Newbie Clutch Question

[fast426]

What do the numbers for the helix mean (ie. 42/36), are they angles? I have always had older sleds that were simple; weights with no adjustable helix, just pushed against the sheave. Also what is the general idea for the different angles (I mean when do use a high angle vs low, etc). I just picked up a 2000 ZRT800 and I understand that there are holes in the secondary clutch, what do these adjust? What is the idea behind changing the spring in the secondary clutch? Sorry if these questions seem basic, but I need to learn. I just bought a set of D&D pipes and clutch kit for the sled, and I am getting two helix's and springs with it, so I want to understand what I am doing. Is it easy to install the helix and springs in the secodnary? Thanks for the help.

[Big Bad Jon]

Hey 426, The numbers on the helix are the angles - either straight ie. 50 or multiangle like 53/44... the multiangle helix's are sometimes used on triple cylinder machines - has to do with the way the pipes warmup and emit its peak horsepower... Clutching is a little difficult but there are a lot of great sites on the net that can help you understand the way it works and how to adjust it correctly. The secondary pulley deals more with backshift and the primary pulley affects the rpms and engagement. Racers experiment with different ramps, pin weights, springs and helix's to get the correct combo for the type of riding or racing they do. What kinda riding are you planning on doing or racing - 1/4 mile - 1/8???? There are guys on here that will have machines like yours - the way you clutch her will affect everything... What about those pipes? Do you have an EGT gauge? Be careful you don't cook your cylinders with improper jetting! Also most times if you add pipes without porting you need to increase the max RPMs to get your peak horsepower!

[fast426]

I'll be ordering the EGT guage this week, I think I am going with the Digitron 50 series, but I am still researchin gthat a little. When you say multi angle, what are the two angles? Can you point me to a good site, I will look, but so far this is the best overall site I have found. Thanks.
PS- I am out to beat a stock 99 XCR800, and a studded and clutched 96 Thundercat, you think I am in the right path

[Big Bad Jon]

Welcome to the wonderful world of research!!!! http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure...location_id=542
Check out that sight - lot's of basic clutching!

So you want to "beat" your buddies? How long of a race? Long Lake, a short race track, a radar run? There's setups for all!!!

[6]

Originally posted by fast426@Dec 14 2003, 02:00 PM
Thanks for the help.

This post really belongs in the General Snowmobiling forum, not the High Tech Discussion area. But I'll answer it here anyways.

What do the numbers for the helix mean (ie. 42/36), are they angles?

Yes, they are angles. Straight helix would be something like 52 degrees (single number) or a multiangle helix like 60/40 which has two different angles. This helix starts off with one angle then transitions to the other. This is helpful for a variety of reasons such as modifications, racing, clutch backshifting, etc.

Also what is the general idea for the different angles (I mean when do use a high angle vs low, etc).

High angles shift faster, lower angles shift slower. High angles provide less belt side pressure, low angles provide more. High angles cause slower backshifting, lower angles promote faster backshifting.

You clutch to what type of riding you are doing. Trails, race, radar runs, etc.

I just picked up a 2000 ZRT800 and I understand that there are holes in the secondary clutch, what do these adjust?

The holes increase or decrease secondary spring tension, which would increase or decrease belt side pressure, which would increase or decrease shift speed, which would increase or decrease shift RPM.

What is the idea behind changing the spring in the secondary clutch?

To increase or decrease belt side pressure which would; well, see above question.

Sorry if these questions seem basic, but I need to learn.

No problem but understand that I am giving you very basic answers and that much more plays into each area that what I am stating here.

I just bought a set of D&D pipes and clutch kit for the sled, and I am getting two helix's and springs with it, so I want to understand what I am doing. Is it easy to install the helix and springs in the secodnary?

Good pipes, so so clutch kits. Yes, helix and spring are easy to install. Pull the center bolt, remove the secondary clutch from sled. Remove the cover, remove the spring, remove the helix, install new helix (DO NOT TIGHTEN YET), install new spring, install cover, tighten cover, now tighten helix. Install back on sled and install center bolt . Do not overtighten center bolt as it will break. Tighten all hardware to proper torque values.

[6]

Originally posted by fast426@Dec 14 2003, 02:40 PM
When you say multi angle, what are the two angles?

I'll be ordering the EGT guage this week, I think I am going with the Digitron 50 series, but I am still researchin gthat a little.

50 Series is the way to go! See here: http://www.snowmobileworld.com/feature_sto...atron/index.php

Can you point me to a good site, I will look, but so far this is the best overall site I have found. Thanks.

There are other sled sites out there?

PS- I am out to beat a stock 99 XCR800, and a studded and clutched 96 Thundercat, you think I am in the right path

Good luck. You're racing two fairly fast machines and it will end up being which one is setup the best. Also important, what type of racing? 0 - 500 FT? top speed? 0 - 1000 FT?. If the Tcat is setup well you'll have a tough time with that (at least you would if I set it up )

[fast426]

Hey thanks for the help guys, I first tried askign these questions in the general section, but got no resposnes, so I tried here. I have always drag raced cars, and am relatively new to snowmobiles (my last sled was a 83 V-max 540, so I upgraded quite a bit). We are looking for 600 ft racing mainly, plus top speed runs. I'm in Mich. and want to get everything set-up right for Tip-Up town, we got our reservations and are counting the days. Will there be radar runs there this year, or organized drag racing? Last year we went on the second weekedn and there were none. Thanks for the help.

[6]

Originally posted by fast426@Dec 15 2003, 08:38 AM
We are looking for 600 ft racing mainly, plus top speed runs.

You do realize that you won't be able to do both without a bunch of setup changes?

Unless you are willing to settle for a big compromise on the setup, you can't have it both ways for 0 - 600FT and top end radar runs.

[fast426]

My main concern is 600ft runs, but we like buzzing across the lake as well, my main set-up will be drag racing racing. We use a GPS in the pocket, which is probably not quite as accurate as radar gun, but good enough. How fast shoudl a relatively stock 2000 ZRT800 run? When you say lots of changes, I assum you mean such as gearing? Is there alot of clutching that needs changed as well?

Thanks

[tifa_5_2000]

i can see why you want both setups though. if you beat your buddies in 600ft you can be sure the next race will be across the lake. personally id gear for 120 at full shift out and clutch for a quick takeoff. IMO mike