory awakening
i want to know how much that weights. Im a heavy equipment mechanic, and i can tell you from first hand experience that a twin disc clutch for a semi is ~150 lbs.
Awesome
thank you
The discarded parts are incredible. How much money do you think it costs per pass? Break that down to cost per second lol would be interesting.
Last I heard, something like $30k on a good, clean run.
Assuming everything is paid for. Team members, vehicles, fuel, hotels, trailers. About $9,000-$12,000 per pass. NOW....if you blow up go ahead and double that price just as a start.
A brand new fresh block with nothing done to it, example in getting it right out of the CNC machine will cost you a minimum of $10k.
I’ve heard expect $100k minimum for an event (including transport out, fuel for the rig, all that stuff) but I think adding passes doesn’t add that much relatively. Probably $10k-20k per additional pass
@@pr3modeling239 ditto
Incredible.
Clay we run a single stage, 3 disc and have been 5.54 @ 257! Everything I know goes back to Ron hammel at 10,000 rpm and mike Stewart
O2 Cool, Top Fuel!
Neat
The most important guy on the team, is the clutch guy
Sorry but I have to disagree with you on this. If each and every person on the team doesn’t do their job it doesn’t matter how good the clutch person is. It takes everyone and every part for it all to work. I do appreciate you watching and commenting though!!!
Worked on SF-2F Seasprite helicopters in the Navy, and the clutch is so much like the main sprag clutch, to engage the rotor blades.. only 700 shp not 11,000 hp like you have..Jealous!! Keep up the great shows on TH-cam!!
That would drive me crazy having those cabinets hanging right in my face
I am pretty sure they are in a trailer. Space is at a premium.
Dude you know how much a pro car trailer costs???? Tractor trailers with 2 cars... Top and bottom and another with all that workspace, and possibly lodging. Its definitely gotta be spoiling
Well if you're looking straight forward yeah but if you're using the bench, no.
3:32 not quite. Unless he meant cost. Then a lot more lol. RIP Tim Hyatt the flywheel king.
Where the magic happens!! Just like us in snowmobiles but 100 times less hp 😂😂😂
My mind absolutely refues to believe that exhaust noise can register on the Richter Scale. Absolutely fucking crazy
Any vibration can achieve s Richter rating.
This is some alien 👾👽 shit!!!!, NASA where are you??
Got a good laugh out of this; just put a clutch in a 89 Toyota truck. Big difference, lol!
Man I would love to do a run in one of those bad boys
Hell, if your tossing that many friction disc's I'll take a few. Make some end tables and bar stools out of them, could even cast them in a cutting board, who knows
I was thinking the same thing! A clock would be cool!
As you watch the car run, the big black cloud is the clutch dust.
Hope to see you soon clay at Maple Grove
Why does the clutch engage when you press the clutch pedal down too far?
Almost as big as the one in my W9. However, no titanium lol
Should I get this for my civic?
Good thing you don’t share all that secret stuff cause I’m looking for a race with you at the next street light.
That street light stuff you mentioned reminded me of myself 30 years ago. I would pull up next to a couple of cops at a stop light, roll down my window and ask the cops if they wanted to race for pink slips when the light goes green. Two beats later I'd smile and then they got the joke. Even if I won, I'd lose. I don't do that any more. However, I offered to let a fire fighter on a hook & ladder truck drive my F-150 if he'd let me drive his fire engine. He said he wasn't the driver but he suggested I climb into the tiller seat and took my picture. So I guess I'm officially a fire fighter now . . .
@@nemo227 Yes the good old days when public employees were appreciated, different now days eh.
@@OCT566 They are still wildly appreciated, it's just that the media and social media are both working overtime to stir up division and hate within the populace. They want nothing more than the destruction of everything good and decent. That is the end goal for all subversive types.
1-3 runs is all you get! How much does a clutch assembly like this cost??
~$10,000 and ~$115 per clutch disc (x6)........and ~$58,000 per engine........you know, weekend money. O_o
Couple years ago I thinking what kind of spring press that clutch can hold gingantic power in 3 second run,
Answer is, no, they have no press spring
Would this idea work with high horse power normal 1/4 mile drag cars if everything was proportionally smaller?
What do you mean by normal?
@@keithklassen5320 500- 1500 hp cars
That throw out bearing probably hates it’s life even if it’s titanium
I used to have a top fuel clutch disc
I have that same clutch in my prius
Weights and spring load is a secret weapon. If it doesn't turn into kryptonite lol