Clutch Industries Dual Clutch Transmission Clutch Kit - DC3102N

Clutch Industries Dural Clutch Kit - A durable direct replacement clutch kit

A dual-clutch transmission eliminates the torque converter as used in conventional epicyclic-geared automatic transmissions. Instead, dual-clutch transmissions that are currently on the market primarily use two oil-bathed wet multiplate clutches, similar to the clutches used in most motorcycles, though dry-clutch versions are also available. The first series production road car with a DCT was the 2003 Volkswagen Golf Mk4 R32. In DCTs where the two clutches are arranged concentrically, the larger outer clutch drives the even-numbered gears and the smaller inner clutch drives the odd-numbered gears. Shifts can be accomplished without interrupting torque distribution to the driven roadwheels, by applying the engine's torque to one clutch at the same time as it is being disconnected from the other clutch. Since alternate gear ratios can preselect an odd gear on one gear shaft while the vehicle is being driven in an even gear (and vice versa), DCTs are the fastest-shifting road car transmission available. DCTs can shift more quickly than cars equipped with single-clutch automated-manual transmissions (AMTs), also called single-clutch semi-automatics. Also, with a DCT, shifts can be made more smoothly than with a single-clutch AMT, making a DCT more suitable for conventional road cars.

Dual-clutch transmissions use two fundamentally different types of clutches: either two wet multiplate clutches, bathed in oil (for cooling), or two dry single-plate clutches. The wet clutch design is generally used for higher torque engines that can generate 350 newton metres and more (the wet multiplate clutch DCT in the Bugatti Veyron is designed to cope with 1,250 N·m), whereas the dry-clutch design is generally suitable for smaller vehicles with lower torque outputs up to 250 N·m. However, while the dry-clutch variants may be limited in torque compared to their wet-clutch counterparts, the dry-clutch versions offer an increase in fuel efficiency, due to the lack of pumping losses of the transmission fluid in the clutch housing. Currently, three variations of clutch installation are used. The original design used a concentric arrangement, where both clutches shared the same plane when viewed perpendicularly from the transmission input shaft, along the same centre line as the engine crankshaft, when viewed head-on along the length of the input shaft, this makes one clutch noticeably larger than the other. The second implementation uses two single-plate dry clutches – side-by-side from the perpendicular view, but again sharing the centre line of the crankshaft. A later variation uses two separate but identically sized clutches. These are arranged side-by-side when viewed head-on (along the length of the input shaft and crankshaft centre line), and also share the same plane when viewed perpendicularly. This latter clutch arrangement (unlike the other two variations) is driven by a gear from the engine crankshaft.

Need something a bit more serious for your replacement clutch or just not sure if this is the right one for you? Head over to our understanding clutch systems page for a full break-down.

When it comes time to replace or upgrade your clutch, few brands offer a range as wide as Clutch Industries. With almost 70 years experience of local design, development and manufacturing experience, Clutch Industries have become the largest and most experienced clutch system manufacturer in Australia with all manufacturing carried out right here in Australia. Through extensive in-house research, development and real-world testing pushing their clutch kits to the absolute extreme, Clutch Industries have come to offer a range of clutches which make light work of the stresses imposed on clutch systems in regular street driving, stop-start city traffic, high-impact trade use, upgraded or modified vehicles and off-road trailblazing machines.

Need something a little more serious for a properly high-horsepower build or a car that sees regular race-track abuse? Browse Clutch Industries' sister brand Mantic Clutch for a range of seriously high performing clutches, but be warned, these aren't for the faint hearted. To browse our whole clutch range including clutches, master cylinders, slave cylinders or a whole bunch of other replacement driveline parts, browse the website using the REGO search function or head into your local Repco store and speak with one of our friendly team today.