Professionals. Question about dropping the clutch.

[a4_1.8t_01]

Last time I dropped the clutch I got a little excited and dropped it from too much rpm and smoked the crap out of it. I got a new clutch since then but still stock. What rpm/method is best for dropping it to get a good take off? I tried 3k and it bogged some but it was decent. I know I should of gone with stage 2 or 3 but its done. Im afraid to go more. Any comments thanks.

[gq331]

I drop at 3.5k. The trick is to hold the throttle steady to make sure that it catches. You need to work on your heavy ass foot. Don't get so excited by hitting the gas right after you let the clutch out.

[a4_1.8t_01]

Ok ill try that.

[djwimbo]

My answer to that one is not to "drop" the clutch.
I have a Stg 2+ Spec w/ LWFW so, take my advice as you wish. I've had success w/ the 3-4K range of release. I say release b/c I won't drop/sidestep mine. I already broke my rear diff and CV's by being stupid.
I release to about 75% engagement, hold that briefly and then release fully. I practiced this mostly at our AutoX event this last weekend to help build my confidence. The day started wet and dried up gradually. In my car (stock drivetrain other than clutch and FW) I could get the rear tires to break loose off a launch(wet).

"launching" is a bit different in our cars as we cannot run a 2-step w/o a SEM system. If you rev and hold your rpm's your DV will open and you won't launch in boost. However if you release the clutch while the rpm's are still rising or before they hesitate/hold you're still building boost. I don't have a boost gauge yet, so I don't know how much I'm "launching" at.
It's an aquired skill I've yet to really learn or even get close to mastering, it takes practice. Here's proof... this is before I'd launch past 2K
http://vids.myspace.com/index.cfm?fu...deoid=32266056

My favorite launch I did was @ 3K or so, but as the clutch barely began to grip and move the car forward I brought it up to 4K as I was still slipping it a tad. The car didn't bog down at all, and took off hard. I'll have to bring it to a track this summer and see what 60' I can run. I'm hoping for the range of 1.8's, and maybe a high 14 Sec pass, I'll take a 15 though. That'll just mean I have to go GTRS and call it a day.

[Kyle H]

At the strip I bounce the revs between 2700 and ~3200rpms, then floor it at 2700rpms and release the clutch when I'm at WOT @ 3300-3500rpms.

I'm not professional, but this method was good for a 16.2 @ 85mph on stock power and a clutch that looks like this:


....but this method may make you clutch (pressure plate) look like that!

[djwimbo]

At the strip I bounce the revs between 2700 and ~3200rpms, then floor it at 2700rpms and release the clutch when I'm at WOT @ 3300-3500rpms.

I'm not professional, but this method was good for a 16.2 @ 85mph on stock power and a clutch that looks like this:

....but this method may make you clutch (pressure plate) look like that! [:P]

Sounds about right for a stock setup. Part that bothers me is that he's got the torquey K04 on a OEM replacement clutch.

Kyle Carnage > Dan Carnage.

My carnage... Don't ever be that 1% that has the "that never happens to us" be a lie.

[Kyle H]

Oh I didn't even see that he has a k04.

Is that your rear diff mount hanging there? What'd you do!?

[djwimbo]

Is that your rear diff mount hanging there? What'd you do!?

Yea, I got pissed and side stepped it @ 2800 on dry pavement, and all seasons (4 am on a Monday).
There was previously a chip out of the rear diff mount and it snapped right there. Due to the damge before hand, or at least that's my best guess. When the rear mount snapped, the front one came with it. So I think I'm going to get the Urethane mount from 034 here soon to help prevent that, and fab up a steel one for the rear and solid bushings.

[mike-2ptzero]

Sounds about right for a stock setup. Part that bothers me is that he's got the torquey K04 on a OEM replacement clutch.

Kyle Carnage > Dan Carnage.

My carnage... Don't ever be that 1% that has the "that never happens to us" be a lie.

Yeah that can happen if the rear brakes get locked up because the rear wheels are spinning faster then the fronts.

At the strip I bounce the revs between 2700 and ~3200rpms, then floor it at 2700rpms and release the clutch when I'm at WOT @ 3300-3500rpms.

That would be the correct way to launch a AWD turbo car like the A4. Go WOT and just release the clutch all at one time at the correct rpm will give the best launch you can ever get on the A4, plus since you are doing less things to launch the car it becomes easier to repeat every time.

The only thing holding him back from getting the best he can with the K04 is his stock clutch, the best rpm to launch the K04 is 4500 rpms doing it the right way.

Slipping the clutch is for controlling wheel spin and should only be done on a FWD or RWD car since it just heats up the clutch. If you get too much wheel spin just back pedal the throttle and then go WOT again. Even doing that I pulled off 1.6 in my car and 1.8 with the Eurocode 650whp S4 putting both of them in the 10's.

[a4_1.8t_01]

I have only released it once from 3k after I replaced my clutch. I dont want to smoke the clutch again thats why Im afaid to try. I will try a more gradual realease. Im going to a drag strip over the weekend.

[djwimbo]

Yeah that can happen if the rear brakes get locked up because the rear wheels are spinning faster then the fronts.

That would be the correct way to launch a AWD turbo car like the A4. Go WOT and just release the clutch all at one time at the correct rpm will give the best launch you can ever get on the A4, plus since you are doing less things to launch the car it becomes easier to repeat every time.

The only thing holding him back from getting the best he can with the K04 is his stock clutch, the best rpm to launch the K04 is 4500 rpms doing it the right way.

Slipping the clutch is for controlling wheel spin and should only be done on a FWD or RWD car since it just heats up the clutch. If you get too much wheel spin just back pedal the throttle and then go WOT again. Even doing that I pulled off 1.6 in my car and 1.8 with the Eurocode 650whp S4 putting both of them in the 10's.

I just don't like "dropping" the clutch. I have a lot more confidence when I let it slip some before full disegagemnt. I'm not slipping the hell out of it, just enough to start the car moving before I fully release it.

[mike-2ptzero]

I just don't like "dropping" the clutch. I have a lot more confidence when I let it slip some before full disegagemnt. I'm not slipping the hell out of it, just enough to start the car moving before I fully release it.

Any slipping causes heat, more stress on the clutch and more wear on the disk. All your really doing is using the clutch to keep the rpms up, this can be done just by launching at the correct rpm instead of below it and being WOT before releasing the clutch.

[djwimbo]

I'll have to try that next time I beat on the ol' lady

[a4_1.8t_01]

So im safe in the 3300-3500rpm for the stock clutch? Ive been treating it too lightly and realesing at 2000rpm and the car just falls flat on its face last couple times I tried. lol

[a4_1.8t_01]

Update on my clutch releasing. Tonight I went out and practiced. I tried 3000 with no slip and it was ok but jumped a some after releasing. Then I also tried a little higher and same effect. I tried slipping just a little like you guys said and it worked pretty good but the stock clutch did not like it very much. Tried once more and the whole slip thing was no good. Car did not want to move much and rpm's sky rocketed. No burn though thank god.

[mike-2ptzero]

Update on my clutch releasing. Tonight I went out and practiced. I tried 3000 with no slip and it was ok but jumped a some after releasing. Then I also tried a little higher and same effect. I tried slipping just a little like you guys said and it worked pretty good but the stock clutch did not like it very much. Tried once more and the whole slip thing was no good. Car did not want to move much and rpm's sky rocketed. No burn though thank god.

You will need a better clutch if you expect to launch the car with the K04 Hammer file setup.

[Militant-Grunt]

On the street I launch at about 4500, track more or less 5100rpm. Perfect launch, no bog at all, the car just claws into the ground and moves. You shouldn't be launching the car at all on a stock clutch. The stock clutch can't handle stock power =/.

[GetBoosted84]

I was just at the track on sunday (Englishtown Raceway) with my k04 setup on a stock clutch. This was my first time out there with an AWD car and I was dropping the clutch from 3.5 to 4k. When I say drop, I mean that the clutch was right below the engagement point so that it wouldn't add un-necessary strain on it.

I was getting consistent 2.1s in the 60 foot with .4xx to .7xx reaction times. I still have room for improvement but I don't want to go any higher than 4k on the stock clutch for right now.

[a4_1.8t_01]

Cool what clutch do you guys recommend? Something I can beat on and not worry about it and also drive daily? I put another clutch in when its time for a new one. Thanks

[mike-2ptzero]

Cool what clutch do you guys recommend? Something I can beat on and not worry about it and also drive daily? I put another clutch in when its time for a new one. Thanks

Any aftermarket clutch will do but most people seem to really like the SB clutch. If you need a price on one let me know.

How much do you plan on beating on the car and do you have plans on upgrading to more power? Most likely a stage 3-4 would be what you want if you plan on launching often or going to a BT setup.

[a4_1.8t_01]

What stage would be good? Also what flywheel should I go with?

[audiFUEGO]

southbend stage 4+ and stock fw ftw


then go rip her up at every light

[a4_1.8t_01]

Damn dude, isnt that too harsh for driving around town? Thanks for input though

[Militant-Grunt]

I was just at the track on sunday (Englishtown Raceway) with my k04 setup on a stock clutch. This was my first time out there with an AWD car and I was dropping the clutch from 3.5 to 4k. When I say drop, I mean that the clutch was right below the engagement point so that it wouldn't add un-necessary strain on it.

I was getting consistent 2.1s in the 60 foot with .4xx to .7xx reaction times. I still have room for improvement but I don't want to go any higher than 4k on the stock clutch for right now.

What'd you run in the 1/4?

[djwimbo]

I'm running a SPEC Stg 2+ w/ SPEC's 16 lb LWFW. I haven't had any issues w/ it yet, even though people keep telling me that I will.
I would recommend a DXD clutch (aka southbend) and a steel F/W. 034 has a 16lb for IIRC $395.

Firgure how big you may possibly go in the future and buy a clutch that'll handle that amount of power. I'd shy away from a 4/6 puck, and stick with a sprung hub/disc for a street car. That's my $.02, some love unsprung 6 pucks for the street. I know I wouldn't.

[a4_1.8t_01]

Ok I didnt see but you did mention the stage 3 or 4. I might go BT not for now though but might aswell go with something that will support it. Do stage 3 or 4 work for everyday driving or would it be overkill? Thanks.

[mike-2ptzero]

Damn dude, isnt that too harsh for driving around town? Thanks for input though

Stage 4 is a full disk so it will be easy to drive and take the power, the pedal will also just about like it does now. You can use that with the stock flywheel or with a LWFW and the 16 lbs flywheel is the one to go with.

I can get SB, Spec and nearly all of the flywheels out on the market.

[a4_1.8t_01]

Ok cool. I dont need anything yet but I will let you know when I will. Thanks.