Understanding Different Types of Friction Materials
Choosing the right friction material is crucial for optimizing the performance and longevity of your automatic transmission. Whether you're looking to restore a classic car to its original specs or working on a transmission upgraded for enhanced performance, understanding the different types of friction materials can guide you to the perfect choice. From OEM replacements to high-performance upgrades, explore our detailed guide on each type of friction material, complete with real-world applications and expert insights to help you make an informed decision.
Tan - OEM Replacement
The tan or yellowish-colored clutch plates are the most basic friction material and OE in many early applications. Tan clutches are the go-to option for restoring early-model vehicles, offering a cost-effective yet reliable solution. They replicate the original specifications used in many early passenger cars and light trucks, providing a performance that aligns closely with the vehicle's initial capabilities. Ideal for automotive enthusiasts looking to maintain the authentic feel of their classic cars.
Graphitic - Enhanced Heat Durability
Specifically designed for applications where heat durability is paramount, Graphitic clutches are engineered to withstand and manage high temperatures effectively. They excel in a limited-slip differential heavy-duty enviroments such as buses and trucks, storing heat until full engagement and then releasing it gradually to prevent warping and ensure long-lasting performance.
High-Energy - All-Round Everyday Performance
High-energy clutches are often found in a green color shade. The materials used are a blend of Kevlar, ceramics, graphite, and carbon that produces smooth engagement to withstand higher friction to steel surface temperatures that modern applications create. It is the perfect general-purpose clutch material. It is usually used in late-model passenger cars and trucks in both static and dynamaic applications. Though, the greatest benefit is in dynamaic applications.
High-Static - Maximum Torque
High-static frictions are the ultimate holding material. It is designed to provide maximum breakaway torque capacity for high-stress holding applications. Used in high-performance siutations that need increased holding capacity. High-static clutch plates are often used with a trans brake in racing applications. Ensuring immediate and reliable clutch engagement under the most strenuous conditions.
GPX by Raybestos - Precision for Honda/Acura
Global Performance Extra (GPX) friction material is designed to match and outperform Honda/Acura OEM clutch plates. Raybestos Powertrain's proprietary material and unique groove pattern allow GPZ plates to stand up to high temperatures, create smooth shifts, and provide greater durability than the direct OE replacement friction. GPX clutches are recommended for use in all Honda/Acura passenger cars.
HT by Raybestos - Hybrid Technology for Everyday Use
Providing a balance between performance and durability, Hybrid Technology (HT) friction plates are made from a proprietary Raybestos Powertrain technology and unique groove pattern to reduce stress during shifts, to keep transmission components cooler, improve overall performance and extending the life of the transmission rebuild. Recommended as an OEM replacement on all passenger cars and light trucks (except for Honda/Acura use GPX plates).
GPZ by Raybestos - Heavy Duty Performance
Tow more weight and run harder with GPZ friction plates manufactured by Raybestos Powertrain. GPZ clutches far exceed OEM specs. They can withstand. higher stress, higher temperatures, and more cycling than the clutches that were in the factory-built transmission. These performance benefits are perfect for heavy duty vehicles and high stress driving where greater torque capacity and smooth engagements are demanded. Tests performed by Raybestos on clutches with GPZ friction material show 20% better life and performance over OEM plates.
Stage-1 by Raybestos - Street and Strip Ready
These street and strip performance clutches are an affordable solution for performance applications that may not require the specifications of GEN2 Blue Plates but need more than what tan or high-energy frictions offer. Stage-1 red plate frictions, made in the USA by Raybestos Powertrain, are not limited to performance applications but also make the perfect friction plate for heavy duty applications as well. By increasing the holding capacity of the friction they are able to withstand higher temperatures associated with towing heavy loads. Stage-1 frictions are the best choice Raybestos offers for street rods, tuner cars, and mild street/strip applications.
Red Eagle by Alto - Ultimate Diesel Performance
Red Eagle frictions are the go-to material for most performance applications. The lining has a unique dual saturation, which imparts high friction coefficients and high heat resistance. Red Eagle clutches are designed to limit the amount of "slip" by providing a shorter lock-up time, generating less heat. Alto's proprietary process starts with the friction paper saturated in a phenolic resin, cured, and then saturated a second time in a silicate. The silicate imparts high heat resistance. Red Eagle clutches are designed with a softer, more resilient base paper than most frictions, which assures less wear against the adjoining steel plates so there is a reduced incidence of steel plates burning and warping. Technical Data on Red Eagle Clutches.
G3™ by Alto - Ultimate Diesel Performance
Alto's Red Eagles were their highest performance friction since it debuted and revolutionized the industry, until they introduced the G3™ friction plates. The G3™ friction material is Alto's highest energy material available. It was engineered to meet the demands of the high horsepower diesel performance market. The G3™ friction material is specially formulated with graphitic carbon-based particles for minimizing wear and maximizing heat resistance. They give a higher dynamic coefficient throughout a large range of shift energies. Transmitting more torque across a broad range of energies. G3™ clutches are engineered to be the most durable product for high horsepower high torque applications. Recommended for heavy load applications where the G3™ frictions provide a consistent smooth shift feel. Technical Data on G3™ Clutches.
GEN2 Blue Plate Special by Raybestos - Elite Racing Clutch
Raybestos's GEN2 Blue Plate Special friction plates are the ultimate racing clutch. They provide positive engagement under high power conditions where all of the energy absorbed is condensed into a very short length of time. State-of-the-art technology, developed by Raybestos, GEN2 Blue Plates can perform with little wear compared to other clutch materials. GEN2 Blue Plate Special fatigue strength, high durability, and quick shifts with little shock will help you achieve even faster times on the strip. Recommended for serious race applications only.