KLUTCH!!!

[Clare Snyder]

Exactly what Toyota did on the Supercharged MR2. The clutch is engaged when
power requirements excede a given level - sensed I believe by throttle
position vs RPM. Worked fine for Toyota, so no reason why it can't be done.
> Date: Thu, 02 Dec 1999 10:09:18 -0500 (EST)
> From: Andris <askulte at emerald.tufts.edu>
> Subject: Re:KLUTCH!!!
>
> > Date: Thu, 2 Dec 1999 01:50:53 EST
> > From: A70Duster at aol.com
> > Subject: KLUTCH!!!
> > Could one use an AC clutch to engage and disengage the impeller.  At
idle and
> > cruise, the impeller doesn't turn, but for gettin' giggy, fire up the
> > "blower" and blow past the NIGHT RIDER!!!!!
> >
> > Can an AC clutch "hold together" when attached to a blower???
>
> Granted, it would be a cool gizmo, and all, but I really don't think
> you'll gain anything by it. At the lower rpms and cruise, the blower isn't
> really working too hard, so your parasitic losses would be quite small. If
> you still want to do it, I doubt the AC clutch would hold. Making a WAG,
> I'd say the AC compressor might take max 20hp to turn (guessing since my
> timeslips are .2sec and 2mph slower w/ the AC). At full boost, I've heard
> that superchargers take 75+hp to spin. You would need something a bit
> stronger. A small puck/disc-style clutch (like in the drivetrain) should
> hold. Maybe something from a racing bike? Anyways, I've rambled enough,
> and don't think you'll see much gain.
>
> Andris Skulte
> Z28tt - 89 IROC T56 DFI Twin Turbo