new clutch time

**oildrpr** · 12-19-2008 05:50 PM

hey guys, just looking for a lil advice over the "search" findings that i got.

i have an 05 usp 1.8tqm.. stock clutch i'm pretty sure nearing 50k miles. i think it's on it's on it's way out, so i need to upgrade.

i'm Revo stage 2, with "maybe" the possibly of ugrading the turbo at a later point (no bigger than gtrs - not tryin to get crazy) and that is waaayyyy in the future if even. but in the meantime, i want something that is the right fit for me. i don't drive too hard usually, since i'm still slow anyways. haha.

it seem like the majority are using Southbend stage 4..

i was looking at ECS's site and lookin at the stage 2 (OE Rs4) and not sure on which flywheel. (steel or alum.) i'm not sure which is best..

which is the best route to go in your opinion. looking to purchase parts asap, so i can get this clutch in soon

and i hope this helps others out there as well :)

**gdawg'05a4** · 12-19-2008 05:58 PM

wow, only 50k and the clutch is going already?? I've got an '05 as well but with 106,xxx miles, still going strong on the stock clutch. I had it GIAC flashed at 14,500 miles then went big injector at 82,000 miles.

If you're looking to upgrade, OFE SS Stg 4 if you're looking to go BT at some point. Seems to be the popular choice.

**lookaught** · 12-19-2008 06:18 PM

I don't believe the RS4 clutch will bolt up without a new flywheel. Aluminum lightweight flywheels tend to chatter, so I would opt for a heavier steel version.

For cost reasons, I think most go with the OFE SS and have the stock DM flywheel resurfaced for ~$25. Thats what I'll be doing in the spring.

EDIT: I just looked at the ECS site... ~1,000 for the steel flywheel kit... !!!!! I would go with a Southbend for sure, unless you need a new DM flywheel. Seems like a cool kit though.

**oildrpr** · 12-19-2008 06:25 PM

that sounds good for me. if i dont need a new flywheel, then so be it. i would prefer cheaper anyways, but i do only want to do this once, get it down right the first time. it's looking like the OFE SS is a $450 bill.

also, does anyone know if audi dealers will send out a flywheel for resurfacing?

i'm not even sure my clutch is slipping, i thought it was 2 weeks ago, altho it's been fine since.. but i dont want to take any chances, and i need to get this done before Jan, so i can save some money on install. preferably dropping the car off next week...

the flywheel was my main concern.. either upgrade or keep the Dual Mass...

**gdawg'05a4** · 12-19-2008 06:27 PM

If you buy it from Southbend, they'll resurface the flywheel for $25, pending it can be resurfaced.

So it slipped once but you can't get it to do it again?

**oildrpr** · 12-20-2008 10:54 AM

yah. it only seemed to slip that once. maybe twice. i'll give it another try today. i have a bit of a drive shortly here, on the freeway, so i can get up in speed and see again. but either way, i think i want to replace it anyways, since i can get free labor on install right now.. i just gotta buy the parts.

but i need to get the parts in hand first, so i'm looking for what to buy...

**Papachristou** · 12-20-2008 11:11 AM

i slipped mine really bad and it healed itself but i opted to go ahead and replace it.. FE SS!

**Smiley** · 12-20-2008 11:16 AM

I got mine to slip in 4th gear once. But then I ignored it, thought it was just a fluke although I did realize it was time for the clutch to go.

However I could not re-create it. Just now, (2-3 weeks after) it started to slip everytime I hit boost, luckily I was right next to my house. Ordered myself a Stage 4 from SB which I should be getting in a few hours.

Their not $450 as you mentioned though..more like $580..

You can contact Jeff on here, he hooked me up!

**doublezero30** · 12-21-2008 07:30 AM

i can vouche for to ofe ss stage 4 southbend. some people had issues for the first 1000miles or so in terms of really hard shifting(i was one of them. its a pain in the ass but once it wears in youll LOVE it). the pedal is not much firmer than stock but the clutch itself grabs like hell. im only revo stage 2 but i plan on BT this summer so thats why i opted for a beefier clutch when i replaced my stock one. as for the flywheel, i had it resurfaced for $40 at the machine shop down the road from the shop that did the install.

**oildrpr** · 12-22-2008 02:44 AM

ok. i'm pretty sure i'm just going to go with the majority, and hope for the best. go with SB stage 4 and have my stock dual mass flywheel resurfaced. cheapest and seems pretty proven.. i think the hardest part will just be breaking it in. 500 miles of stop n go is alot. haha

thanx everyone for your insight, and your pms.