Valeo OEM Clutch Replacement Review

[geeky]

So I was in need of a new clutch and after searching for a while decided to go with the Valeo Clutch Kit with the Single Mass Flywheel. After determining where to buy the clutch, I ended up ordering from an ebay seller known as "GripForce"

MJMautohaus Kit: $489.95

eBay Seller "gripforce-clutches": $435 shipped (3 day select UPS shipping)

Apparently, Axis Motorsports also carries them, but I was not able to find it on their online catalog.

Another AZ member who is currently running the Valeo Clutch Kit

To purchase the clutch, I called Gripforce directly (a store located in Anaheim, CA) and ordered the clutch over the phone. (562) 905-3233

When the clutch arrived, it was in a green Valeo printed card board box.

When you first open the package, you'll see warranty information, instructions, parts lists, etc.

What's included is:
- Pressure Plate
- Single Mass Flywheel
- Friction Disk
- Throw-out Bearing
- Pilot Bearing
- Flywheel Bolts
- Pressure Plate Bolts

What's NOT included:
- Clutch Alignment Tool

First impressions, the clutch looks great and is solidly made. MJMautohaus has stated that the clutch holds approximately 275 ft lbs. of torque. The flywheel is about 5-6lbs lighter than the DMF setup. I did NOT actually weigh them on a scale, but lifting them up, there is definitely a difference in weight.

So far, I have 30 miles on the clutch and will have about 150 after tomorrow. I'll update this post after the 500mile break in period. As far as clutch engagment/feel goes, the clutch pedal feels a slight bit lighter than my previous OEM clutch (the OEM clutch had 175,xxx miles on it, purchased car with 163,xxx) and the engagement is about at the middle of the pedal, where it should be. I forgot to take photos of the friction disk while I was taking photos of everything else

While I was installing the clutch, I also put in a new rear main seal, Crankcase breather hose, and the t-fitting for it.











For high res photos of the clutches, please go to my Flickr (geeky_panda)

[Affinitive]

You should be very happy with the clutch kit. I've installed a number of these on B6 cars. On all those the flywheel actually seemed just a bit heavier. As you think it would considering it takes up the same dimensions and being completely solid. I never weighed them either though. Whatever...irrelevant
My customers have all been very happy as the cars seem to get a little better low end torque (good for stop and go driving) and a good solid as well as slightly more "sporty" feel. This is one of those rare cases in life where the cheaper route produces a better solution.......
Keeping a nice heavy flywheel is good for daily driving. In my opinion it seems too many people out there are putting performance clutch/flywheel combos into cars not built up enough to justify the clutch set ups.......making the cars a pain the arse to drive on a daily basis. This clutch kit will also be just fine with fairly mild build ups.......
As for the pedal feeling "too Light", that"ll go away after a while. That's normal, it feels like it would have when the car was brand new.........

C

[geeky]

You should be very happy with the clutch kit. I've installed a number of these on B6 cars. On all those the flywheel actually seemed just a bit heavier. As you think it would considering it takes up the same dimensions and being completely solid. I never weighed them either though. Whatever...irrelevant
My customers have all been very happy as the cars seem to get a little better low end torque (good for stop and go driving) and a good solid as well as slightly more "sporty" feel. This is one of those rare cases in life where the cheaper route produces a better solution.......
Keeping a nice heavy flywheel is good for daily driving. In my opinion it seems too many people out there are putting performance clutch/flywheel combos into cars not built up enough to justify the clutch set ups.......making the cars a pain the arse to drive on a daily basis. This clutch kit will also be just fine with fairly mild build ups.......
As for the pedal feeling "too Light", that"ll go away after a while. That's normal, it feels like it would have when the car was brand new.........

C

Ah good to know. That light clutch pedal feeling was kinda freaking me out last night, but I did get use to it.

[bob12312357]

Good to hear. Thanks for the review.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

Good to hear I have this kit waiting to be installed as well.

[anmagro]

Hmm, maby this will be a clutch i may consider when the time comes. As long as quality is at top notch. Good luck with everything sir, seems as if install and everything went okay for you.

Would this be a clutch that is okay to drop into gear hard every once and a while? I want a clutch that will be happy in LI Expressway Traffic but yet will pick up nicely when i want to launch on rare occations.

[flynnr]

what stage southbend does this compare to? and what gripping force over stock is it

[mike-2ptzero]

what stage southbend does this compare to? and what gripping force over stock is it

Well seeing that it basically just a standard pressure plate and organic disk its going to be equal or lower then a SB stage 1 which is rated at just 220tq and that happens to be lower then the 245 tq a chipped K03 makes. This is exactly why I never suggest anything lower then a stage 3 for even a chipped A4 1.8t.

Comparing pics it looks like the clutch setup is a normal Sach pressure plate with a stock B6 sprung disk and a single mass flywheel.

BTW claimed tq ratings are for a car that is already rolling at speed, when the load on the driveline is increased the amount of tq being applied to the clutch is very much increased too. Launching the car can pretty much add another 50% tq since the disk is sitting perfectly still while the flywheel/pressure plate are spinning at high rpm.

[flynnr]

^^^ thats exactly what i assumed, which was why i questioned it, which is why i wonder why people are oogling about it right now....

spend the extra $$ and do it right the 1st time

[mike-2ptzero]

^^^ thats exactly what i assumed, which was why i questioned it, which is why i wonder why people are oogling about it right now....

spend the extra $$ and do it right the 1st time

Its because of the price, but when it comes to a clutch you get what you pay for.

[geeky]

^^^ thats exactly what i assumed, which was why i questioned it, which is why i wonder why people are oogling about it right now....

spend the extra $$ and do it right the 1st time

how is that "spend the extra $$ and do it right the 1st time" an appropriate cliche saying to use in this circumstance. This clutch is mainly aimed as an OE replacement with getting rid of the DMF and a price that won't break the bank.

I went this route because I could NOT have any downtime to send out my DMF to SB to get resurfaced if I went that route as I needed the clutch done ASAP. As for the power, I went this route because for now, the PC-16 K04 is plently for me, as seeing that I am entering college now, I need to start saving money and become more financially responsible rather than spend every single dime from my paychecks on my car. I spoke to many different people who own this clutch and for spirited occasional driving+k04, the clutch will hold just fine.

So though it's only your opinion, I did "do it right the 1st time."

And in view of the clutch, I have put 160miles on the clutch (2/3 of them being city) and the light clutch pedal feel has decreased, and is now pretty close to the stock feel. The engagement point is still where it was when I began with the clutch install and love how it doesn't engage almost at the top of the pedal.

[flynnr]

Well seeing that it basically just a standard pressure plate and organic disk its going to be equal or lower then a SB stage 1 which is rated at just 220tq and that happens to be lower then the 245 tq a chipped K03 makes. This is exactly why I never suggest anything lower then a stage 3 for even a chipped A4 1.8t.

didnt mean to be a dbag earlier, and again dont but if this info is correct (coming from a pretty reliable source) and you still think that your new clutch kit will hold up to the output of a ko4 pc-16 (which is much higher than a ko3)... you are high

do the math

[mike-2ptzero]

Just a warning guys, I just found out that the Valeo clutch/flywheel setup can not be used with any other aftermarket clutch kits. So this means once you have that flywheel you are stuck using that OEM replacement Valeo clutch.

[hoganalley]

well, we'll see what happens. Mine's getting installed on Monday. I didn't know it was a Valeo setup until I saw it today. I'm at a GIAC K04 file now, and the most I will go is P-16 but it's not worth it for the money. For what I'm doing, this will be fine. I'll post up late next week.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

I really like this clutch too. The pedal feel is nice and having a lower engagment point is a definite plus, I hated how high the stock clutch engaged. I've done a couple WOT pulls and it grabs really nice and saving a little weight at the FW is a nice bonus. I'd recommend it to anyone needing a close to OEM replacement, obviously if you plan on going to a bigger turbo you may want to look elsewhere, but it suits me just fine.

[mike-2ptzero]

I really like this clutch too. The pedal feel is nice and having a lower engagment point is a definite plus, I hated how high the stock clutch engaged. I've done a couple WOT pulls and it grabs really nice and saving a little weight at the FW is a nice bonus. I'd recommend it to anyone needing a close to OEM replacement, obviously if you plan on going to a bigger turbo you may want to look elsewhere, but it suits me just fine.

When you say little you are right, we put it on a scale yesterday and it was 22+ lbs which makes it less then 4 lbs lighter then stock.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

When you say little you are right, we put it on a scale yesterday and it was 22+ lbs which makes it less then 4 lbs lighter then stock.

Cool thanks, I knew it wasnt a ton but every little bit helps, right?

[AudiRacerS4]

Cool thanks, I knew it wasnt a ton but every little bit helps, right?

not really, less than a 4lb difference is not going to be that noticeable.

[AudiRacerS4]

didnt mean to be a dbag earlier, and again dont but if this info is correct (coming from a pretty reliable source) and you still think that your new clutch kit will hold up to the output of a ko4 pc-16 (which is much higher than a ko3)... you are high

do the math

x2 the PC-16 file will rip that clutch apart in no time. The tq spike on the k04 is pretty instant

[mike-2ptzero]

x2 the PC-16 file will rip that clutch apart in no time. The tq spike on the k04 is pretty instant

I wonder how long that clutch would last on a J31 setup. lol

[AudiRacerS4]

I wonder how long that clutch would last on a J31 setup. lol

lol 28-30psi would probably destroy that clutch in a month. My friend's k04 jetta lasted 5 1/2 weeks on a brand new stock clutch (<5000 on the clutch)

[geeky]

Forgot about this thread, but I have been driving the PC16 setup on this clutch for the past 1,000 miles WITHOUT any issues, and the clutch now has around 10-15k miles on it. The pedal feel/engagement point has not changed at all since after the break in period.


I have not done any launches from a dig nor do I plan on it with this clutch setup, but doing 2nd gear pulls has not created any issues for this clutch yet, and I've definitely been having fun with the PC16 file around town.

[somebody5788]

Forgot about this thread, but I have been driving the PC16 setup on this clutch for the past 1,000 miles WITHOUT any issues, and the clutch now has around 10-15k miles on it. The pedal feel/engagement point has not changed at all since after the break in period.


I have not done any launches from a dig nor do I plan on it with this clutch setup, but doing 2nd gear pulls has not created any issues for this clutch yet, and I've definitely been having fun with the PC16 file around town.

Hope it keeps on holding. I went with a stage 2 because I wanted to be able to launch the car. Plus I only paid like 350 or less.

[4n2twstr]

Bringing this thread back to life! Need some more long-term feedback for those rocking this Valeo Clutch Kit. How's it holding up after X miles, your style of driving, yada yada yada... I'm just APR flashed/cat back/HFC/ECS "race" N75 so no BT here; just looking for a good value replacement since mine's startin to slip after 94k (few launches and snow drifting donuts in the mix). Thx!

[ThatA4T]

im in the process of putting this in my car as we speak so ill be able to let you know down the road sorry i cant be much help but i got mine used with less than 1000 miles on it... still looks brand new and the reason i did it was the price. i got the clutch flywheel and the tranny for 650 total i will upgrade later but right now on stock turbo with just a chip its not necessary for me to do anything better. by the time i have money to go BT ill need a new clutch anyway

[geeky]

I no longer own my car but the PC-16 and the clutch held up fine for spirited driving and such. never dumped the clutch as I knew the clutch wouldnt hold up for a dry launch etc.

ThatA4, let me know if you need help. Back in boulder and always down to wrench.

[ThatA4T]

i would always love an extra hand ill be at my parents house today in parker installing the flywheel and clutch as well as pulling the oil pan and cleaning the pickup tube and screen. still need to pull the valve cover intake mani and throttle body to get off to powdercoat. and more than anything if its warm i need a hand pushing my car into the yard to pressure wash my engine bay with the motor out. believe it or not this car is still to heavy as hell to push alone with the motor and tranny out haha ill pm you my number if u would like to help me out today

[4n2twstr]

geeky- good to know
ThatA4T- will be hearing from you in the future!

OK so I saw in ECS' site this RA4 Clutch Conversion - Stage 1 clutch kit, anyone rocking these? If so, I wanna hear some feedback! http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...Clutch/ES5485/

[McGovs2.7TB5]

I've had this clutch in since Aug '09, only about 12k miles so far. Still holds fine, I drive pretty spirited but never do hard launches. I'd say its def worth the price if you have just the basic mods. Still feels the same as what I wrote back in post #15.

[geeky]

If youre between the RA4 or the Valeo and ever planning on going to a kit BT (ie a disco potato) definitely go with the RA4. if you're planning on going to a PC-16 and just stoping there, got with the Valeo. Thats my opinion on the situation.

[juxsa]

Damn I wish that had been around or I had seen it 2 years ago when I replaced my clutch with a SB Stg 2 clutch :( Thats a damn deal!!!

geeky- good to know
ThatA4T- will be hearing from you in the future!

OK so I saw in ECS' site this RA4 Clutch Conversion - Stage 1 clutch kit, anyone rocking these? If so, I wanna hear some feedback! http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...Clutch/ES5485/

[Dan[FN]6262]

I ran this clutch for a while on a GT71R eliminator turbo setup. Never once had a problem with it, but I never launched it.

[kaban]

I ran this clutch for a while on a GT71R eliminator turbo setup. Never once had a problem with it, but I never launched it.

No living life 1/4 mile at a time?

[4n2twstr]

No living life 1/4 mile at a time?

yeah, I'm probably gonna go the Valeo route, seems like everyone who's got it is happy w/ 'em..... just no launches from a dig :)

[Turbwhistle]

OK, my car needs a clutch and i was searching found this thread, it seems like alot of people saw this thread so i thought i would ask, i want to buy a clutch for my car. I need a clutch that will be good with a stock setup until i get money for chip/tune, exhaust, and some other little things, possibly a k04 setup. I am looking for something i can have bought and installed for about 1200$ I really need to find something reliable and able to support some power. PLEASE HELP! lol thanks

[quattro_mds]

+1 for me also. Mine was put in when I did the rear main seal, I spent the extra cost to put this clutch and no additional labor was charged (Thanks RAI Motorsport). I've been very happy with the performance from this clutch kit. I do some spirited driving when traffic allows and no Po Po on the radar. I don't lunch my car, if I'm challenged at the stop light, I let them get ahead then let her rip after I'm in second gear. So far very happy with it. Just my $.02.

[geeky]

Turwhistle, this clutch is fantastic. I had no issues with this clutch on a PC16 setup with a K04 so if you're planning on just going to the K04 level and stopping for the powerplant, this is plenty of a clutch.

[denniscoleman]

I am new to audizine as of today and could use any help/advice on proper navigation of the site.
I am planning to replace the clutch and fw on my son's stock 99 b5 1.8 Q (150K) and have located the much discussed valeo kit on ebay for $438.
I am not a full-time wrencher but have the time and patience to take on the project having read a number of DIY posts.
Does anyone have recomendations regarding what else I should replace/repair once I have it apart. To my knowledge, I don't believe much if anything has been replaced since new.
Thanks and enjoy being a new member...
Dennis

[geeky]

Dennis,

Before you go down the road for this endeavor, make sure you get all the tools, especially the transmission floor jack. Not having one of those and having to hold it up by hand with another person while wrenching is not fun. As for what else needs to be replaced, that list might be endless. CV boots, mounts, vacuum lines, tbelt, etc some more information would be helpful for that department.

[Accord4tehloss!]

Just replaced my clutch with this kit have about 80 miles on it seems good so far car is stock.