top speed

[MAX IV Mark]

The secondary spring should have no effect on the top end.

Whipper

I think for the most part that is a correct statement as long as you can reach the point of full converter shift. I dont know what the RPM load and ratio curves are for the different springs, and there are other factors such as primary clutch weights and springs. But say you had a spring on the secondary that would fully shift at 3400 rpm and changed to a heavier spring that fully shifted at 3600 rpm. You would lose top speed if you have a engine governed to 3500 rpm. If you have an engine like Whipper's ungoverned high HP engines it would be so far past full engagement it wouldn't even be a factor

[Noel Woods]

I have three amphibs equipped with the red spring clutch. My tan Max2 was originally clocked via gps at 24mph with the green spring clutch. After conversion to red spring the speed fell to 18mph (gps verified). My Super Swamp Fox originally topped out at 28 mph with the stock clutch. I converted that machine to the red spring clutch, and put the ASX tires on at the same time. The speed dropped to a high of 20 mph, but I figure much of that came from the additional drag of the aggressive tires. My green Max 2 originally topped out at 25 mph, then dropped to 20 mph after the red spring conversion.

I do think that the stiffer settings of the red spring effect the primary clutch from full closure, thus resulting in the slower top end. The longer time at lower gearing is the the combination that works best for me where I ride. I figure at some point when the springs wear the top end will increase, however in 120+ hours since the conversion in my tan Max2, there has been no change in top end.

Its nearly a 100 degrees here in Texas and most of our riding here is in the fall and winter. Next time out I will use the gps and take some additional readings and advise on each of my red spring equipped machines.

[Joe H]

I understand what you guys are saying, when I made my post I assumed that the clutching systems were working properly I did not realize that you were restricting the secondary to just slow them down. Aren't there parts available for the primary or different angle ramps for the secondary so they could be done the right way and still maintain full function? One more question- do you move the engine forward after installing the red spring to get full use of the primary clutch?

[Joe H]

I think for the most part that is a correct statement as long as you can reach the point of full converter shift. I dont know what the RPM load and ratio curves are for the different springs, and there are other factors such as primary clutch weights and springs. But say you had a spring on the secondary that would fully shift at 3400 rpm and changed to a heavier spring that fully shifted at 3600 rpm. You would lose top speed if you have a engine governed to 3500 rpm. If you have an engine like Whipper's ungoverned high HP engines it would be so far past full engagement it wouldn't even be a factor

??? The secondary will never move unless the primary does correct?