Clutch
In a departure from the torque converter drive system used in the Banks S-10, the Dragster will use a clutch to connect the power of the Duramax to the Liberty "box."
But not just any clutch. This is a Molinari multi-plate, centrifugally-assisted, pedal clutch. What all that tech-talk means is that this clutch is engaged and disengaged with what looks like a normal foot pedal. However, once the clutch is released it is designed to slip (some call it a "slider clutch") at a controlled rate all the way to full lockup which is timed to occur a few feet before this super Sidewinder hits the finish line 440 yards downtrack.
Engagement speed, just exactly how fast and how far this clutch pack slips during a sub-seven second run, is crew-adjustable through a system of screw jack stands and bob weights that can be tuned to keep the engine RPM exactly in the best part of its power band for the entire run.
The Molinari clutch package is contained (a good word for it) in a very stout hydro-formed alloy housing that's often simply referred to as a "can." In normal use the clutch housing just sort of keeps dirt and dust off of the "delicate" parts of what looks like a small bank vault door.
On the other hand, in the unlikely event of a clutch failure which includes any of the fast-spinning parts breaking off, that "can" will do the real job that it was designed to do stopping those renegade parts cold, before they can do any damage. In other words, it will contain an exploding clutch and the shrapnel that it becomes.
- Multi-disc design
- Adjustable air-gap
- Adjustable engagement speed with full lock-up capability
- Hydro-formed outer safety housing
