Why Ceramic Clutch Discs Work Great For Drifting

The sport of drifting requires drifters to have a precise feel and top-notch car control to take on large slip angles whilst making the entire smoky spectacle look seamless. But do you also know how the drift car needs to be up to the job?

To achieve stunning drifts that feel great and look awesome, consistent power delivery is essential. Under the hood, the clutch is working hard to deliver that power from the engine and plays a big role in initiating and maintaining the drift. Choosing the right clutch is crucial for drifting and needs to be up to the job. 

What happens when you drift?

Before we compare clutch materials, it’s important to know what goes on in the transmission when you drift. The first thing you want to do is initiate the drift, which means unsettling the car so that the rear loses traction. The following are a few ways you can do this.

1. Using the Handbrake

Quickly turning and pulling the handbrake can initiate a drift. It’s one of the easiest ways to upset the balance as you turn in to get the rear end sliding out.

2. Power On Drifting

Power on drifting generally needs a car with sufficient power to get the rear tyres to break traction. Dropping a gear can increase the engine revs and generate more torque which can initiate a drift.

3. Rapid Clutch Kick

This method works great if you don’t have a lot of power. Once you turn in, keep your right foot pressed on the throttle. Kick the clutch in, let the revs spike up, and then let it go. This leads to wheel spin. Once you’re sideways, the rear tyres should start sliding leading to a drift.

4. And anything else that can get the rear to get loose….

Once initiated, correct amounts of power application and counter steer are key to sustain the drift. Power on drifting and clutch kicking put a lot of load on the transmission and that’s where organic clutch discs (the ones that come with your car) fall short.

3 ways ceramic clutches win at drifting

1. Heat Resistance

Ceramic clutch discs are far more resistant to heat and perform well at higher temperatures, unlike organic clutch discs. This makes them ideal for performance use such as in racing and drifting, because of the high revs and torque going through the transmission.

2. Durability

Under high temperatures, engine revs, and pressure. The material in an organic clutch disc deteriorates very fast and won’t be able to sustain consistent power delivery, without issues like slipping or excessive vibration.

3. Higher Torque Capacity

Ceramic clutch discs are designed to withstand far more pressure due to the higher clamping force. The material grabs better and this is essential to deliver the torque from the engine to the transmission consistently.

Ceramic clutch discs may engage a bit harsher and aren’t necessarily designed for a smooth ride, but when it comes to drifting. It’s characteristics undoubtedly make it a winner.