SACHS RCS 140 racing clutch, sintered metal 3.4 mm
The SACHS RCS 140 sintered metal clutch from ZF-Motorsport is a particularly compact clutch system for highly loaded motorsport drivetrains. The series combines low rotating mass, short shift windows, direct torque transmission and high torque density with a clutch diameter of only 140 mm. Typical applications include formula cars, prototypes, circuit racing, hill climb, slalom, rally, rallycross and motorsport projects with limited installation space.
This category contains only SACHS RCS 140 racing clutches and components with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs. The S3.4 designation refers to a sintered metal clutch disc with 3.4 mm lining thickness. The friction lining is sintered directly onto the clutch carrier and therefore differs technically from sintered pad friction discs with individual friction segments.
Technical variants of the RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm series
The variants differ mainly in the number of friction discs, transmissible torque capacity and thermal reserve. More friction discs increase the effective friction area and distribute friction work and temperature across several contact surfaces. This enables high torque values without increasing the very compact 140 mm clutch diameter.
| Version | Lining | Design | Technical classification |
|---|---|---|---|
| SACHS RCS 2/140-S3.4 | Sintered metal, 3.4 mm | 2-plate racing clutch with 140 mm diameter | Compact multi-plate version with direct torque transfer and high torque density |
| SACHS RCS 3/140-S3.4 | Sintered metal, 3.4 mm | 3-plate racing clutch with 140 mm diameter | More friction area and increased thermal reserve in a very compact package |
| SACHS RCS 4/140-S3.4 | Sintered metal, 3.4 mm | 4-plate racing clutch with 140 mm diameter | Maximum friction area and high thermal reserve within the RCS 140 S3.4 size range |
Direct-sintered 3.4 mm sintered metal friction lining
In the RCS 140 sintered metal S3.4, the metallic friction lining is bonded directly to the clutch carrier. This design reduces the mass and overall height of the friction disc and provides high rigidity. The result is a clearly defined bite point, fast response during clutch engagement and very direct torque transfer.
The 3.4 mm lining thickness provides more material reserve than very thin sintered metal friction discs, while remaining more compact and lighter than sintered pad versions with individual friction segments. The RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm is therefore a technical solution for applications that require direct friction characteristics, compact overall height and additional thermal reserve.
Complete clutches and spare parts for SACHS RCS 140
This category includes SACHS RCS 140 racing clutches with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs as well as matching components and wear parts for maintenance, overhaul and rebuilds. These include clutch discs, pressure plates, intermediate plates, clutch covers, adapter plates, motorsport concentric slave cylinders, release rings and further components of the modular RCS system.
In motorsport use, friction discs, pressure plates, intermediate plates and cover components are checked regularly depending on running time, thermal load and wear condition. The modular design allows individual components to be replaced selectively and supports service-friendly maintenance of the clutch unit.
Advantages of the RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm version
The SACHS RCS 140 racing clutch with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs combines maximum compactness with high torque density and very direct friction characteristics. The direct-sintered friction lining supports fast response, precise disengagement and a low moment of inertia of the clutch unit.
Direct-sintered friction lining for precise torque transfer and compact overall height.
Very compact size with minimal installation space and low moment of inertia.
Large friction area and thermal absorption with a very small clutch diameter.
Very high torque transmission within a particularly small clutch size.
Clear feedback, short response and precise clutch engagement in motorsport use.
Modular RCS system for high loads, consistent performance and targeted maintenance.
Applications
The RCS 140 racing clutch with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs is suitable for motorsport applications where compact design, low rotating mass and direct torque transfer must be combined. The small clutch diameter supports fast engine speed changes, short shift windows and spontaneous engine response.
- Formula cars & prototypes: compact design and low inertia with limited installation space
- Circuit racing: fast response and precise torque transfer under high thermal load
- Rally & rallycross: robust torque transfer during starts, load changes and changing grip conditions
- Hill climb & slalom: direct power delivery, short shift windows and fast engine speed changes
- Racing projects: RCS 140 clutch with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs where installation space is minimal
Sintered metal 3.4, sintered metal 2.6, sintered pad or Organic: technical classification
The choice of friction material and lining thickness affects response, temperature resistance, wear behaviour and drivetrain load. Sintered metal 3.4 mm provides direct friction characteristics with a compact overall height and additional material reserve. Sintered metal 2.6 mm is even thinner and designed for minimum mass, sintered pad versions offer more wear volume, while Organic is softer and easier to modulate.
The SACHS RCS 140 racing clutch with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs is therefore the right technical choice when compact design, fast response and slightly greater lining thickness than S2.6 are priorities. For applications with particularly high wear volume, a sintered pad version can be useful; for softer clutch engagement, an organic version may be preferable.
Technical selection: torque, friction discs and hub profile
Engine output, maximum engine torque and thermal load limit are decisive when selecting the right SACHS RCS 140 sintered metal clutch. The stated transmissible torque describes the maximum transmissible engine torque of the respective version without an additional safety margin. Depending on the application, vehicle weight, tyre grip, gearing, launch load, temperature development and load duration, the clutch should be dimensioned with sufficient reserve or deliberately oversized.
A clutch that is operated permanently close to its maximum torque capacity can be subjected to higher thermal and mechanical stress. For applications with high launch torque, frequent starts, strong grip or long load duration, a larger torque reserve is recommended. The specification should therefore be based on the real vehicle load and not solely on theoretical engine torque.
In addition to torque capacity, the flywheel, release system, release travel, installation height and correct hub profile for the gearbox input shaft are decisive. Depending on the version, the RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm clutches are designed for flat or stepped flywheels and are available with different hub profiles as well as matching release diameters.
Frequently asked questions about the SACHS RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm clutch
Which RCS 140 sintered metal clutches are available in this category?
This category includes SACHS RCS 140 racing clutches and components with sintered metal 3.4 mm friction discs. The listed variants are designed for compact packaging, direct torque transfer and high torque density with a clutch diameter of 140 mm.
What does S3.4 mean for the SACHS RCS 140?
S3.4 refers to a sintered metal clutch disc with 3.4 mm lining thickness. The friction lining is sintered directly onto the clutch carrier and provides very direct friction characteristics with a compact overall height. Compared with S2.6, more lining thickness is available, giving the S3.4 version additional thermal reserve.
Is sintered metal 3.4 mm a sintered pad version?
No. With sintered metal 3.4 mm, the friction lining is sintered directly onto the clutch carrier. A sintered pad disc, by contrast, uses individual friction segments. Sintered metal 3.4 mm is therefore more compact and more direct, while sintered pad offers greater wear volume.
What is the difference between RCS 2/140, RCS 3/140 and RCS 4/140?
The variants differ in the number of friction discs. More friction discs increase friction area, torque capacity and thermal reserve. This allows a very compact 140 mm clutch to transmit high engine torque without increasing clutch diameter.
When does an RCS 140 make more sense than an RCS 184 or RCS 200?
An RCS 140 makes sense when low rotating mass, compact installation space and fast response are more important than maximum friction area. RCS 184 and RCS 200 offer more thermal reserve and higher load capacity, but require more installation space and have higher inertia.
Are individual spare parts available for the SACHS RCS 140 sintered metal 3.4 mm?
Yes, individual spare and wear parts are available for the RCS 140. These include clutch discs, pressure plates, intermediate plates, clutch covers, adapter plates, motorsport concentric slave cylinders, release rings and further components of the modular RCS system.
What matters when making the technical selection?
The decisive factors are engine torque, thermal load, application, flywheel type, release system, release travel, installation height and hub profile. The stated transmissible torque should be understood as a maximum value without an additional safety margin.