Southbend Endurance Stage 2 VS. Ringer Racing Stage 3 Clutch

[RickyBobby IV]

Alright so I've been looking into replacing my clutch for about 6 months now and narrowed down my options to 2. Currently I'm EPL stage 2 single pulley and have no intentions of going dual pulley in the forseeable future. Really just wanting to know which will last the longest of the two and driveability with this being my daily?(yes I know southbend stage 3 endurance but not willing to pay 3K+ for a clutch) Both options i'm opting for a lightweight flywheel since my car is @ 93,000 miles. Any input or experience with either product would be greatly appreciated

[chi123]

I'm GIAC stage 2 and had the Southbend Stage 2 Endurance Clutch for under 40K miles before having to replace it. Clutch held the power but the pressure plate went bad and it was hard to start the car even with the extended slave cylinder. It was also really jerky getting into 1st gear. I only "launched" the car a few times. I have the Sachs Xtend clutch and like it much more.

[wes8398]

OP - I think the consensus is that if you're looking at South Bend, you need to look at the stage 3, not 2. Plenty of folks haven't been happy with the stage 2, but I haven't heard many complaints about the stage 3.
My research, though, tells me that the Ringer Racing offering is hands down the best value for us. Their stuff is custom made by Clutch Masters for them specifically and to their specs. I believe they recently revised they're (already great) torque rating on the stage 2 kit to over 700 ft. lbs. They also have a choice of 2 LWFWs...a billet steel option or billet aluminum for a bit more money.



I'm GIAC stage 2 and had the Southbend Stage 2 Endurance Clutch for under 40K miles before having to replace it. Clutch held the power but the pressure plate went bad and it was hard to start the car even with the extended slave cylinder. It was also really jerky getting into 1st gear. I only "launched" the car a few times. I have the Sachs Xtend clutch and like it much more.You got less than 40k out of the SBS2E, then followed up by downgrading to a Sachs Xtend, whose only improvement over stock is a 10 or 15% greater clamping force...? Interesting.

[JACKAL]

This is interesting. I have a Southbend Stage 3 Endurance in my truck ready for install but looking at that Ringer Racing stage 3 option they claim 740 ft-lbs at the flywheel. And all-in for their kit with the aluminum flywheel it's still $1100 less than what the Southbend kit cost....I might be returning that and ordering this one instead.

I wonder if anyone else can chime in on the quality, durability, and feel of the Ringer option?

[wes8398]

This is interesting. I have a Southbend Stage 3 Endurance in my truck ready for install but looking at that Ringer Racing stage 3 option they claim 740 ft-lbs at the flywheel. And all-in for their kit with the aluminum flywheel it's still $1100 less than what the Southbend kit cost....I might be returning that and ordering this one instead.

I wonder if anyone else can chime in on the quality, durability, and feel of the Ringer option?I've talked to a number of folks as well as vendors about Ringer. In short, it's a no-brainer, man.

[JACKAL]

I've talked to a number of folks as well as vendors about Ringer. In short, it's a no-brainer, man.

A no-brainer as in a good route to take? I ask because I’ve heard some less than positive reviews of Clutchmaster products for our platform but I take that with a grain of salt as it seems all aftermarket clutches can be disparaged somewhere or other.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[wes8398]

A no-brainer as in a good route to take? I ask because I’ve heard some less than positive reviews of Clutchmaster products for our platform but I take that with a grain of salt as it seems all aftermarket clutches can be disparaged somewhere or other.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkNo brainer as in they'll be getting my business when the time comes [emoji106]

[chi123]

You got less than 40k out of the SBS2E, then followed up by downgrading to a Sachs Xtend, whose only improvement over stock is a 10 or 15% greater clamping force...? Interesting.

My car is only a stage 2 and a daily driver that sees roughly 20K miles a year. Stock clutch lasted until 112K miles and 30K miles was on stage 2. Stock clutch actually held the power until it started slipping. The SB stage 2 was really the only option I had at the time. Wanted a clutch that can handle more power and firmer pedal. So went stage 2 over stage 1. Then had to replace it at 150K. Don't want to have to change out a clutch every two years. The Xtend kit had good reviews and most people claimed that it held stage 2 power well. 20K miles on the Xtend so far and I'm pretty happy with it. The only downside was the light pedal feel that's almost like stock.

[Cooper993]

I have a Ringer Racing custom clutch in my MK 6 Golf R.

I too was on the fence regarding using Ringer Racing vs. many other options out there for the R.

However, my mechanic, who recommended them based on past experience, suggest I give them a call before making a final decision.

When you call them, Mike (owner) will be the one you speak with and he will answer any questions you have. After a couple of in-depth conversations with him, I felt that was the best option for my needs.

When the clutch goes on the S4, I'll go with RR as well.

I'd suggest giving him a call and he'll answer any questions you have