View Full Version : RPS Carbon/Carbon Clutch pics-Could be coming for the BMW's?


Brad D.
12-10-2005, 12:33 AM
I read somewhere that RPS might be developing this for the BMW?!

These are pics of my new RPS Carbon/Carbon clutch setup, with the segmented Cynrg aluminum flywheel. We're installing it monday.

This clutch can handle 1200 ft/lb of torque, has 10 percent stiffer feel than stock, and slips like a stock clutch.

The hotter it gets, the harder it grabs. If it ever needs rebuilding, it costs 400.00 to rebuild.

I thought this might interest some BMW guys in case it ever comes around for the E36.

Now it isn't cheap, we're talking 3000.00 retail for this clutch, but it's the last clutch you'll ever buy.



Here are some pictures of the entire assembly right out of the box straight from RPS, and notice you get the bolts, bearings, and even a socket!

http://www.mvpmotorsports.com/Merchant/rp_carbon_mk4.jpg

http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_674_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_675_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_676_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_677_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_678_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_679_full.jpg
http://memimage.cardomain.net/member_images/2/web/290000-290999/290582_680_full.jpg

highboostingm3
12-10-2005, 02:08 AM
Congratulations Brad! I might have to get that if it comes out for the e36. I had that in my Supra as you know and loved it! Once I got used it it, smooth as buttah!:alright

If the Clutchmasters FX800 can't hold the torque, this definitely can!:buttrock

Brad D.
12-10-2005, 03:04 AM
Congratulations Brad! I might have to get that if it comes out for the e36. I had that in my Supra as you know and loved it! Once I got used it it, smooth as buttah!:alright

If the Clutchmasters FX800 can't hold the torque, this definitely can!:buttrock

Did you have the Chromoly or the Aluminum flywheel?

highboostingm3
12-10-2005, 03:10 AM
Did you have the Chromoly or the Aluminum flywheel?
Aluminum. I used to think it was sorta bad, but then I got a Stage 4 clutch in the M3. Oh man is that thing a pain in 1st gear. Once I got used to that the Supra became a breeze! Drove the Supra to work in bumper to bumper quite a few times and no problem at all. :D

I used to do big burnouts and launch at 6k...clutch loves it!:buttrock

Brad D.
12-10-2005, 03:54 AM
Aluminum. I used to think it was sorta bad, but then I got a Stage 4 clutch in the M3. Oh man is that thing a pain in 1st gear. Once I got used to that the Supra became a breeze! Drove the Supra to work in bumper to bumper quite a few times and no problem at all. :D

I used to do big burnouts and launch at 6k...clutch loves it!:buttrock

The chromoly is more suited for drag racing because it's heavier, and your turbocharger won't fall out of boost as quickly, due to the mass keeping the engine under load between shifts.
The Aluminum is more suited for road racing..and daily driving I think.

highboostingm3
12-10-2005, 03:56 AM
The chromoly is more suited for drag racing because it's heavier, and your turbocharger won't fall out of boost as quickly, due to the mass keeping the engine under load between shifts.
The Aluminum is more suited for road racing..and daily driving I think.
I see. So looks like you are getting same. Noice!:buttrock

HyperHoHo
12-10-2005, 04:00 AM
Brad, always supplying useful information and experience for other members. It's about time to start developing a C/C clutch for BMWs!

Brad D.
12-10-2005, 04:48 AM
Brad, always supplying useful information and experience for other members. It's about time to start developing a C/C clutch for BMWs!

I'll give Rob a call, they just started releasing products for the Mini, so I believe the E36M3 can't be that far behind.

Brian@POG
12-10-2005, 09:59 PM
ICS is an RPS Dealer.

Brad D.
12-10-2005, 11:41 PM
ICS is an RPS Dealer.

Brian, can you give us any insight on the possibility of Rob releasing this for the E36, have you heard anything?

Brian@POG
12-11-2005, 12:00 AM
Brian, can you give us any insight on the possibility of Rob releasing this for the E36, have you heard anything?


I will check with him on Monday.

Julian
12-11-2005, 02:40 AM
Whats involved in a clutch rebuild that makes it so cheap? I'm assuming the clutch rebuild labor and parts are the $400 price.

Brad D.
12-11-2005, 02:57 AM
Whats involved in a clutch rebuild that makes it so cheap? I'm assuming the clutch rebuild labor and parts are the $400 price.

They have to lay new carbon material onto the discs, and I'm not sure about the pressure plate.

From what I hear these usually don't have to be rebuilt for a long long long time.

Concentric190
12-11-2005, 08:05 AM
ICS is an RPS Dealer.

I belive HyperHoHo (Andrew) is an RPS dealer as well...

ParadigmGuy
12-11-2005, 11:54 AM
I have a buddy who is the Z32 distributer for RPS, he's talking to RPS about getting us a twin disk carbon/carbon. Apparently we can also slip this clutch against the e-brake and build boost off the line.

http://specialtyz.com/images/carboncarbon.gif

HyperHoHo
12-11-2005, 08:10 PM
Of course you can slip this clutch and build boost off the line. In fact, it will bite harder when its hot and what you said would help on pre-loading the drivetrain. Don't you have an AEM? Set up the 2 step anti-lag and you can launch at any boost level you want, whether it be a few psi to 30+ psi.

ParadigmGuy
12-11-2005, 08:23 PM
Of course you can slip this clutch and build boost off the line. In fact, it will bite harder when its hot and what you said would help on pre-loading the drivetrain. Don't you have an AEM? Set up the 2 step anti-lag and you can launch at any boost level you want, whether it be a few psi to 30+ psi.
No, I have a TEC3R. I tried the AEM.

m3jasper
12-11-2005, 08:47 PM
No, I have a TEC3R. I tried the AEM.

Why did u end up going with the Tec3r? Was the AEM giving you trouble?

-Dave

ParadigmGuy
12-11-2005, 08:51 PM
Why did u end up going with the Tec3r? Was the AEM giving you trouble?

-Dave
Trouble is an understatment, but that's for another topic.

highboostingm3
12-11-2005, 09:29 PM
So is there a 2-step on the Tec 3R? :conf I need 2-step! :evil2

T-Rex
12-11-2005, 09:31 PM
So is there a 2-step on the Tec 3R? :conf I need 2-step! :evil2
That's what I like to hear :D

I really hope they bring the RPS clutches out for the E36....the problems so many have had in the past would be totally eliminated with one of these bad boys!

ParadigmGuy
12-11-2005, 09:43 PM
So is there a 2-step on the Tec 3R? :conf I need 2-step! :evil2
From what I understand one can be created. But it can't be gear dependent, it has to be connected to a switch. Not sure how to wire it either. But we can get a 2-step with RL. :)

HyperHoHo
12-11-2005, 09:47 PM
If I recall correctly, doesnt Tec3 have a built in 2 step feature as well? Can it be activated by the VSS? That is how I have it in my AEM, therefore that eliminates wiring in a switch.

ParadigmGuy
12-11-2005, 09:53 PM
If I recall correctly, doesnt Tec3 have a built in 2 step feature as well? Can it be activated by the VSS? That is how I have it in my AEM, therefore that eliminates wiring in a switch.
I dunno, maybe. :confused

meseetree
12-12-2005, 12:28 AM
doesn't a good clutch already cost 2000 so the 3000 price is pretty good right????
how do you guys think this clutch would feel in a daily driver???

HyperHoHo
12-12-2005, 12:32 AM
doesn't a good clutch already cost 2000 so the 3000 price is pretty good right????
how do you guys think this clutch would feel in a daily driver???

It should be very good in daily driving! Carbon clutches usually dont have that much heavier pedal feel than stock.

A good clutch can be way less than $2000!

meseetree
12-12-2005, 12:35 AM
It should be very good in daily driving! Carbon clutches usually dont have that much heavier pedal feel than stock.

A good clutch can be way less than $2000!


I thought a good one was easily 1500-2000 that could handle 800 whp+
maybe those included a lightweight flywheel that I saw,

either way I would imagine that those would suck if I was ever in traffic and that this one would be perfect for me :buttrock

HyperHoHo
12-12-2005, 12:39 AM
I thought a good one was easily 1500-2000 that could handle 800 whp+
maybe those included a lightweight flywheel that I saw,

either way I would imagine that those would suck if I was ever in traffic and that this one would be perfect for me :buttrock

Oh, I didnt know you were talking about clutches than can handle 800+ whp. Either way, there are clutches out there that dont even cost that much that can handle that kind of power. It all comes down to what you want to do and how long it lasts as well.

Honestly, daily clutch driving really depends on the user. People prefer different types of pedal feel for daily driving, racing, etc. Personally, I really dont mind driving a heavy clutch pedal with a 3550 lb PP in traffic, but thats just me, but if you want the best of the best, then get a C/C clutch. They can take the beating and last longer than any other clutch out there!

meseetree
12-12-2005, 12:43 AM
Thanks for the advice,
hope they make this thing.

Brad D.
12-12-2005, 02:40 AM
Oh, I didnt know you were talking about clutches than can handle 800+ whp. Either way, there are clutches out there that dont even cost that much that can handle that kind of power. It all comes down to what you want to do and how long it lasts as well.

Honestly, daily clutch driving really depends on the user. People prefer different types of pedal feel for daily driving, racing, etc. Personally, I really dont mind driving a heavy clutch pedal with a 3550 lb PP in traffic, but thats just me, but if you want the best of the best, then get a C/C clutch. They can take the beating and last longer than any other clutch out there!


Find me a clutch that handles 1200 lb/ft of torque, slips like the stock clutch, and holds more power the hotter it gets. The carbon carbon is the only one of its kind that does all that, and it you will NEVER replace it. Those other "stage xx "clutches you're talking about, you'll replace them once a year.

Brad D.
12-12-2005, 02:42 AM
doesn't a good clutch already cost 2000 so the 3000 price is pretty good right????
how do you guys think this clutch would feel in a daily driver???

Everyone I know with big power cars has this clutch and they say it's amazing. Just ask Cameron, he had it in his Supra..I'll let you know after tomorrow, I'm putting it in.

HyperHoHo
12-12-2005, 03:42 AM
Find me a clutch that handles 1200 lb/ft of torque, slips like the stock clutch, and holds more power the hotter it gets. The carbon carbon is the only one of its kind that does all that, and it you will NEVER replace it. Those other "stage xx "clutches you're talking about, you'll replace them once a year.

I am saying there are clutches out there that can handle 800whp, but might not be suited for certain purposes, say like drag racing. You can put around town and do some pulls here and there on the street and dyno with single disk clutches or other ones for that matter that can hold 800whp, but for people that are serious, and want to do it right the first time, then yes get a C/C clutch hands down. I think you were just misunderstanding what I was saying.

ParadigmGuy
12-12-2005, 03:56 AM
I am saying there are clutches out there that can handle 800whp, but might not be suited for certain purposes, say like drag racing. You can put around town and do some pulls here and there on the street and dyno with single disk clutches or other ones for that matter that can hold 800whp, but for people that are serious, and want to do it right the first time, then yes get a C/C clutch hands down. I think you were just misunderstanding what I was saying.
Yeah, like my SPEC clutch was supposed to handle the power. When I called them to tell them that it didn't hold, he looked up which model I ordered and replied, "Well that clutch should handle the power." That call was a wasted effort.

Brad D.
12-12-2005, 05:13 AM
I am saying there are clutches out there that can handle 800whp, but might not be suited for certain purposes, say like drag racing. You can put around town and do some pulls here and there on the street and dyno with single disk clutches or other ones for that matter that can hold 800whp, but for people that are serious, and want to do it right the first time, then yes get a C/C clutch hands down. I think you were just misunderstanding what I was saying.

Gotcha brother..I think I get what you mean :cool

highboostingm3
12-12-2005, 12:42 PM
Everyone I know with big power cars has this clutch and they say it's amazing. Just ask Cameron, he had it in his Supra..I'll let you know after tomorrow, I'm putting it in.
Yeah the clutch is nuts. You'll blow your drivetrain, turbo or subframe off before you blow this clutch. Try a 2-step with 30psi spitting fire balls out your exhaust and the clutch will survive pass after pass. It's one of those things that you can wipe your brow and say, "Phew, thank God that is one part I never have to deal with replacing again!":D

So if you plan to go really BIG with your car and keep it for a while, you can figure that the $3,000 will be worth it in the long run.

Brian@POG
12-12-2005, 05:08 PM
Begining of 2006 they will be working e36 stuff.

Brian

meseetree
12-12-2005, 05:24 PM
what about when they plan on selling it, any ideas on how long it will take them??

eurotekm3
12-15-2005, 11:53 PM
Begining of 2006 they will be working e36 stuff.

Brian



What kind of stuff will u guys be selling????????????:)


"We are working on our:

ICS E36 flywheels (available)
ICS Clutch Disc, will hold over 700-800 whp (available)
ICS Cams (available and back ordered)

ICS 4" Lower intake (in progress)
ICS Turbo Manifold (truly a piece of art, in progress)
ICS Turbo Post w.Gate Exhaust (in progress)
ICS Turbo DP W.Gate combo (In progress)

All E36 based"