Helix clutch? Information? Rover v8

kokkolanpoika · Post by **kokkolanpoika** » Wed Apr 18, 2007 10:17 am

Hi..

Does anyone remember that is the (rover v8 ) Helix clutch self-centering or a conventional type? (rimmer part nro RB7491UR)

I have got this clutch in my car, and i cant remember what type is it...
And this information is important because my clutch dont work very good.

Thanks

Post by **Coops** » Tue Feb 12, 2013 9:59 pm

i was looking at using this clutch RB7491UR from rimmers,
is it not that good then?

SuperV8 · Post by **SuperV8** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 12:19 pm

Quick google shows Rimmer say it is a self centering clutch.

http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-RB7491UR

Tom.

sidecar · Post by **sidecar** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 2:53 pm

I have some experience with Helix clutches, I bought a friction plate from a place in Silverstone that sells them. The plate was to replace a bog stock Borg and Beck friction plate which I was using in my 4.6 with NOS.

The old clutch did not slip but the anti-shock springs had broken up. Anyway I replaced just the friction plate and kept the same pressure plate as the clutch was not slipping. After fitting the Helix plate the clutch then slipped even before I hit the NOS. When I spoke to Helix they reckoned that I needed to change the pressure plate to one of theirs and even then the torque limit would be marginal. So I ended up buying a paddle clutch plate and a new pressure plate at great expense!

I noticed a good feature on both the Helix organic plate and paddle plate which was that the central boss with the internal splines was deeper and offset when compared to a ‘standard’ plate, the result was more spline engagement with the input shaft of the gearbox which can only be a good thing.

In fact I would have been in real trouble with a standard clutch plate as I was converting my box to a T5 box with a JE bell housing, there would have only been 9mm of spline engagement with a standard plate. The Helix plates improved this to around 19mm. I then had the back of the bellhousing machined to improve this to 29mm. A totally standard setup with an LT77 box and bellhousing could not have more than 20mm as this is the depth of the standard clutch central boss.

BTW I have a Helix organic plate with about 10 miles on clock and if anyone wants it then we can talk ‘turkey’

With regards to self-centring, er I don’t know what that means!

Big woof · Post by **Big woof** » Wed Feb 13, 2013 8:27 pm

I think the self centring refers to the pedal return after release off the clutch pedal

SuperV8 · Post by **SuperV8** » Thu Feb 14, 2013 1:13 pm

I think the self centring refers to the pedal return after release off the clutch pedal

The self centering actually refers to the bearing centering. Either straight fingers and curved bearing, or curved fingers and straight bearing.

I am using a Helix clutch and I've found it find, after a few 1/4 miles with my 4.6 supercharged engine, admitadly with I would say poor traction! Will see how it stands up when I get better tyres. I was told when I brought it it was the same clutch the TVR Tuscan race cars use?

Obviously Helix have lots different versions!

Tom.