Slipper clutches on cars

Ok so I am working on a Formula SAE car and we are wondering if there is in real performance benefit to using a slipper clutch on the bike engine. I have found forum post on both Locost and the FSAE forum but these are forum post so I am taking them with a grain of salt.

http://fsae.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/125607348/m/33110150631?r=33110150631#33110150631

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=10&t=7024&hilit=slipper+clutch

On Sigma Performance they have some information regarding using a slipper clutch on a car but they are a slipper clutch manufacture so I am not sure how to take this either. So my question is has anyone on here actually used a slipper clutch on a car or has anyone happened to see resources on slipper clutches?

they seemed to work well back in the day on R/C trucks and buggies. but now i think they have gone away, not because they don't work, but because the offroad tracks are basically hard packed smooth dirt rather than loose soil, so the need for a slipper has gone away.

they were used to control the power to the wheels to help keep from spinning, and also to reduce driveline shock when landing. you might find it useful if you are having a hard time with overpowering the rears coming out of a corner or something, or if the racing surface is rough

Yeah - I think we need more information, like what problem it is that you're trying to solve.

Basically what I am wondering is there any performance benefit to using a slipper clutch in a small motorcycle powered car in an autocross situation (so fairly smooth)? Will it help to improve the lap times? I think it may be one of those things I just need to do testing on unless someone knows something I don't.

Speaking from the motorcycle side of things, slipper clutches are designed for quick downshifts without breaking traction to the rear wheel. Basically, you can bang a downshift without giving too much thought to rev matching, and without worrying about over-revving and borking expensive stuff.

Useful with 4 wheels in an autocross scenario? Maybe. I can see it being a benefit, but I'm not sure it's worth the expense.

I'm sure some of the BEC guys here will chime in.

The poster formally known as 96DXCivic wrote: Basically what I am wondering is there any performance benefit to using a slipper clutch in a small motorcycle powered car in an autocross situation (so fairly smooth)? Will it help to improve the lap times? I think it may be one of those things I just need to do testing on unless someone knows something I don't.

Just saying "will it be better" isn't describing a problem. What specific issue are you hoping to alleviate? What is it going to potentially do slowly that can be improved upon?

The only advantage is less engine braking when you slam the throttle closed. Most dwarf racers toss'em and use older model units.

I have been led to believe that a slipper clutch is used to reduce the engine braking effect of high compression 4 stroke engines. If your application is negatively affected by this use one.