The organic lined friction plates are easier to drive and feel more like a standard clutch but are compromised by their relatively low torque holding capacity. The sintered metal friction plate has a significantly higher torque holding capacity but is compromised by it’s aggressive engagement, judder and noise. In both cases, the uprated clutch cover springs provide a heavier feel to the clutch pedal.

A solution to the above issues is the use of the HKS GD Max multi plate clutch and light weight flwheel. The twin friction plates are sintered metal to provide maximum torque handling capacity and are engaged synchronously to provide a smooth operation. The doubling of friction material quantity reduces the need for heavy pressure plate springs, so the overall feel of the clutch is light, progressive and easy to use.

The problem is that HKS do not make a twin plate clutch kit for the Escort RS Cosworth so we had to engineer a kit from a Japanese engine to fit and work correctly.

This is the HKS GD Max twin plate clutch kit:

The standard flywheel was engineered to accept the HKS GD Max clutch kit:

One of the engineering challenges to over come was to convert the stardard “push” type engagement to a “pull” type and become hydraulically operated:

We think that this is the first time in the world that the HKS GD Max twin plate clutch has been successfully installed in an Escort RS Cosworth.

In operation, we can report that the clutch biting point is exceptionally smooth and light. Mission accomplished!