Why don't they make centrifugal clutch type transmissions....

[fox2000gt-s]

^^^^ for cars. I wonder how fast the Celi could be if you could just floor it and stay at your peak power (7,800rpm+). There has to be a downside or something that prohibits them from being made?

[dmc12mk3]

Probably because the most power I've ever seen one be able to handle was somewhere around 18 horsepower. Incidentally, go-kart clutches don't last that long.

[fox2000gt-s]

Snowmobiles use them don't they? I had one growing up, well my dad did, and that thing hawled as$. It had quite a bit of power. 0-120 in no time.

[dmc12mk3]

Originally posted by fox2000gt-s
Snowmobiles use them don't they? I had one growing up, well my dad did, and that thing hawled as$. It had quite a bit of power. 0-120 in no time.

I dunno, I live in South Carolina. We get nervous when we can see our breath in the morning.

[petsnowman]

There was a snowmobile at our local track. Ran a 12 or something i thought.

[dmc12mk3]

hmm...perhaps its the torque that limits its use?

[fox2000gt-s]

I think most are belt driven, which is pretty weak when it comes to transfering power, but, if you could replace it with a chain I don't see why it couldn't be done.

If you guys don't know how a centrifugal clutch works, look it up. It's pretty interesting. It gives the possibility for an infinite # of gear ratios depending on engine speed and throttle position.

Say for example you are running the 1/4. Right off the line, after catching traction, you would be in your powerband the entire duration of your run. There is absolutely no shifting trying to land lift.

[MicaCeli]

The new Civic Hybrid and the Insite Autos Use the CVT.

Pretty interesting.

[fox2000gt-s]

Originally posted by MicaCeli
The new Civic Hybrid and the Insite Autos Use the CVT.

Pretty interesting.

Thank you. I have been looking every where for some info. I have just been searching under the wrong words. You have shown me the light -- CVT (continuously variable transmission). Now I can look into whether of not this would be benefitial.

[S|Lv3rBu||et]

I think audi is already applying this type of tranny to their cars, or will be soon:

http://www.audiworld.com/news/99/multitronic/content.shtml

http://www.bentleypublishers.com/product.htm?code=AU37

[fox2000gt-s]

^^^^good info.

Well, it makes the car faster with the CVT and it gets better gas mileage. What more could you ask for. I wonder how much it would cost to design one as an aftermarket mod? I don't want to think about it.