Best way to fry your clutch ? | FerrariChat

Best way to fry your clutch ?

Discussion in '360/430' started by Asthenis, Nov 28, 2023.

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

  1. Asthenis

    Asthenis Karting

    Jan 20, 2023
    192
    #1 Asthenis, Nov 28, 2023
    Last edited: Nov 28, 2023
    Hello!

    Like most of you , I drive a car which is not supposed to go in Reverse... but I have to park, enter or exit my garage making it difficult to avoid ;)

    Also, I am lucky to live on a mountain, which is great for the view but I heard potentially bad for my clutch as I drive uphill, unless no gear change while driving up ?

    sorry for the rhetorical questions, but what are the real conditions to avoid, and advices to keep it healthy ? thanks ;)

    Image Unavailable, Please Login
    [​IMG]
     
    cavlino likes this.
  2. Sj_engr

    Sj_engr Formula 3

    Sep 15, 2020
    1,586
    San Jose
    Full Name:
    dc
    Reverse up a hill is the issue for the F1 since clutch is set to always slip. Driving forward uphill is a non-issue as the clutch is mated most of the time.

    Convert to manual. Problems gone.

    You could also install a winch and tow the car into the garage if it's a steep angle. Money solves problems.
     
    BDubbs, cavlino and Asthenis like this.
  3. Asthenis

    Asthenis Karting

    Jan 20, 2023
    192
    Ok thanks ! at least my driveway is flat, so no need to winch it lol
     
  4. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,753
    England
    Full Name:
    Mark
    Reverse up a hill only applies to pre MY08.
     
    cavlino and Plainview like this.
  5. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2006
    2,379
    New Jersey Shore
    Can you elaborate on that? Are you saying with the "Sofast 3" gearbox cars, 2008+, don't always slip the clutch in reverse? I thought all of the single clutch F1 systems do and that was a major advantage of the dual wet clutch system in the DSG cars (i.e. California, 458, 488, F8,...)
     
    cavlino likes this.
  6. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,753
    England
    Full Name:
    Mark
    Do bear in mind every transmission actuation system will slip a dry clutch - it's a requirement to set off smoothly. The difference with the CFC301 system is that it has an inclination sensor to take into account gradients, and also it monitors clutch circuit pressure.

    It's clutch control accuracy is more akin to a well-driven manual car.
     
    cavlino likes this.
  7. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
    1,932
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    KGC
    I'm trying to imagine a situation where you have to go in reverse up a hill (?) Unless backing up out of a steep parking spot. And to be sure even with a three pedal car you're going to be slipping the clutch pretty good in those same situations.
    With that said, I'm always in tune to where I park and try to not use reverse if I can avoid it since as pointed out, the clutch is set to slip in an F1. But I'm in Florida so being in a flat land state I'm usually good.
     
    carguyjohn350 and cavlino like this.
  8. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,753
    England
    Full Name:
    Mark
    P.S. technically it isn't just reverse where there is an issue - it also applies to going forwards. The difference with going forwards is that often as not you're away and into second gear, past the RPM range where the TCU slips the clutch (under 1500 RPM IIRC).
     
  9. P1key

    P1key Karting

    Nov 9, 2022
    82
    Full Name:
    Jeff Pike
    Try and avoid traffic ie repeated stopping, starting and driving at very low speeds where the car will slip the clutch. Try and maintain smooth progress as much as possible. Avoid doing any drag style launches. Other than that (which is good advice for any car anyway, really), just drive it and enjoy it :D
     
    deebo and Asthenis like this.
  10. DOWORKFCAR

    DOWORKFCAR Formula Junior
    Silver Subscribed

    Oct 15, 2016
    330

    Where are you getting this info. Where is the real world data? Facts. I’ve never heard of this.
    To the OP, I’ve owned my F430 for 5 years, 8K miles and have only used 10% of my clutch. Don’t worry about it and enjoy. Mine is an 06. lol.
     
    Asthenis likes this.
  11. Mario Andretti

    Mario Andretti Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 9, 2020
    1,760
    Boston
    Setting a correct PIS has a huge effect on clutch wear. My clutch wear slowed down after I set the PIS... at this rate I need another 10-12 years to get to 60% .
     
    swc5150, cavlino and Asthenis like this.
  12. Asthenis

    Asthenis Karting

    Jan 20, 2023
    192
    I only have 7% on my 2005 which is 14k miles, maybe a new clutch was installed but I have no tracking records :) Just want to learn how to Not fry it as it seems to be in good shape- also what is the sweet spot for gear change ? 3000-6000 RPM ?
    I also read that downshifting at hight RPM is bad ? it sounds amazing tho :D
     
    cavlino likes this.
  13. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2006
    2,379
    New Jersey Shore
    also remember the 7% for 14k miles is very dependent on the type of driving. If you are simply going out to Cars and Coffee on a Sunday morning with traffic lights and parking lots as most of your mileage vs highway, there will be a big difference in clutch wear no matter how careful you are to prevent slippage.
     
  14. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,753
    England
    Full Name:
    Mark
    Technical data is from my own experience and the Ferrari factory literature. The real world data is with the independents who service these cars; it is well known that the MY08 cars are kinder on clutches. It's one of the reasons that the launch control guidance was removed for MY08 (in England we have LC, and the pre MY08 were only permitted three launches before the Ferrari warranty was voided)
     
    cavlino likes this.
  15. Asthenis

    Asthenis Karting

    Jan 20, 2023
    192
    Is lifting accelerator pedal while changing gears a myth ? I heard both theories ...
     
  16. Mario Andretti

    Mario Andretti Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 9, 2020
    1,760
    Boston
    I lift when I am not in a hurry and changing gears around town... On the track, no way. I also start slowly and allow the clutch to engage in first and then accelerate as needed, no need to slip it fast.

    Dropping the PIS from the (as found when bought) 5.1 to 4.15 made a huge difference in engagement in first gear. It seems to engage faster... your mileage might vary, so it is clutch/car dependent. I dropped the PIS until it made a slight tendency to move in 1st gear and standing still; then moved up a 0.1.
     
    cavlino and Asthenis like this.
  17. CoreyNJ

    CoreyNJ Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Apr 17, 2006
    2,379
    New Jersey Shore
    I think that is a difference between transmission and TCU versions. The later cars you shouldn't lift as it expects you not to lift, the earlier cars you need to lift especially on the 360 for a smoother engagement.
     
    Asthenis, cavlino and mwstewart like this.
  18. GogglesPisano

    GogglesPisano F1 Rookie
    Silver Subscribed

    Sep 13, 2022
    3,034
    East Bay, California
    Full Name:
    Joe
    In my manual it specifically states to not lift (2008). Haven't tested my top speed in reverse yet to see if I get a nice engagement :D
     
  19. yelcab

    yelcab F1 World Champ
    Consultant

    Nov 29, 2001
    13,413
    San Carlos, CA
    Full Name:
    Mitchell Le
    I live at the top of a hill. The street on the side of the house is the hill part and I regularly park my daily drivers on that street, facing down the hill. That means I have to back up the hill in reverse to park it. The clutch on that mini cooper is going to die soon, I just know it.

    I used to go into San Francisco regularly and there are many steep hills in that city. Sometimes you just have to park it on a hill backing up. That one time in a 6 speed GT3... I must have given up 10% of the clutch to the parking spot.
     
    PeterS likes this.
  20. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
    1,932
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    KGC
    That sucks. I guess I'm spoiled living here in Florida. I do remember when visiting San Diego all those hills and mountains. Beautiful to look at but... driving a nice car stick or paddle shift would really have me gritting my teeth :(
    Not to mention here in Florida there are no vehicle inspections so we can modify with impunity:D
     
  21. Mario Andretti

    Mario Andretti Formula 3
    Silver Subscribed

    Aug 9, 2020
    1,760
    Boston
    I don't see why driving a stick on hills is a problem. If you slip the clutch too much it's just a matter of driver education.
     
  22. mwstewart

    mwstewart F1 Rookie

    Feb 5, 2014
    2,753
    England
    Full Name:
    Mark
    Make sure to set off in RACE
     
    Asthenis likes this.
  23. deebo

    deebo Karting

    Nov 20, 2020
    63
    I just left the dealer (Ferrari Central FL) yesterday and had them do a 3-hour inspection, part of which included a clutch reading. Tech said my clutch was 10% worn. I replaced it at 22k miles and it currently sits at 33k.. Needless to say I was pretty happy! I would echo what was said above mainly avoid stop/go traffic if possible, don’t reverse uphill, etc.


    By the way, unfortunately and immediately after I left the dealer, my rear tire blew out on the way home [emoji38]

    Back to the dealer she goes!




    Sent from my iPhone using FerrariChat
     
    Asthenis likes this.
  24. DrivnXcitment

    DrivnXcitment Karting

    Apr 29, 2006
    220
    St. Augustine, FL
    Full Name:
    Bryan
    Have they been doing your service for a while, have you been happy with them? I spoke to them on the phone about a problem I was having and they seemed helpful, they're just 2 hours away from me and don't want to drive that far if they're not good (if ever needed)
     
  25. KC360 FL

    KC360 FL Formula 3

    Jun 20, 2017
    1,932
    Melbourne Florida
    Full Name:
    KGC
    I have an '03 360 F1 (latest iteration of the TCU). After 6 years of ownership I have found that when I'm not pedal to the metal I lift off of the accelerator pedal ever so slightly for a much smoother, less slippage, shifting around town (I never take the car out of sport mode I don't know if that has anything to do with it). When shifting at the redline, I keep the pedal nailed.
     

Share This Page