Need new clutch, recomendations please; what are you running?

**doobiesdaddy** · 10-14-2008 04:58 PM

Clutch going out and needs replacing. Which clutch do you recommend? I plan on going full stage 3 as soon as the ko3's go.

**pit viper** · 10-14-2008 05:20 PM

I would say Vast or SouthBend.

**Daft** · 10-14-2008 05:50 PM

I'm going Southbend 1,000,000%.

I bought a SB Stage 3 OFE for my A4 a whle back and it was hands down the best daily use clutch I've ever owned.

Between 1995 - Present I owned the following clutches:

Centerforce Dual Friction (2 of them) on DSM 4G63
ACT 2600 (3 of them) on DSM 4G63
Spec Stage 1 on A4 1.8T quattro
Southbend Stage 3 OFE on A4 1.8T quattro

First, I'll say that the Southbend was not only the smoothest engaging aftermarket clutch I've owned, it was the easiest pedal effort. The Spec was the worst clutch I've owned. It had too much pedal effort for a stage 1. It also had no lifespan when only paired with a simple chip upgrade.

To top it all off, Andy @ Southbend is about the nicest dude to talk to and will give you all the info you'll need to make a decision.

I also want to mention that staying with the OEM dual-mass flywheel is the best path for a daily driver. Lightweight flywheels are a great concept but, are harsh and are not a very "luxury feeling" setup. I ran a Light weight FW on my A4 for two years and had to take it off due to the sheer annoyance of using it daily.

Get your stock one resurfaced or trade out for a resurfaced one and get the most out of your new clutch.

**Kievskiy** · 10-14-2008 07:51 PM

i have stage 3 Clutch Masters and Fidanza, it grabs, i also liked the Vast Hybrid w/ Fidanza that my friend had on his S4.

**cbock** · 10-15-2008 02:43 PM

I went with Spec. I haven't had any problems with it yet. Although I don't know that i'd go with a light weight flywheel again. I'd probably get a single mass.

**audirs** · 10-15-2008 02:54 PM

this is the clutch that will be used in my setup ASP Stage 4. i havent used it before so i cant give you a real opinion but i heard great things about it. almost stock like pedal too, they apparently use it in their gt series s4's

**ENDEE666** · 10-15-2008 04:18 PM

I will take this opportunity to say F*** Clutch Masters! I had the stage 3 kevlar setup with stock resurfaced flywheel and it only held for 6k miles! Glazed over, worn excessively, and I only launched it about 10 times. 3 runs @ the track and a handful on the street. They would not do a thing for me and tried passing the buck in any way possible to not take blame on the clutch. I now have the Vast Stg 3 Ceramic hybrid with a Fidanza and it holds really good. Plus I have dealt with Vast on many things and have always loved the experiences I had with them. Engagement can be a little harsh compared to stock, but that is mostly the flywheel since its single mass and does not absorb the shock like a stock dual mass. But for the CM to give out after only 4 months & 6k miles is total BS.. Its not like I have GT's or a built motor. Stock motor with K04's....

**ENDEE666** · 10-15-2008 04:26 PM

Originally Posted by Daft

I also want to mention that staying with the OEM dual-mass flywheel is the best path for a daily driver. Lightweight flywheels are a great concept but, are harsh and are not a very "luxury feeling" setup. I ran a Light weight FW on my A4 for two years and had to take it off due to the sheer annoyance of using it daily.

Get your stock one resurfaced or trade out for a resurfaced one and get the most out of your new clutch.

Agreed. My Fidanza is not as smooth as the stock, hands down. You do get used to it, and I use the car as a daily driver (20k miles a year or so) so driveability was important. Its very tolerable. The car does feel a bit lighter with it since it revs easier. And it seemed to help improve my times, but that also came with practice and a few other minor things. Vast sells stock flywheels pre-resurfaced so you can reduce down time on the car. A great idea in my opinion.. I can also say that when it comes to a clutch, do it right the first time. Having replaced 2 clutches in less than 6 months SUCKED!! I will also support Daft, I have also heard great things about the SB clutches. Never drove one personally, but never heard anything bad. The CM did have a stock feel, but its lifespan and their lack of support killed it. The Vast is a little harder pedal, but I like that. It uses the RS4 PP, which is a little harder.