Some of you may remember that my friend and I have been working on a Miata-based Locost. The car also sports a small turbo running about seven pounds of boost.
The car is running and driving, but we've noticed a bit of a slipping clutch. I have a brand new stock clutch in the garage. I understand that stock Miata clutches can usually hold 150 to 160 horsepower. My question -- does that rating change with the weight of the car? Obviously our Locost is much lighter than an NA Miata.
Rob
I would say yes and no.
From a start, you won't be able to put the same power down because of the light weight, so those launches won't hurt the clutch as bad.
At speed it shouldn't make a difference because you aren't traction limited. The force applied from the engine will be the same in a Miata vs a Locost, but the reactions of each will be different. The force will be applied for less time, however, since the car will accelerate that much faster.
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