Daily Driver Clutches for Smooth Engagement on Stage 3+ Builds...What do people like?

[getslideways]

Just curious what people are liking these days for RS6/K24 power levels.

First southbend was the only way to go, then later the FX400 seemed to become the go to recommendation. Its been a while since we have had a thread like this, so I am interested if there might be some new recommendations as time marches on and new product combos and new variations hit the market.

I am presently looking at the AMD Stage 2 setup, as the car will see LOTS of roadtrip use and the occasional nice weather daily driver duty. Not looking for an all out race clutch. The 6-pucks i have used in the past are great for holding power, but they are not my favorite when it comes to start and stop traffic, so I am leaning towards something more like a full face or just less puck like when it comes to engagement.

So I am curious what others recommend when looking for these traits:

1. Decent Life
2. Smooth predictable engagement
3. Minimal Chatter
4. Capable of holding RS6/K24 Power levels

Looking forward to input. Thanks guys and gals!

Bonus question: Factory Dual Mass flywheel... ticking time bomb at these power levels? I seen them grenade first hand in a B7S4, any similar concerns with the B5 version, or good to go?

[Audi9]

I have the jhm stage 4 with their flywheel. Easier to drive then the factory clutch/flywheel setup. I love it

[wbrunner23]

I've got a Southbend Stg3 Endurance with OFE disc (full face). You can get a similar kit from Ringer Racing for less (based of pictures - SACHs motorsport PP, OFE disc option), but I would call to make sure

1. Decent Life - to be determined, but seems pretty good so far w/ idk 35k miles. Still holds and handles my launching (PJK04 Stg3)
2. Smooth predictable engagement - smooth thanks to OFE disc, but SACHs motorsport PP takes a bit of extra effort. I don't notice the increased pedal anymore, fwiw. Just fine for DD, imo
3. Minimal Chatter - flywheel choice, TTV flywheel seems to be the sweet spot, I think it weighs 18lbs?
4. Capable of holding RS6/K24 Power levels - should do the trick

[bl0wn3ur0]

I know it doesn't get mentioned very much in conversations in this section but my car came with a spec 3+ and i loved it. The throw out bearing did crap out on me but i thought it was the clutch so i had already purchased a replacement and it wasn't in my budget to spend $900+ at the time but i would definitely recommend it.

[reverse.rake]

Spec stage 3

[Blake2423]

I have the jhm stage 4 with their flywheel. Easier to drive then the factory clutch/flywheel setup. I love it

^This

I have the same setup and it drives perfectly smooth with excellent street manners. It held up really well to my k24s at near 500whp

[getslideways]

I have the jhm stage 4 with their flywheel. Easier to drive then the factory clutch/flywheel setup. I love it

Does that clutch work with the stock flywheel?

[landfill]

Look at the AMD clutches.
Their stage 3 appears like
it will meet your standards.

[getslideways]

Look at the AMD clutches.
Their stage 3 appears like
it will meet your standards.

I agree, as in my original post I noted that I was presently leaning towards the AMD Stage 2 since on paper it looks like it may be what I am after, do you have any experience with any of their setups? It looks like the Stage 3 may sacrifice some daily drivability:

Stage 1:
Organic clutch disc. Perfect for daily driving ability, it is specifically designed for extended wear and additional clamping force for with a very light pedal pressure for very a smooth engagement and disengagement. Torque limit is approximately 550lb/ft to the crank.

Stage 2:
Organic/Fibertough clutch disc. Perfect for daily driving ability, it is specifically designed for extended wear and additional clamping force with a very light pedal pressure for very a smooth engagement and disengagement. Torque limit is approximately 650lb/ft to the crank

Stage 3:
Fibertough 8 puck clutch disc. This clutch is specifically designed to be used for road racing and high-powered street use. It features extended wear and additional clamping force with a very light pedal pressure. Daily driving ability is still feasible but may be a bit harder of an engagement and disengagement in comparison to our stage 1 and 2 clutch systems. Torque limit is approximately 725lb/ft to the crank.

I may just pay AMD a visit in person to get their opinion on what they may recommend. I think the Stage 2 should hold it as it seems like over 500lb/ft at the wheels is about the may that i should be expecting and factoring in even a 25% drivetrain loss makes it 625 at the crank. So maybe it would be enough??

I appreciate everyone's input thus far

[zillarob]

Jhm stg 4 is my favorite. It will cover everything on your list, aside from the fw.
You can get it to chatter a little if you lug it, but nothing like a fidanza. You pretty much have to try and it is very minor.
It really does drive almost exactly like stock.

I would stay away from anything with a ceramic disk or funny tob.

[TighTT]

Im running the Ringer Racing stage 3 in my cactus sedan (3 liter/TTE550) and it is hands down the best clutch I've ever driven. It is insanely easy to drive (better than OE) yet holds my power. I just purchased Mike's stage 4 setup for my 3 liter/770 wagon...its going in next week. In addition to the excellent products, Mike also offers top notch customer support which, to me, is worth its weight in gold.

[BLK01S4]

I have an FX400. Engagement point is too high so pass

[Mille Bornes]

I really like my stage 4 from Ringer Racing. I can't say how long it will last but I have almost 30k miles on it. I think it feels pretty much stock. Smooth, easy engagement, doesn't really chatter, and it's rated for 700 lbft at the FW.

I only dyno'd at 430 lbft to the wheels but it's never slipped. It has also survived many anti lag launches. Most of them on Blizzaks lol but maybe six launches on Potenza S-04's.


At my power level it holds just as well as my FX400 did but is a million times easier to drive.

[zillarob]

The spec3+/ringer/whatever with the full faced feramic disks are decent driving, hold power, and wear well for sure, but they dont drive anything like stock.
Not bad if you keep them cold, but get them warmed up in stop and go traffic or an Austin Powers like maneuver and they get grabby as hell.
Not really a fan of the the modded tob's either.

[julex]

AMD B7 RS4 modifed to B5 FW + stock or TTV racing billet steel FW, end of story. Meets and exceeds all your requirements. I would chose stage 2 maybe, 3 if you feel brave although keep in mind that holds a lot lot lot more than you can throw at it so in the interest of longevity and better smoothness (stage 3 is already a dream to drive with 650WTQ holding capacity...), stick to stage 2.

The only other option I would entertain on principle is JHM as they also use B7 RS4 PP but they disqualified themselves due to locking you into their choice of FW, aluminum one being horrible. Once you go billet steel no other FW comes even close

[slow ride]

TTV does now list the B7 RS4 clutch adapter flywheel if people wanted to go that way. Or people can take chances modding and use a stock flywheel as Rob has pointed out int he past.

[julex]

TTV does now list the B7 RS4 clutch adapter flywheel if people wanted to go that way. Or people can take chances modding and use a stock flywheel as Rob has pointed out int he past.

That's even better. Getting TTV with B7 RS4 option and then a simple B7 RS4 clutch with some better disc would do the trcik for vast majority of stage 3 + users.

[t28sentra]

I have the JHM "R-series" setup and really like it so far. My previous B5 had a Vast setup (dual mass FW with B7 RS4 pressure plate) and I prefer the lighter flywheel over the dual mass.

[SuitedUp2The9s]

I have the JHM "R-series" setup and really like it so far. My previous B5 had a Vast setup (dual mass FW with B7 RS4 pressure plate) and I prefer the lighter flywheel over the dual mass.

Could you elaborate more on why you like it? What it's like to drive? Do you drive it hard? Etc?

Sent from my HTC One M9 using Tapatalk

[UkuRiSh]

I went true many clutches

(1) CM 850 Big Single is the best in my list

(2) AMD Stage 3+ Awesome clutch easy to drive in traffic but hard to shift past 7800rpm and holds around 620wtq+ used with ttv flywheel

(2) Specs Stage 3+ Good clutch for stage 3+ power I believe up to 550wtq and easy to drive in traffics

[julex]

I went true many clutches

(1) CM 850 Big Single is the best in my list

(2) AMD Stage 3+ Awesome clutch easy to drive in traffic but hard to shift past 7800rpm and holds around 620wtq+ used with ttv flywheel

(2) Specs Stage 3+ Good clutch for stage 3+ power I believe up to 550wtq and easy to drive in traffics

Note on high RPM shifting: if you want to have quick shifts you need to lighten clutch disc mass/inertia in which case CM 850 (small diameter plates) or AMD stage 4 as well as any 6 paddle clutch is the way to go.

[S4gasm aka LOTR]

Im running the Ringer Racing stage 3 in my cactus sedan (3 liter/TTE550) and it is hands down the best clutch I've ever driven. It is insanely easy to drive (better than OE) yet holds my power. I just purchased Mike's stage 4 setup for my 3 liter/770 wagon...its going in next week. In addition to the excellent products, Mike also offers top notch customer support which, to me, is worth its weight in gold.

this this this this.
Same kit i run on my K24 car, it is undeniably the best driving clutch ever for these cars. The pedal feel is lighter then stock, easier to shift, just flat out awesome.

[MikeyB3]

I have a CM850 Twin Disc on 770s. It's very touchy, but easy when you get used to it. I DD my car on it. Holds plenty of power and is rebuildable (which I have already done once), and doesnt just give out/spin when it's done. There's plenty of time to find that out. The harder you drive it, the easier it is to drive.

But it is an on/off button... FWIW.

[julex]

RR Clutch has a very good disc in it, PP not so much... The secret to a well driving clutch that holds a lot of power with harsh frcition material is something no other than AMD/RR can get right... which is marcel springs under the friction surface. That's what makes it not an on-off affair like most of 6 puck and twins are.